Carlos Castro

Responsible for sourcing and management of strategic partnerships with external contract manufacturers, to ensure the execution of long term strategic plans. Implemented an internal process improvement to streamline management of current manufacturers. Responsible for the review and execution of legal documents (confidentiality agreements, contracts, licensing agreements) in collaboration with General Counsel. Responsible for inventory management/planning to achieve short term and long term profitability goals. Serves as central line of communication between External Manufacturers and Dole internal departments (Sales, Operation, QA, Marketing, and Legal.)

Responsible for production and forecast planning with North American Co-packers. Managed supply chain strategy in accordance with sales and marketing directive. Responsible for executing all 3PL agreements. Established appropriate inventory levels by managing weeks of supply in all warehouses across the country to support sales forecast. Improved inventory recurrent cost by increasing inventory turnover. Responsible for the identification of cost reduction opportunities, such as warehouse consolidation in Ontario and Quebec.

Implemented internal controls to ensure the company imports were in compliance with Canada Customs and Other Governmental Departments. Managed all levels of the relationship with customs broker. Successfully led the company to win CBSA appeals for product classification and valuation. Developed and executed a trade and duty risk analysis tool for the company new products.

Responsible for the preparation, planning and monitoring of vessel movements. Managed loading/discharge operations in close coordination and communication with across 5 divisions. Served as the key contact between fleet vessels and DFFI. Led the communication to the captains and port agents, so that voyages were carried out efficiently. Managed and coordinated fuel purchases for all Dole fleet and chartered vessels. Evaluated performance of fuel contracts and negotiate “on-the-spot” fuel purchases for the fleet. Monitored performance (speed and fuel consumption) of Dole vessel fleet including chartered vessels.

Developed transportation process and procedures for delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables to customers in the United States and Europe. Researched and executed the appropriate route by appraising freight rates while taking into account market demand, volume, the perishability nature of goods, deadlines, transit time and security issues. Negotiated international fares, schedules and routes with carriers, maintaining a partnership relation. Implemented a carriers performance scorecards based on statistical, cost and delivery time ratios

Spearheaded Dole’s supply chain in Ecuador. Coordinated harvest activities, transportation, port operations, vessel scheduling, and stow plans of one million cases per week. Analyzed market and developed production forecasts. Monitored order fulfillment, and worked closely with growers, packers, processors and shippers to maintain customer satisfaction