VP, Logistics

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Logistics role leads and optimizes the company's total logistics operations and is responsible for overseeing distribution & transportation services to ensure a responsive, reliable and efficient operation.  This position is responsible for planning and coordinating transportation carriers and 3rd party warehousing providers and includes operational and fiscal responsibility for these activities. 

This role will be critical in developing and executing to our aspiration of delivering an extraordinary customer experience.  

In addition, this role will be the Supply Chain liaison to our customers by directly interacting with customers to progress critical initiatives such as efficiency improvements to logistics, collaborating with customers on Joint Business Planning initiatives, implementing Logistics related service rules, etc. 

Given the breadth of this role, it will be critical to build strong working relationships with all aspects of the company but especially the Commercial, Manufacturing, Planning, and IT leaders to advance cross functional initiatives and overall company performance. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, direct, and ensure the execution of the Company’s overall Logistics operations, programs, and strategy, to support current requirements, future growth and overall business strategy.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing logistics team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Develop and implement training programs to enhance team members' skills and knowledge.  Formulate and execute major policies, programs and objectives (both strategic and tactical) to ensure company's success. Assess and evaluate improved technologies (e.g. TMS) for implementation.
• Distribution Management: Oversee the company's distribution network, including owned warehouse + 3P/L's. Ensure timely and accurate product deliveries to our customers, while optimizing warehouse distribution including productivity, cost, inventory, network optimization, manpower and workflows. Provide oversight and define best practices for the Distribution services to be used across the network. Collaborate with the S&OP function to ensure Logistics requirements are planned for as part of the forward planning process.
• Supply Chain Liaison to our customers on logistics related activities.  Prepare and present logistics related requirements to customers in an effort to improve the efficiency of our supply chain and providing an exception customer experience for our customers.  As owner of the Service Standards initiative, ensure robust implementation and sustainment of the program.
• Responsible for developing annual Inbound Transportation, Outbound Transportation and external Warehousing budgets. Directs and oversees the negotiation and performance of transportation, warehousing and other providers (pallets, fork lift) to ensure operating expenses are within budgetary guidelines.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, industry standards, and safety protocols related to logistics operations. Promote a culture of safety throughout the logistics organization.
• Transportation Management: Manage and optimize transportation operations to meet delivery timelines and minimize transportation costs. Evaluate carrier performance and negotiate contracts to ensure reliable and cost-effective transportation solutions.
• Vendor Management: Collaborate with carriers, 3P/L warehouse operators & suppliers to maintain strong relationships and optimize service levels. Monitor vendor performance and conduct periodic evaluations to ensure adherence to service level agreements.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field is required
• 10+ years in supply chain management experience with a heavy focus on logistics, with at least 7+ years in leadership roles is required
• In-depth knowledge of distribution and transportation is required
• Ability to travel up to 30%
• Master's degree is preferred
• Supply Chain experience in the Foodservice industry is highly desired
• Full ERP implementation experience is desired
• Rail fleet experience is helpful

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements, cost optimization, and supply chain efficiency
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in using logistics management software and data analysis tools
• A strategic thinker with a customer-centric approach to logistics operations