VP Logistics & Distribution Operations

Position Summary

The Vice President of Logistics & Distribution Operations is responsible for leading the company's end-to-end distribution, warehousing, transportation, inventory deployment, and logistics strategy across North America. Reporting to the President Global Industrial,, this executive will oversee a network of seven U.S. distribution centers and provide strategic leadership and operational governance for logistics activities supporting operations in Canada and Mexico.

This role is accountable for delivering world-class customer service, operational excellence, safety performance, inventory productivity, network optimization, and cost efficiency while supporting the company's growth objectives. The VP will develop and execute long-term logistics strategies that enhance service levels, improve scalability, strengthen cross-border capabilities, and maximize return on invested capital.

The successful candidate is a transformational leader with deep experience in industrial distribution, multi-site operations, transportation management, supply chain optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the North American logistics and distribution strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives.

• Lead the design, optimization, and expansion of distribution and transportation networks to support revenue growth and customer service requirements.

• Evaluate emerging technologies, automation, AI-enabled planning tools, and warehouse management solutions to improve performance and productivity.

• Drive long-range capacity planning for facilities, labor, inventory, and transportation resources.

• Partner with executive leadership on strategic initiatives, acquisitions, integrations, and network expansion opportunities.

Distribution Center Operations

• Provide executive leadership and oversight for all U.S. distribution centers, including warehouse operations, fulfillment, inventory management, safety, quality, and labor productivity. There are 8 DC’s in the US and 12 proximity warehouses in the current SOW.

• Establish operational standards and performance expectations across all distribution facilities.

• Ensure consistent execution of best practices, SOPs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Drive operational excellence through Lean, Six Sigma, and process optimization methodologies.

• Maintain service level targets while balancing cost, inventory investment, and capacity requirements.

Transportation & Logistics

• Lead all transportation strategies, including inbound, outbound, parcel, LTL, truckload, dedicated fleet, and intermodal operations.

• Oversee carrier sourcing, contract negotiations, routing strategies, and freight optimization programs.

• Drive transportation cost reduction initiatives while improving reliability, visibility, and customer experience.

• Ensure effective management of cross-border freight movement throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

• Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.

North American Operations Oversight

• Provide governance and strategic direction for logistics operations supporting Canada and Mexico.

• Ensure alignment of logistics standards, performance metrics, and operational processes across all North American operations.

• Partner with regional business leaders to support customer growth and market expansion initiatives.

• Manage cross-border compliance requirements, customs practices, trade regulations, and transportation partnerships.

Financial Management

• Own the logistics and distribution P&L, including labor, facilities, transportation, inventory handling, and capital expenditures.

• Develop annual operating plans and multi-year strategic investment roadmaps.

• Identify and execute productivity initiatives that generate measurable cost savings and operational improvements.

• Monitor and improve key financial metrics including logistics cost as a percentage of sales, inventory turns, working capital utilization, and operating margin contribution.

Customer Service & Commercial Alignment

• Partner closely with Sales, Operations, Procurement, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to ensure exceptional customer fulfillment performance.

• Improve order accuracy, fill rates, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction metrics.

• Support commercial growth initiatives through scalable logistics capabilities and service differentiation.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of distribution, transportation, and logistics leaders across North America.

• Build succession plans and leadership development programs for critical operations roles.

• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

• Champion diversity, inclusion, and employee development across the organization.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all OSHA, DOT, environmental, transportation, customs, and trade regulations.

• Lead enterprise-wide safety initiatives focused on achieving best-in-class performance.

• Implement risk management and business continuity programs across the logistics network.

• Maintain compliance with all applicable U.S., Canadian, and Mexican regulatory requirements.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Vice President will be accountable for achieving results in the following areas:

• On-time shipment performance

• Perfect order fulfillment

• Customer service levels

• Inventory accuracy

• Warehouse productivity

• Freight cost management

• Cost per order shipped

• Logistics cost as a percentage of revenue

• Safety performance (TRIR, lost-time incidents)

• Employee engagement and retention

• Network capacity utilization

• EBITDA improvement and cost savings initiatives