Director, Domestic Business Solutions and Continuous Improvement

APL Logistics•Scottsdale, AZ

31d•Hybrid

About The Position

OVERVIEW: The Director of Domestic Business Solutions & Continuous Improvement is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and performance of the Domestic Solutions Engineering and Continuous Improvement team across the North America and LATAM region, ensuring alignment with APLL’s CLS, CFS, DNS, and LTS businesses. This role provides leadership in developing engineering and innovative solutions, driving financial and operational performance, and formulating pricing strategies in collaboration with senior leadership, including P&L owners and commercial heads. The Director is a key contributor to the success of multi-million-dollar proposals and renewals, ensuring profitability and operational efficiency, while also fostering innovation through technology and best practices. The scope includes collaboration with APLL international business solutions team and influencing APLL C suite team on critical business decisions in support of company business objectives.

Requirements

A proven record of Labor Management Program implementation and maintenance
A proven record of leading design and deployment of automated solutions.
A proven history working with large sets of operational/ volumes, sales data for analysis and solutions modelling.
Expert at using Microsoft Excel and Excel advanced features (Pivot Table, Functions, V-Lookups, etc.)
Expert on AUTOCAD to support detailed facility design and planning
Experience using and leveraging Supply Chain Network Optimization Software to develop analysis and solutions, i.e. , LLamasoft, AIMMS SC Navigator and Coupa
Detail-oriented, highly organized, with the ability to handle solution design modelling and pricing for multiple projects, customers/ proposals simultaneously
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment handling multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong communication skills to support and defend engineering recommendations.
Strong public speaking skills to prepare and deliver oral presentations internally and with customer teams.
Strong analytical skills to identify and analyze cost factors for engineering designs and proposals
Strong organization, time management and creative problem-solving skills
Good leadership skills to guide and mentor the work of less experienced personnel
Candidates must be within 250 miles of an APL Logistics facility or office.
10+ years of experience in supply chain solutions engineering, including leadership roles in warehousing and transportation.
At least 7 years of domestic and international supply chain experience: Warehousing and land transportation
At least 5 years of design solution and implementation of warehouse automation (Process flows + Productivity + Throughput + Solution integration WMS / LMS/ WCS/ WES/ TMS)
at least 3 years of experience managing multi country teams of solutions engineers and analysts.
At least 3 years of experience managing Continuous Improvement programs
At least 5 years of engineering project management and implementation

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma Green Belt Certified Preferred
Bilingual: Spanish and English (a plus) Preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the Americas domestic solutions and continuous improvement team, driving strategic initiatives for CLS, CFS, DNS, and LTS divisions, with a focus on delivering cost effective solutions, cost savings strategies and delivering pricing strategies based on cost competitive solutions.
Collaborate with commercial teams, operations, and innovation departments to develop customer-centric solutions, supporting new business development and renewals of existing accounts, ensuring alignment with financial objectives.
Oversee and lead the labor management program across CLS operations, ensuring labor productivity and operational efficiency gains of 15%-20%.
Oversee and lead automation/ innovation roadmap for the region within the warehouse and land transport operations
Drive the implementation of cutting-edge technology and automation solutions, working closely with IT, innovation teams, and external vendors to evaluate, design, and implement solutions.
Conduct financial modeling, CAPEX and OPEX analysis, and pricing scenario evaluations to support new business proposals, ensuring competitive and cost-effective solutions.
Manages annual CAPEX and OPEX budget planning: automation, facility improvement, software
Manages and monitors Continuous Improvement (CI) program for APLL CLS, CFS, DNS and LTS network. Collaborates with APAC and EMEA CI teams.
Lead team in the development of customer supply chain network optimization and drive cost savings solutions for Distribution Centers and Transportation Lanes.
Manage and mentor a team of managers, solutions architects, engineers, and analysts, ensuring the development of operational designs, productivity analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives across the Americas.
Ensure accuracy in solution design, pricing, and cost models, maintaining consistency across projects, and responding quickly to market conditions to adjust strategies.
Lead communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment on solution delivery, pricing, and operational performance.
Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership, including VPs and P&L owners, on pricing, operational designs, and business decisions.
Foster collaboration with EMEA and APAC teams on projects that require multi-regional solutions, ensuring global alignment in approach and execution.
Ensure consistent use of engineering models and pricing methodologies across regions, maintaining updated pricing databases and evaluating market trends.
Serve as a key decision-maker in the review and analysis of complex RFPs, leading pricing strategies and ensuring feasibility with respect to operational costs.