Director of International Logistics

ACE Hardware•Oak Brook, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of International Logistics leads and optimizes Ace Hardware’s overseas supply chain, import distribution center operations, and global trade compliance across a $500M+ international sourcing network with a strategic mandate to scale to $1B. This role owns end‑to‑end logistics strategy from overseas origin through import distribution centers and inbound to regional supply centers, balancing cost, service, inventory, and compliance. The position drives multi‑year strategies that leverage global volumes, partnerships, and systems to create competitive advantage while maintaining operational excellence and regulatory integrity. Reporting to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, this leader partners closely with senior executives across supply chain, finance, merchandising, and legal to manage risk, performance, and long‑term scalability.

Requirements

Senior leadership experience in international logistics, import operations, or global supply chain management
Expertise in international transportation, customs compliance, and global trade programs
Proven experience managing large budgets and complex service provider relationships
Strong negotiation, analytical, and financial acumen
Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams
Excellent executive communication and cross‑functional partnership skills

Nice To Haves

Experience scaling import or logistics operations during periods of rapid growth
Familiarity with large‑scale distribution center or third‑party logistics transitions

Responsibilities

Lead international logistics, import distribution center operations, and trade compliance strategy across global supply lanes
Develop and execute multi‑year logistics and import strategies to support scale, cost reduction, and service performance
Oversee import distribution center operations, including roadmap development, system strategy, and transition from third‑party to Ace‑managed operations where applicable
Manage a $20M annual import distribution center operating budget, including variance analysis and executive‑level reporting
Lead international transportation planning across ocean, air, and inland freight with focus on service, cost, and inventory optimization
Own service provider sourcing, requests for proposal, negotiations, onboarding, and performance management across global logistics partners
Direct trade compliance programs including customs compliance, Customs‑Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, and Importer Self‑Assessment participation
Oversee international vendor payment processes, letters of credit, freight, duty, and service provider invoice management
Drive analytics, network optimization, and key performance indicators to improve cost, service, and operational efficiency
Lead and develop logistics and compliance teams, fostering accountability, growth, and high‑performance execution

Benefits

Incentive opportunities
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year in addition to quarterly contributions and annual discretionary contribution
Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and disability – up to 26 weeks short-term disability and long-term disability) & life insurance benefits for you and your dependents
21 days of vacation immediately available (prorated in the first year)
Up to 6 paid holidays depending on the month of hire
Company Car, phone and fuel card are provided for field-based positions
Annual Ace Cares Week
20 hours off work per year to volunteer at an organization of your choice
Opportunities to help Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund through the Ace Foundation
On-site classes, facilitator-led courses, and a generous tuition assistance program
Frequent campus events like Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales
Services such as mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling and more
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers and thousands more
Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off
Adoption cost reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to free visits to therapists and lawyers, guidance on financial matters, elder and childcare, and assistance with tickets to entertainment events
Identity theft protection