Director, Transportation

Optimas Solutions•Wood Dale, IL

About The Position

Optimas OE Solutions is a global distributor of integrated supply chain solutions, and engineering support focused on delivering fasteners, components, industrial and safety supplies to our diverse customers around the world. We are currently seeking a highly motivated, driven Director of Transportation to lead our transportation operations. Reporting to the Vice President, Sourcing & Supply Chain, the Director will be an integral part of the Supply Chain leadership team and will drive alignment across Warehouse Operations and Supply Chain to deliver improvements in transportation efficiency with a constant emphasis on world class customer service.

Requirements

BS in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field.
Must have a strong understanding of shipping, logistics systems and processes
10+ years of proven experience within global transportation function managing all modes of transportation as well as experience procuring/negotiating transportation contracts across all modes of transportation-surface, ocean, and air (heavy emphasis on Asia-sourced freight movement).
5+ years of experience in a leadership role in Logistics operations organization.
Record of successful distribution and logistics management including E-commerce
Demonstrable ability to lead, recruit, manage and train staff.
Excellent analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects.
Resilient with an ability to adapt/flex to changing business objectives.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree (Master’s /MBA) preferred.
Six Sigma Certification or/and other Supply Chain certifications a plus (APICS)

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, and manage a high performing team which has responsibility for domestic and import/export shipments across the United States and Mexico.
Develop a transportation strategy which will include OTR, intermodal and steamship lines.
Implement the Transportation strategy utilizing any number of local, national, and international carriers to provide consistent and reliable transit at the lowest possible cost, while emphasizing clear, concise metrics and targets.
Manage escalations as needed to remedy transportation issues.
Manage cross border activity with Mexico and Canada. With the help of 3rd party brokers, manage FTZ moves meeting all regulatory expectations.
Develop and refine a transportation strategy that aligns to the company’s strategic growth plan delivering on cost, quality, and service objective, while maintaining our annual budget and achievement of targets.
Ensure TMS delivers on expectations for quality of service, network optimization/redesign, carrier sourcing/management, freight payment/audit/controls, claim management, and KPI achievement.
Provide oversight of TMS/carrier’s operational performance against our customer’s expectations.
Implement controls to ensure TMS maintains carrier contracts, driver safety, and DOT regulations.
Participate in planning, development, implementation & evaluation of strategic business and performance goals while developing and maintaining transportation and carrier related KPI’s.
Proactively identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve material flow.
Develop methods to execute approved programs to deliver savings within company quality and safety standards.
Design, implement, and maintain the global transportation network to support the accelerated growth of the business while creating visibility, reliability, and competitiveness from a cost to serve perspective.
Develop effective working relationships with our international freight forwarder to secure the most cost-efficient ocean and ground transportation rates and ensure execution of all required business outcomes.
Work with carrier and other vendor partners to identify opportunities to improve service and in the current environment mitigate service/cost impact with alternate solutions.
Select and negotiate contracts with international ocean carriers, 3PL’s, drayage carriers, air freight forwarders, ocean freight forwarders, and small parcel providers.
Optimize transportation spend for inbound logistics for domestic channel which will include origin drayage, ocean/air transport as well as destination drayage. For outbound surface transport, the initial focus will be on domestic freight; conduct RFP as needed.
Ensure all internal business partners receive and understand reporting and business intelligence provided to them within regular reporting cadence.
Responsible for the hiring, training, and development of employees
Work collaboratively with leaders across the organization to develop short, mid, and long-range strategies to support business growth, new initiatives, and geographic expansion; proactively communicate so that we can set reasonable expectations and price accordingly.