Logistics Director

Trak Group•Hamilton, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

trak group is partnering with a growing client in Hamilton, Ohio, that is expanding its manufacturing team. The client is a leading global manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Logistics Director to provide strategic leadership across domestic and international logistics operations. This highly visible leadership role is responsible for developing and executing logistics strategies, optimizing transportation and distribution networks, managing freight costs, and driving continuous improvement throughout the global supply chain. The position offers the opportunity to influence organizational strategy, implement innovative technologies, strengthen supplier and carrier partnerships, and lead initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. The Logistics Director oversees logistics operations from inbound raw materials through outbound finished products, including transportation, distribution, inventory management, and material flow. The role partners with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to set priorities, support global business initiatives, and ensure logistics operations meet production requirements and customer expectations. It also manages carrier and third-party logistics relationships, transportation contracts and costs, logistics budgets and performance analytics, regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and the development of logistics teams and leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
Extensive experience in logistics management, supply chain operations, or transportation leadership.
Advanced experience in logistics analysis and logistics engineering.
Proven success leading distribution and logistics operations.
Significant management experience with progressively increasing leadership responsibilities.
Advanced knowledge of transportation routing design, logistics data management, and network optimization.
Strong experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), including system utilization and implementation.
Comprehensive understanding of domestic and international freight transportation.
Strong knowledge of freight management, packaging, carrier operations, and distribution processes.
Experience with distribution center operations, supplier operations, and supply chain management.
Deep understanding of inventory management, inventory optimization, and inventory reduction strategies.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong project management and organizational change management capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale process improvements and system implementations.
Experience conducting cost-benefit analyses and developing cost-reduction strategies.
Strong financial and analytical skills, including logistics budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement.
Experience negotiating carrier contracts and managing transportation service providers.
Ability to evaluate and implement logistics technology and systems improvements.
Strong understanding of systems design and ability to communicate effectively between technical and business teams.
Proven ability to influence cross-functional leadership and drive organizational improvements.
Strong strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Ability to lead, develop, and engage high-performing teams.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in automotive manufacturing, commercial vehicle, or automotive aftermarket environments.
Background managing logistics operations across multiple facilities or international locations.
Experience leading global transportation and distribution network optimization initiatives.
Knowledge of advanced logistics technology, automation, and digital transformation initiatives.
Experience developing and implementing global logistics standards and policies.
Familiarity with international trade compliance, customs regulations, and cross-border transportation.
Experience managing freight sourcing initiatives, carrier rationalization, and transportation bid processes.
Background in sustainable logistics strategies and transportation efficiency programs.
Experience developing organizational succession plans and leadership development initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive logistics strategies aligned with organizational goals and global supply chain objectives.
Oversee domestic and international logistics operations, including inbound raw materials and outbound finished products.
Establish best practices for transportation, distribution, inventory management, and material flow, and standardize processes across multiple locations.
Lead logistics innovation, digital transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives; support global business initiatives, market expansion, and strategic projects.
Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to establish strategic priorities and operational goals.
Oversee transportation between suppliers, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and customers.
Manage relationships with domestic and international carriers, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics providers; negotiate carrier contracts, rates, and service agreements.
Optimize transportation routes, shipping methods, freight consolidation, packaging, and truckload utilization; manage FTL, LTL, ocean freight, and consolidated transportation programs.
Oversee freight bill auditing, payment processes, transportation cost management, and expedited shipments as needed.
Ensure efficient domestic and cross-border movement of materials and compliance with applicable transportation, trade, and DOT requirements.
Lead initiatives to improve logistics efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance service levels; evaluate and optimize TMS and related technology platforms.
Partner with Materials Management, Purchasing, Production, and Distribution teams to improve material availability and flow, optimize inventory, and improve supply chain performance.
Apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies; lead process improvement projects focused on cost, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction.
Develop and manage logistics budgets, forecasts, and cost-reduction strategies; analyze costs and conduct cost-benefit analyses for logistics investments and decisions.
Establish and monitor KPIs for transportation costs, freight efficiency, on-time delivery, inventory, carrier performance, distribution, productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction; take corrective action to meet goals.
Lead carrier sourcing, bid preparation, supplier evaluation, contract negotiations, and transportation service-provider management.
Provide strategic direction to logistics teams, analysts, and operational leaders; develop talent acquisition, employee development, and succession planning strategies.
Build high-performing teams, promote engagement and continuous improvement, and lead organizational change related to logistics systems, processes, and operational strategies.
Establish communication across supply chain departments and global operations, align logistics initiatives with long-term business objectives, and foster relationships with stakeholders, suppliers, carriers, and service providers.
Oversee transportation compliance, develop standardized regulatory processes, monitor carrier contractual and safety compliance, and identify and mitigate transportation and supply chain risks.
Support sustainable logistics initiatives, including transportation optimization and carrier rationalization.