Sr. Director, Distribution Americas

DRiV•Skokie, IL

About The Position

The Senior Director of Distribution Operations leads and optimizes a multi-country distribution network supporting the aftermarket automotive business across the Americas. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for eight distribution centers—four in the United States and one each in Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina—with responsibility for service, operational excellence, cost efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction. The position leads regional distribution strategy, warehouse operations, transportation coordination, inventory flow, labor productivity, continuous improvement, and cross-functional alignment with supply chain, commercial, finance, quality, and human resources teams. It drives standardized processes while accounting for regional business and regulatory requirements across multiple countries. The role also owns regional operating budgets, capital planning, performance management, talent development, and distribution network optimization. It champions Lean, Six Sigma, automation, warehouse technology, WMS optimization, and digital operational tools, and supports acquisitions, expansions, and operational restructuring.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
At least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in distribution, logistics, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing or aftermarket automotive environment.
Multi-site leadership experience across international operations.
Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, transportation, inventory management, and distribution systems.
Demonstrated success driving operational transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
Strong financial acumen and experience managing large operational budgets.
Proven ability to develop high-performing teams across diverse geographies and cultures.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and executive presentation skills.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 40–50%.

Nice To Haves

MBA.
Experience leading operations in North and South America.
Aftermarket automotive distribution experience.
Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP systems, and automation technologies.
Lean Six Sigma certification.

Responsibilities

Lead operations across eight distribution centers in the Americas: four in the United States and one each in Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina.
Develop and execute regional distribution strategies aligned with business growth, customer expectations, and operational performance goals.
Ensure consistent safety, quality, delivery, inventory accuracy, and productivity standards across all locations.
Drive warehouse optimization, throughput, labor efficiency, and cost-reduction initiatives.
Establish and maintain standardized operating procedures and best practices across facilities.
Partner with supply planning, transportation, procurement, and customer service teams to support high service levels and on-time delivery.
Monitor inventory flow and warehouse capacity to address customer demand and business requirements.
Improve order fulfillment accuracy, cycle time, and customer experience.
Support business continuity planning and risk mitigation across the distribution network.
Own regional distribution operating budgets, capital planning, and cost management initiatives.
Analyze operational metrics and financial performance to identify improvement opportunities and drive accountability.
Lead KPI management for safety, on-time shipping, inventory accuracy, productivity and labor efficiency, freight and warehousing costs, and customer service.
Develop and execute long-term distribution network optimization strategies.
Lead, coach, and develop distribution leaders and functional support staff across multiple countries and cultures.
Build organizational capability through succession planning, talent development, and leadership coaching.
Foster accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
Ensure compliance with labor laws, company policies, and regulatory requirements in each country.
Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies throughout the distribution network.
Lead automation, warehouse technology, and systems improvement initiatives, including WMS optimization and digital operational tools.
Drive standardization and scalability across the regional distribution footprint.
Support integration activities related to acquisitions, expansions, and operational restructuring.