Director, Freight Strategy

Overview The Director of Freight Strategy will lead initiatives that optimize the freight network, improve operational efficiency, and drive revenue growth. This role will identify backhaul opportunities, expand 3PL partnerships, and collaborate with customers to develop targeted freight solutions. The Director will work closely with Sales, Finance, Merchandising, and Operations to maximize asset utilization, reduce costs, generate new revenue streams, and develop analytical models that support informed decision-making and measurable profitability improvements. Essential Functions Oversee and implement strategic freight initiatives, leveraging data insights to optimize network efficiency, improve service performance, and drive profitability. Develop and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership with clear business cases and expected financial impacts. Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing freight strategy and network optimization team. Partner with sales and customers to identify freight‑driven revenue opportunities and align transportation strategies with service expectations. Drive collaboration across Sales, Finance, Merchandising, Operations Leadership to strengthen customer contracts, align freight initiatives with route optimization and integrate logistics value propositions into customer growth strategies. Explore and expand the internal fleet’s role as a third‑party carrier to fill capacity on returning empty routes. Build integrated 3PL/4PL and redistribution capabilities. Identify and cultivate partnerships with 3PL providers and carriers, positioning the company as a preferred logistics solutions provider and expanding opportunity pipelines. Leverage data, analytics, TMS, IFM, and other network data insights to optimize network performance, asset utilization, and enhance lane profitability. Monitor industry trends and competitive benchmarks to uncover new freight opportunities, emerging partnership models, and innovations within the foodservice and logistics sectors. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on revenue growth, freight efficiency, and elevated customer experience. Track and report key performance metrics, driving continuous improvement in cost, service, and operational efficiency. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. 10 years of experience in freight, transportation, logistics strategy, or supply chain operations. 5 years of leadership experience managing teams and cross‑functional initiatives. Experience optimizing freight networks, improving lane profitability, and managing backhaul or 3PL initiatives. Strong analytical skills with experience using TMS or similar tools to drive data‑informed decisions. Demonstrated ability to build business cases and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Proven success collaborating with Sales, Finance, Operations, and customer‑facing teams to deliver integrated freight solutions. Experience building or expanding 3PL/4PL capabilities or redistribution networks. Background in foodservice distribution, transportation, or large‑scale logistics networks. Strong track record developing carrier partnerships and growing freight‑driven revenue streams. Skills & Abilities Able to build relationships with customers, vendors and internal key stakeholders Strategic decision‑making Advanced data analysis Strong analytical skills Financial modeling expertise TMS Knowledge Freight network optimization Backhaul strategy development experience 3PL/4PL management Carrier negotiation skills Proven Leader of People Cross‑functional collaboration Excellent communication skills Commercial acumen Problem‑solving skills Keen sense of urgency Continuous improvement mindset Prioritization and multitasking Adaptability in ambiguity Industry trend awareness Seniority Level: Director Employment Type: Contract Job Function: Business Development and Sales Industry: Food and Beverage Services #J-18808-Ljbffr