Director of Operations

Position: Director of Operations - Contract Logistics

Compensation: $190,000-$210,000

Job Description:

The Director of Operations - Contract Logistics is a critical leadership role responsible for guiding and enhancing the efficiency of logistics facilities across a designated region or client cluster. With a strong focus on client satisfaction and operational excellence, this position involves overseeing multiple sites and nurturing the development of site leaders at all levels, ensuring adherence to best practices. This leader takes ownership of multi-site Profit and Loss (P&L) performance and partners closely with customers, commercial teams, and corporate functions to elevate service delivery, promote continuous improvement, and achieve profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage multiple transportation, warehouse, and flow-through operations sites.
• Ensure uniform execution of operational standards, service level agreements (SLAs), and commitments to customers.
• Develop regional strategies to enhance safety, service quality, productivity, and operational discipline.
• Oversee clean, organized, safe, and compliant operations across facilities.
• Manage full Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibilities for the region or portfolio.
• Create and implement plans to meet revenue, margin, and operating income targets.
• Track financial and operational performance, identify trends, and implement corrective measures.
• Drive initiatives for productivity, cost savings, and margin growth.
• Optimize capital, labor, and asset utilization.
• Act as a primary contact for key customers, managing performance evaluations and service commitments.
• Engage with customers regarding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), pricing discussions, and renewals.
• Collaborate with sales and business development teams to facilitate new business integration and growth.
• Identify and explore opportunities to deepen customer partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Hold site leaders accountable for safety, audit outcomes, and risk management.
• Ensure the timely resolution of internal and external audits.
• Mentor and develop operations leaders, establishing leadership depth and succession plans.
• Promote a performance-driven culture focused on accountability and improvement.
• Align workforce planning with operational and growth needs.
• Review and consolidate operational and financial performance reports regularly.
• Maintain consistent performance management across sites, including KPI reviews.
• Serve as the liaison between field operations and corporate support functions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Certifications: Lean/Kaizen/Six Sigma certifications are a plus.
• Experience: Over 7 years of experience in logistics and supply chain leadership with multi-site and financial accountability.
• Direct experience in third-party logistics (3PL) and/or contract logistics.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry best practices in logistics and transportation.
• Experience in optimizing Distribution Center (DC) processes and technologies.
• Proven track record in supporting sales, solution development, or new business integrations.
• Ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams.
• Proficient in lean methodologies and tools.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills; adept at using data for informed decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; capable of engaging diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Specialized Technology Skills: Experience with Warehouse Management Systems.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft O365 (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web conferencing tools.
• Environment: Must be comfortable working on-site and traveling for meetings and client engagements.

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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