Director: Middle Mile Transportation (Hybrid, Seattle - WA)

About the role

Middle Mile Transportation moves products across the Nordstrom Supply Chain network, including 10 Distribution and Fulfillment Centers, and delivery to nearly 400 stores. The leader of this team will transform Nordstrom’s store delivery model to deliver faster, lower cost-to-serve, enable new Rack store openings, and introduce new ways of working. This role leads Middle Mile Transportation: Store Delivery and Intra-network moves (reserve stock, pack & hold, and bulk sort), and Sort centers, and powers differentiated omni-channel service in our key domestic (US) markets. Reporting to the SVP of Transportation and Logistics, this role is a key enabler of Nordstrom’s supply chain. As a member of the Nordstrom Transportation organization, this leader sets the vision, drives execution, and develops the team in a culture of customer-focused operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure day-to-day execution across Corporate and DC Field teams in the distribution network, delivering results on short-term priorities for Transportation Store Delivery, Intra-network moves, and Sort Centers
• Lead the transformation of our store delivery model, using TMS-driven routing and scheduling to deliver faster, more reliable, and lower-cost service to stores:
  • Delivery model options: overnight, unattended, drop vs. live, and delivery windows
  • Delivery visibility and proactive store communication
  • Planning inputs: store-level volume forecasts and tailored delivery frequency
• Optimize intra-network flows between Distribution Centers (DCs), Fulfillment centers (FCs), and Sort Centers (SCs), including reserve stock redistribution, pack & hold, and bulk sort moves, to reduce cycle times, variability, and cost
• Enable new store openings, particularly Rack growth, with scalable delivery schedules, capacity planning, and DC staging
• Launch, manage, and scale Sort Centers, including carrier sourcing and integration with store delivery playbooks, to consolidate routes and relieve long-haul pressure on DCs
• Design and drive asset and fleet strategy: trailer and tractor utilization, pallets per trailer, yard operations and security, and lease/own/3P decisions
• Ensure the right KPIs, metrics, and goals are in place (store on-time delivery, cost per unit, canceled runs, trailer utilization, intra-network cycle time)
• Leverage data-driven insights to improve performance today and build future capabilities
• Manage carriers and logistics service providers to ensure they consistently meet or exceed Nordstrom standards
• Partner proactively with stakeholders: DC, FC, and Sort Center Operations, Store Operations (including new store openings), Data Science, Product Management, Tech, and SC Finance
• Support the Middle Mile Transportation teams, providing the leadership, resources, structure, and guidance they need to be successful

Requirements

• 15+ years of US transportation experience across multiple modes (e.g., truckload, LTL, dedicated fleet, regional courier) in complex, fast-paced retail, e-commerce, or high-volume distribution environments
• A track record leading transformation of store delivery or replenishment networks, with measurable service and cost results (e.g., routing and scheduling, fleet and asset strategy, or sort center/cross-dock operations)
• 10+ years leading and developing high-performing teams across multiple sites or remote environments
• Strong carrier management, sourcing, and negotiation experience
• A data-driven approach, using metrics, forecasting, and optimization tools to drive improvements
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence across operations, stores, finance, and technology
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or equivalent experience

Pay

$175,000.00 - $275,000.00 Annual

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental
• Retirement (401k)
• Paid Time Away
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Merchandise Discount
• EAP Resources
• Performance-based incentives/bonuses (may be eligible)
• Holidays

Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_20-21.pdf