Sr Director - Transportation & Logistics

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve Grocery Outlet’s transportation network strategy, including carrier mix, modal optimization, and lane design for both inbound and outbound freight
• Lead the carrier procurement and RFP process, managing a diversified portfolio of truckload, LTL, and specialized carriers aligned to service and cost objectives
• Establish and manage freight cost targets, rate benchmarks, and fuel surcharge frameworks; ensure contractual compliance and performance accountability
• Drive continuous network optimization—evaluating routing, load efficiency, and mode selection to reduce cost per case and improve service reliability
• Lead daily transportation execution, ensuring on-time pickup and delivery performance across inbound and outbound lanes
• Partner with Distribution Center operations to align inbound scheduling, dock capacity, and carrier performance with DC throughput goals
• Oversee the implementation and utilization of transportation management and visibility platforms to drive real-time execution and proactive exception management
• Manage carrier escalations, service failures, and claims resolution with urgency and accountability
• Own the First Mile Operations to ensure supplier pickup scheduling, routing guides, and compliance expectations with inbound flow requirements
• Develop and enforce supplier transportation compliance standards, including routing guide adherence, lead time expectations, and shipment accuracy
• Drive improvement in collect freight execution, including carrier assignment, load tendering, and pickup compliance from vendor locations
• Support the broader First Mile Perfect Flow initiative by owning the PO lifecycle from supplier to DC receipt
• Own the transportation expense budget, delivering accurate forecasts and variance analysis with clear rate vs. volume decomposition
• Partner with Finance to align transportation costs with P&L targets; provide executive-ready reporting on freight cost trends, risks, and opportunities
• Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives—including backhaul programs, load consolidation, and carrier optimization—while protecting service levels
• Monitor and manage fuel surcharge exposure, accessorial costs, and contract compliance to minimize unplanned freight spend
• Build and lead a high-performing team grounded in ownership, accountability, and a bias for action
• Establish clear expectations and a strong feedback culture; address performance gaps with urgency
• Hire, develop, and retain top talent while building scalable capabilities and career paths
• Drive a data-first problem-solving culture, requiring clear problem definition and quantified impact
• Translate complex inventory challenges into clear, concise, data-driven narratives to support decision-making
• Promote continuous improvement by challenging assumptions and identifying better ways to plan and manage inventory
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Store Operations, and Distribution to align transportation strategy with business priorities
• Represent the transportation function in senior leadership forums, clearly communicating inventory position, risks, and opportunities
• Serve as the primary partner to Purchasing on all First Mile related topics, building strong relationships with Buying leadership
• Partner with Finance to align financial goals and guardrails

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics or supply chain operations within retail grocery or a similar model
• Deep expertise in freight procurement, carrier management, TL/LTL operations, and transportation cost modeling
• Proven ability to build, lead, and hold high-performing teams accountable
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Demonstrated strength in root cause problem solving and structured thinking
• Clear and effective communicator with the ability to create executive-ready materials and drive alignment
• Strong understanding of retail financial metrics (DOS, OTB, margin, shrink, aged inventory) and their impact on P&L
• Experience with TMS, routing and optimization, and visibility systems, with the ability to influence technology strategy
• Executive presence and ability to partner effectively with senior leadership
• Highly organized, process-oriented, and able to operate with urgency in a fast-paced environment
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred