Head OF Operations

Overview

Placement Type:

Permanent

Salary:

$290,000-315,000 Salary

Start Date:

Aug 31, 2026

Head of Finshed Vehicle Logistics

Location: Irvine CA ( 100% on-site)

Relocation package provided for non-local candidates

Aquent is partnering with a global leader in automotive logistics and supply chain solutions, renowned for delivering complex transportation and vehicle logistics for some of the world's most recognized automotive manufacturers. This organization is at the forefront of innovation, continually expanding its North American network and setting new benchmarks in operational excellence.

This is an unparalleled opportunity for a transformative executive leader to step into a pivotal role as Director, Finished Vehicle Logistics. You will have full accountability for shaping the performance, scalability, and continuous improvement of a multimodal automotive logistics network. Your leadership will directly impact the efficiency and reliability of vehicle delivery across ports, Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs), rail operations, and trucking, playing a critical role in strengthening partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers and driving the future direction of the organization. This high-visibility executive position offers a succession-track opportunity with significant potential for expanded enterprise leadership responsibilities.

**Key Responsibilities**

* **Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence:** Lead end-to-end Finished Vehicle Logistics operations, establishing strategies that enhance service reliability, scalability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Drive accountability through key performance indicators (KPIs) such such as vehicle dwell time, transit performance, throughput, aging inventory, damage performance, and cost efficiency, while implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
* **Network Strategy & Business Growth:** Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute long-term network strategy. Identify and evaluate opportunities for expanding transportation capabilities, improving network capacity, and supporting future customer growth, including port expansion, inland terminal development, Vehicle Processing Center capabilities, and new service offerings.
* **Customer & Commercial Partnership:** Build and maintain robust executive relationships with automotive manufacturer customers and strategic partners. Serve as a trusted operational advisor, developing scalable logistics solutions that align with customer objectives and supporting business development initiatives.
* **Growth Execution & Operational Expansion:** Lead the operational implementation of new customer programs, vehicle volume increases, and expanded service offerings. Develop repeatable processes for successful onboarding and scalable growth, ensuring smooth transitions from commercial agreement to operational execution.
* **Financial Management & Performance Optimization:** Own operational budgets, cost management initiatives, and productivity improvement strategies across the network. Utilize data analytics and performance insights to drive operational decisions and maintain a strong understanding of P&L drivers.
* **Organizational Leadership & Talent Development:** Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing organization across multiple locations. Build leadership capabilities through mentoring and succession planning, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and customer excellence. Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to broader organizational strategy.

**Must-Have Qualifications**

* Bachelor's degree.
* 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within Finished Vehicle Logistics, automotive logistics, transportation, supply chain management, or related logistics environments.
* Proven experience supporting large automotive manufacturer customers.
* Deep operational knowledge of port operations, Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs), rail transportation, Finished Vehicle Logistics trucking, and automotive transportation networks.
* Demonstrated success leading large-scale, multi-site operational teams.
* Experience managing both direct and indirect labor organizations.
* Strong background managing executive customer relationships and strategic partnerships.
* Financial expertise including budget ownership, cost optimization, productivity improvement, and operational P&L management.
* Proven ability to lead transformation initiatives and support business growth.
* Exceptional executive communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into operational results.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications**

* Master's degree.
* 13+ years of progressive leadership experience in automotive logistics or Finished Vehicle Logistics transportation.
* Experience working within global logistics organizations supporting multiple automotive manufacturer customers.
* Background in transportation network expansion, infrastructure development, and strategic planning.
* Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide operational initiatives.
* Experience preparing organizations for growth, transformation, and future-state operating models.

**Why Join This Organization?**

This is a unique opportunity to join a global automotive logistics leader in a highly visible executive position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence enterprise strategy, drive network expansion, strengthen automotive manufacturer partnerships, and shape the future of Finished Vehicle Logistics across North America. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant business impact while positioning yourself for future enterprise leadership opportunities.

**About Aquent Talent**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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