Sr Manager of Logistics (Vernon Hills)

The Sr Manager of Logistics is responsible for the strategic leadership and optimization of the company's transportation, logistics network, inventory deployment, freight management, and distribution support functions across a four-distribution-center network supporting a $400M commercial kitchen replacement parts business.

Reporting to the VP of Distribution, this role partners closely with the Directors of Warehouse Operations, Supply Chain, Inventory Management, Procurement, Customer Experience, and Sales to ensure products move through the network efficiently, economically, and with industry-leading service levels. The Sr Manager of Logistics develops and executes strategies that improve service, reduce logistics costs, optimize inventory positioning, enhance transportation performance, and support business growth.

Primary Responsibilities

Transportation Management

• Develop and execute the company's transportation strategy.
• Manage parcel, LTL, truckload, and expedited freight programs.
• Lead carrier sourcing, selection, contract negotiations, and performance management.
• Establish transportation KPIs and service standards.
• Optimize transportation spend while maintaining customer service expectations.
• Reduce premium freight expenses through improved planning and execution.
• Monitor carrier capacity and develop contingency plans for disruptions.

Logistics Network Optimization

• Evaluate inventory placement across all distribution centers.
• Develop strategies to improve service levels and reduce shipping costs.
• Analyze distribution network capacity and future growth requirements.
• Lead network modeling initiatives supporting expansion and customer demand.
• Recommend distribution footprint enhancements and logistics investments.

Inventory Flow Management

• Partner with Inventory Planning and Procurement teams to improve inventory movement throughout the network.
• Optimize replenishment strategies between facilities.
• Improve product availability through strategic inventory deployment.
• Identify opportunities to reduce inventory touches and handling costs.
• Support inventory balancing initiatives across all locations.

Carrier & Third-Party Logistics Management

• Establish strategic relationships with transportation providers.
• Manage carrier scorecards and service reviews.
• Negotiate service-level agreements and performance guarantees.
• Evaluate and manage third-party logistics providers when required.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and service requirements.

Logistics Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Establish enterprise logistics KPIs and dashboards.
• Drive data-based decisions utilizing WMS, ERP, and transportation analytics.
• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Identify cost reduction and service improvement opportunities.
• Manage logistics-related capital and technology projects.

Risk Management & Business Continuity

• Develop logistics contingency plans.
• Monitor transportation market risks.
• Establish disaster recovery and continuity strategies related to product movement.
• Ensure regulatory and transportation compliance requirements are met.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree in Business or related field (10+ years related work experience may be substituted for degree)
• MBA – Preferred
• APICS or Related Certification – Preferred

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive logistics leadership experience.
• Multi-site distribution network experience.
• Strong transportation management experience including parcel and LTL.
• Experience supporting a complex distribution network exceeding $350M in revenue.
• Proven success in negotiating carrier contracts.
• Experience in service parts, industrial distribution, aftermarket parts, MRO, or foodservice distribution environments preferred.
• Strong systems knowledge including TMS, WMS, and ERP platforms Proven track record of successful acquisition integrations
• Experience in supply chain technology / processes
• Ability to travel – up to 25%

Skills / Competency:

• Decisive leader with the objective of balancing tactical and strategic issues
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain strong business relationships
• Proven ability to adapt and manage effectively in faced paced changing environment
• Experience and proven ability to succeed in a lean middle market company
• Project Management skills with extensive experience in planning, assessing and implementing change
• Solid business acumen accompanied by superior interpersonal communication, presentation and analytical skills
• Ability to influence teams
• Team oriented leadership skills