Director, Transportation & Logistics

The Director, Transportation & Logistics is responsible for leading and optimizing all transportation and logistics activities across North America and Turkey, while supporting the expansion of logistics operations throughout Europe. This role oversees all transportation modes, including truck, rail, barge, bulk vessel, and containerized freight, ensuring safe, cost-effective, and reliable movement of products globally. The Director provides strategic leadership to logistics teams, develops transportation strategies, manages key carrier and service provider relationships, and drives continuous improvement across the global logistics network. DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and implement logistics strategies to optimize operations across multiple transportation modes, including truck, railcar, vessel, and container shipping. Evaluate and negotiate contracts with transportation providers to secure the best service levels and rates. Develop and execute transportation sourcing strategies, including management of railroads, vessel operators, trucking providers, barge carriers, terminals, and freight forwarders. Lead initiatives to streamline transportation and distribution processes, leveraging technology and analytics to improve efficiency. Optimize warehouse and inventory handling processes to support seamless transitions across different modes of transport. Monitor and manage freight costs while maintaining high service quality and on-time delivery performance. Ensure all logistics operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards across all transportation modes. Identify potential risks in transportation and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard business continuity. Track and manage logistics budgets, including transportation and distribution expenses. Identify and implement opportunities to improve transportation efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and increase service levels across global operations. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for logistics operations, including cost, transit time, and delivery reliability metrics. Lead, mentor, and develop the logistics team, cultivating expertise in managing diverse transportation methods. Provide leadership, coaching, and development for logistics professionals across multiple regions, fostering a high-performance and accountable team culture. Collaborate with internal teams (planning, sales, production, and finance) to ensure logistics operations meet business objectives. REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage high-performing logistics teams across multiple geographies. Strong expertise in rail transportation, including carrier management, network optimization, and rail operations. Strong expertise in bulk vessel and ocean freight logistics, including contract negotiation and carrier relationship management. Comprehensive knowledge of truck, barge, container, and multimodal transportation operations. Demonstrated success negotiating transportation contracts and managing strategic logistics partnerships. Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management abilities. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced global environment and manage competing priorities. Experience working across international markets and cultures. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Transportation, or a related field. 10+ years of progressive logistics and transportation experience. 5+ years of leadership experience managing logistics teams. Direct experience managing rail transportation programs and bulk vessel logistics is required. Experience with international transportation and global supply chain operations across North America, Turkey, and/or Europe strongly preferred. Experience with ERP, TMS, and transportation analytics platforms preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sunrise Foods International