Director of Logistics & Inventory

INTRODUCING DAKOTA MATTING & ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS: WHO WE ARE

With vast capital investments within the Electrical Utility Industry, Dakota Matting & Environmental Solutions stands proud in contributing to our nation’s infrastructure expansion. Through innovative access solutions, coupled with an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, we play a pivotal role in fostering the sustainable growth of essential utilities.

As a woman-owned and minority-owned business, we bring a unique perspective and competitive edge to the industry. We have the ability to attract and retain top talent due to our collaborative work environment and rewarding culture. As one of the very few independently owned and operated companies in this field, we are able to make common sense decisions that always put our clients first, and this is the reputation that we have garnered.

As we are continuously growing, we are looking for a Director of Logistics & Inventory to join our passionate team.

POSITION DETAILS

The Director of Logistics & Inventory leads Dakota’s freight and inventory functions across all regions and is accountable for the enterprise carrier network, freight quoting and procurement standards, and inventory controls. You will set enterprise freight policy — including which carriers each region is approved to use — establish the KPIs by which logistics performance is measured, and deliver measurable reductions in landed cost through rate negotiation, rebates, and improved payment terms. You will partner with executive leadership, operations, finance, and regional business unit leaders as Dakota’s subject-matter authority on freight and inventory.

This is also a hands-on role. The Director is expected to do the work as well as lead it — negotiating directly with carriers, building quotes and reports, working daily in Kuebix and Business Central, and stepping in to support time-sensitive mobilizations. The ideal candidate combines enterprise process-building experience with the willingness to execute personally.

This position is hybrid for candidates within commuting distance of a Dakota office. Remote arrangements may be considered for candidates outside commuting distance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carrier Sourcing & Network Development

• Set and govern Dakota’s carrier network strategy; source, vet, and onboard carriers both locally (regional/short-haul lanes serving each region) and nationally (long-haul and project-mobilization lanes)
• Serve as final approval authority for all new freight carriers, and establish and maintain the vetting standards (e.g., insurance, safety record, operating authority) required before onboarding
• Implement a carrier scorecard and tiering program, and secure master service agreements with core carriers, coordinating with leadership and counsel as appropriate
• Lead rate negotiations, volume-based rebates, preferred-carrier programs, and payment terms, and personally manage key carrier relationships

Freight Quoting & Procurement

• Design, document, and own a standardized enterprise freight quoting and lane-award process applied consistently across every region
• Provide freight quotes and cost guidance to internal teams to support bids, personally building quotes for complex or high-value mobilizations

Freight Optimization

• Set the freight optimization agenda — load consolidation, multi-stop sequencing, backhaul capture, empty-mile reduction, and mode and equipment selection — and track results against targets
• Work directly in the transportation management system (Kuebix) and shipment data to identify savings, cut deadhead miles, and improve on-time delivery
• Partner with yards and project teams to plan freight ahead of demand, balancing cost, transit time, and reliability

Inventory Governance & Reporting

• Own enterprise inventory reporting, consolidating counts from the mill, yards, active projects, and Business Central into a single trusted view
• Establish inventory control standards, including cycle count and physical audit programs, and participate directly in counts and reconciliations with yard and field teams
• Deliver regular reporting and analysis that supports procurement, project forecasting, asset utilization, and capital planning

Regional Business Unit Governance

• Serve as the enterprise authority for freight and inventory governance, working directly with each regional business unit leader
• Set and communicate which approved carriers each region may use, and hold regions accountable for adherence to logistics policy
• Standardize logistics and inventory processes across regions, sharing best practices and ensuring consistent execution and reporting

Documentation, Compliance & Vendor Performance

• Establish standards and controls for freight documentation — Bills of Lading, shipment summaries, and record retention — ensuring accuracy and completeness across all regions
• Ensure carriers meet agreement standards through ongoing KPI audits and corrective action, and that logistics practices align with company policy and applicable transportation requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS

At Dakota, we take on and execute some of the most challenging access projects in the country. To help us successfully execute our projects, we are looking for a Director of Logistics & Inventory with these qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in logistics, freight procurement/carrier sourcing, transportation management, or inventory management, including 3+ years in a leadership role with multi-site or enterprise scope
• Demonstrated success building enterprise processes, policies, and KPIs, and negotiating carrier rates, rebates, and service agreements that deliver measurable cost reductions
• Strong analytical and reporting skills; able to build and reconcile inventory reporting from multiple sources (mill, yards, projects, ERP)
• Hands-on proficiency with a TMS and an ERP; advanced Excel skills
• Strong executive communication and influence skills; highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Willingness to work hands-on alongside yard, field, and project teams, including travel as needed and periodic work outside standard business hours to support mobilizations and shipments

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Experience in access construction, matting, or equipment rental
• Experience with Kuebix and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Experience supporting multi-region, field-based operations

THE GREAT BENEFITS OF WORKING HERE

The Heart and Soul of Dakota are our people. We want to provide you with the best possible employee experience, so you can be happy and effective within your job. Some of the great benefits of joining our team include the following:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being matter to us. As part of our commitment to your health and financial security, we offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and a retirement plan.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays: We offer paid time off (PTO) so you can relax, recharge, and maintain a healthy work–life balance. In addition, the Company observes eight paid holidays each year for you to enjoy with family and friends.
• Fast Growing Company with Great Career Growth Opportunities: Dakota is a fast-growing company that offers excellent career growth opportunities. As we continue to expand and thrive, you’ll have the chance to advance your career and take on new challenges.
• Work with a Diverse and Inclusive Team: Dakota Matting prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture. This diverse exposure will enhance your skillset, broaden your expertise, and position you as a well-rounded professional.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Dakota Matting & Environmental Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Dakota prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on these characteristics.