Director of Distribution and Logistics

Job Summary The Director of Distribution & Logistics owns the end-to-end physical flow of Step2 product across our network — four warehouse locations, an internal shuttle/fleet operation, and a micro-fulfillment partner. Reporting to the COO, this leader is accountable for the cost, service, capacity, and safety performance of our distribution and logistics operations, with a particular focus on optimizing the flow of large-format, space‑intensive product. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone with a technical foundation and a continuous‑improvement mindset. The Director will use data and disciplined process design to drive throughput, space utilization, and on‑time delivery while critically evaluating our third‑party logistics (3PL) and LTL freight strategy. They will lead a team of four direct and build the systems, metrics, and partnerships that scale with the business. Location Onsite (Streetsboro, OH Headquarters) with regular presence across our four warehouse locations. Occasional travel — approximately once per month — is expected to partner and facility sites. Job Duties Safety Champion a safety‑first culture across all locations and the fleet — own warehouse and DOT safety programs, drive OSHA compliance, and lead efforts to eliminate injuries, incidents, and unsafe conditions. Network & Operations Leadership Direct day‑to‑day operations across four warehouse locations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost‑effective receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping of large‑format product. Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of four managers/coordinators; set clear goals, KPIs, and standard work, and build bench strength across the function. Oversee the internal shuttle and fleet operation, optimizing routing, utilization, and inter‑facility moves while ensuring DOT compliance and driver safety. Manage the micro‑fulfillment partner relationship, integrating it into the broader network to improve speed and reach for direct‑to‑consumer and e‑commerce demand. Flow Optimization & Continuous Improvement Optimize product flow and space utilization across the network — slotting, storage strategy, cube efficiency, and material handling — specifically engineered for high‑volume, large‑format SKUs. Apply Lean / Six Sigma and continuous‑improvement methods to reduce touches, cycle times, damage, and cost per unit shipped. Establish and govern a metrics framework (throughput, fill rate, on‑time delivery, cost‑to‑serve, damage, safety, labor productivity) and drive a culture of data‑based decision‑making. Build dashboards, capacity models, and labor/volume forecasts that inform staffing, layout, and investment decisions. Logistics, Freight & 3PL Strategy Critically evaluate the performance, cost, and scalability of the current 3PL partner(s), and lead make‑vs‑buy and partner‑selection analyses where warranted. Own LTL, truckload, and parcel freight strategy — carrier selection, rate negotiation, mode optimization, and service‑level management — with attention to the freight challenges unique to oversized product. Drive transportation cost reduction and service improvement through network design, consolidation, and routing strategy. Inventory, Systems & Cross‑Functional Partnership Ensure inventory accuracy and integrity across the network, partnering with the Inventory Coordinator on cycle counting, reconciliation, and process controls. Champion the effective use and ongoing improvement of WMS/TMS and related operational technology, including automation and material‑handling investments. Partner closely with Manufacturing, Planning, Customer Service, Sales, and Finance to align capacity, service commitments, and cost targets. Work with the Finance and credit team to identify, address, and minimize customer chargebacks — improving routing‑guide compliance, shipping accuracy, and on‑time/in‑full performance to protect margin. Lead capital and operating budget planning for the function; build the business case for facility, equipment, and technology investments. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, or a related technical field (advanced degree a plus). 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in warehousing, distribution, and/or logistics, including multi‑site responsibility. Demonstrated technical background — comfort with data, modeling, systems, and engineered process design — paired with a proven continuous‑improvement track record (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent). Direct experience managing or evaluating 3PL partners and negotiating LTL/truckload/parcel freight. Strong command of WMS/TMS platforms, KPIs, and warehouse/transportation analytics. Proven people‑leadership experience building and developing high‑performing teams. Based in or able to relocate to the Streetsboro, Ohio area; able to work on‑site and travel approximately once per month. Preferred Qualifications Experience with large‑format, bulky, or low‑density product and the associated space, handling, and freight challenges. Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt). Experience integrating micro‑fulfillment, e‑commerce, or omnichannel distribution. Exposure to warehouse automation, material‑handling systems, or network‑design / facility expansion projects. Experience managing an internal private fleet and associated DOT compliance. Key Competencies Analytical and systems thinking — turns data into decisions and designs processes that scale. Bias for action and continuous improvement — sees waste, owns the fix, and measures the result. Strong leadership and communication — develops people and aligns cross‑functional partners. Commercial acumen — balances cost, service, and capacity to drive the business forward. Work Environment This position will perform most job duties in an office environment where using a computer, software applications, telephone, printer, etc. are essential. Adaaa In developing this job description, care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADAAA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. FLSA Status Exempt What are the perks? Paid Parental Leave 401k with Employer Match Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance Adoption Assistance Medical, Dental and Vision Employee Discount 10 Paid Holidays Advancement Opportunities Join our family! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Step2 Company