Sr Director - Transportation & Logistics

About Grocery Outlet:Our Mission: Touching lives for the betterOur Vision: Touching lives by being the first choice for bargain-minded consumers in the U.S.Our Values & Behaviors: Achievement, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Family, Fun, Integrity & ServiceAbout the Team:Our Supply Chain team is responsible for ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time—supporting our stores, our operators, and ultimately our customers. The team operates in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment driven by Grocery Outlet’s opportunistic buying model. We are builders, problem solvers, and business partners who thrive on complexity and are committed to enabling speed, flexibility, and execution across the network.About the Role:As the Sr. Director of Transportation & Logistics, you will lead Grocery Outlet’s inbound and outbound freight network—owning carrier relationships, transportation execution, cost management, and the systems and processes that move product from suppliers to distribution centers to stores. You will play a critical role in ensuring our supply chain can absorb the variable and opportunistic nature of our buying model while delivering consistent, cost-effective service. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will drive strategy, manage a dynamic carrier network, and build a best-in-class transportation function that scales with Grocery Outlet’s growth. You will operate at the intersection of execution and continuous improvement—managing day-to-day performance while developing the capabilities, tools, and talent needed for the long term. The Sr. Director, Transportation & Logistics reports to the Chief Supply Chain Officer.Responsibilities Include:Transportation Strategy & ManagementOwn and evolve Grocery Outlet’s transportation network strategy, including carrier mix, modal optimization, and lane design for both inbound and outbound freightLead the carrier procurement and RFP process, managing a diversified portfolio of truckload, LTL, and specialized carriers aligned to service and cost objectivesEstablish and manage freight cost targets, rate benchmarks, and fuel surcharge frameworks; ensure contractual compliance and performance accountabilityDrive continuous network optimization—evaluating routing, load efficiency, and mode selection to reduce cost per case and improve service reliabilityTransportation Execution & Performance ManagementLead daily transportation execution, ensuring on-time pickup and delivery performance across inbound and outbound lanesMaintain a rigorous KPI framework covering on-time performance, cost per mile/case, tender acceptance, carrier scorecard compliance, and claims managementPartner with Distribution Center operations to align inbound scheduling, dock capacity, and carrier performance with DC throughput goalsOversee the implementation and utilization of transportation management and visibility platforms to drive real-time execution and proactive exception managementManage carrier escalations, service failures, and claims resolution with urgency and accountabilityFirst Mile Supplier Performance ManagementOwn the First Mile Operations to ensure supplier pickup scheduling, routing guides, and compliance expectations with inbound flow requirementsDevelop and enforce supplier transportation compliance standards, including routing guide adherence, lead time expectations, and shipment accuracyDrive improvement in collect freight execution, including carrier assignment, load tendering, and pickup compliance from vendor locationsSupport the broader First Mile Perfect Flow initiative by owning the PO lifecycle from supplier to DC receiptCost Management and Financial AccountabilityOwn the transportation expense budget, delivering accurate forecasts and variance analysis with clear rate vs. volume decompositionPartner with Finance to align transportation costs with P&L targets; provide executive-ready reporting on freight cost trends, risks, and opportunitiesIdentify and execute cost reduction initiatives—including backhaul programs, load consolidation, and carrier optimization—while protecting service levelsMonitor and manage fuel surcharge exposure, accessorial costs, and contract compliance to minimize unplanned freight spendTeam Leadership & CultureBuild and lead a high-performing team grounded in ownership, accountability, and a bias for actionEstablish clear expectations and a strong feedback culture; address performance gaps with urgencyHire, develop, and retain top talent while building scalable capabilities and career pathsProblem Solving & Analytical RigorDrive a data-first problem-solving culture, requiring clear problem definition and quantified impactLead root cause analysis on inventory performance gaps using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Pareto)Translate complex inventory challenges into clear, concise, data-driven narratives to support decision-makingChampion continuous improvement by challenging assumptions and identifying better ways to plan and manage inventoryCross-Functional PartnershipCollaborate with Merchandising, Store Operations, and Distribution to align transportation strategy with business prioritiesRepresent the transportation function in senior leadership forums, clearly communicating inventory position, risks, and opportunitiesServe as the primary partner to Purchasing on all First Mile related topics, building strong relationships with Buying leadershipPartner with Finance to align financial goals and guardrailsAbout The Pay: Base Salary Range: $180,000 - $200,000 AnnuallyAnnual Bonus ProgramEquity401(k) Profit SharingMedical, Dental, Vision & More!Final compensation will be determined based upon experience and skills and may vary based on locationAbout You:10+ years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics or supply chain operations within retail grocery or a similar modelAbility to thrive in a fast paced, start-up like environmentDeep expertise in freight procurement, carrier management, TL/LTL operations, and transportation cost modelingExperience in opportunistic, off-price, or highly variable merchandise environments strongly preferredProven ability to build, lead, and hold high-performing teams accountableStrong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insightsDemonstrated strength in root cause problem solving and structured thinkingClear and effective communicator with the ability to create executive-ready materials and drive alignmentStrong understanding of retail financial metrics (DOS, OTB, margin, shrink, aged inventory) and their impact on P&LExperience with TMS, routing and optimization, and visibility systems, with the ability to influence technology strategyStrong executive presence and ability to partner effectively with senior leadershipHighly organized, process-oriented, and able to operate with urgency in a fast-paced environmentBachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferredTo learn about how we collect, use and secure your personal information. Click here to see our privacy policy.Job SummaryRequisition Number: SRDIR003294Job Category: Logistics \& DistributionSchedule: Full-Time