Director of Logistics
Arkadia Search Recruiting · San Clemente, CA
Apply & track with Apply EdgeAbout The OpportunityWe are partnering with an established, growing organization seeking an experienced Director of Distribution & Logistics to lead and evolve its global logistics and distribution operations. This role sits at the intersection of international logistics, trade compliance, 3PL management, distribution operations, process improvement, and team leadership. The organization is continuing to expand internationally and is looking for a leader who can strengthen existing operations while building scalable capabilities across North America, Europe, and Asia. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for someone who can set long-term direction while staying close enough to the operation and the people doing the work to understand problems, improve processes, and ensure execution.Why This Opportunity Stands OutThis is more than a traditional distribution leadership role. You'll have the opportunity to help lead:Global logistics and distribution strategy across North America, Europe, and AsiaInternational logistics, customs, tariffs, and trade complianceStrategic 3PL partnerships and continued expansion of the organization's global logistics networkU.S. distribution and warehouse operationsDistribution processes, service levels, and total landed cost optimizationWMS, TMS, analytics, and logistics technology initiativesDevelopment of a high-performing logistics teamProcess improvement across a growing organizationThe environment is fast paced, collaborative, and growth oriented. Success requires someone who can identify opportunities for improvement without assuming the people doing the work are the problem. The right leader will listen first, build trust with the team, understand existing processes, and then create practical solutions that improve the operation.What You'll Be DoingDevelop and execute a global logistics and distribution strategy supporting continued business growthLead international logistics activities across North America, Europe, and AsiaManage and optimize relationships with international and domestic 3PL partnersEstablish clear processes, service-level expectations, KPIs, and accountability with logistics partnersSupport the continued expansion of the organization's international and domestic 3PL networkOversee U.S. distribution and warehouse operations while strengthening processes and operational executionEnsure effective management of international trade compliance, customs requirements, tariffs, HTS classifications, and other global logistics considerationsEvaluate logistics costs, service levels, inventory positioning, and total landed costsManage relationships and negotiations with carriers, logistics providers, and other external partnersIdentify breakdowns in existing workflows and implement practical process improvements across logistics and distributionLeverage WMS, TMS, analytics, and other logistics technologies to improve efficiency and visibilityEstablish KPIs and accountability around cost, service, quality, safety, and operational performanceDevelop scalable processes capable of supporting continued growthLead, mentor, and develop a logistics and distribution teamPartner closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to improve communication and execution across departmentsWhat They're Looking For10+ years of progressive supply chain, distribution, or logistics experienceSignificant leadership experience within logistics, distribution, transportation, or related operationsStrong international logistics experience, including moving products across global marketsStrong working knowledge of international trade compliance, customs, tariffs, HTS classifications, and related global logistics requirementsExperience managing 3PL relationships and holding external logistics partners accountable to defined service levels and performance expectationsExperience working with international 3PLs and/or broader international logistics operationsWorking knowledge of warehouse and distribution operations, with the ability to effectively lead and support teams responsible for day to day executionExperience identifying and improving operational processes within growing or changing organizationsExperience working with WMS and TMS platforms and an understanding of the capabilities required to support effective logistics operationsExperience using data, reporting, and KPIs to improve logistics performance and decision makingAbility to build trust, develop teams, and lead through influenceStrong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with executives, operational teams, cross-functional partners, and external providersBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related fieldExperience within consumer electronics, technology, or another physical product environment is a plus. Advanced supply chain certifications, Six Sigma experience, or an MBA are also beneficial but not required.The Right PersonThe ideal candidate is a strong logistics leader who understands that sustainable operational improvement starts with people.They are someone who:Leads with a servant leadership mindset and takes time to listen, learn, and understand before making major changesIs approachable, collaborative, and capable of building credibility with teams at every level of an organizationCan balance long term global strategy with hands on operational problem solvingHas strong international logistics instincts and understands the complexities of moving products across bordersCan effectively manage 3PL relationships and establish the processes, expectations, and service levels necessary for those partnerships to succeedUnderstands warehouse and distribution operations without necessarily needing to have spent their entire career running distribution centersRecognizes when operational problems are caused by unclear processes or poor cross-functional communication rather than simply blaming the people doing the workCan bring greater structure and accountability to an evolving operation without creating unnecessary complexityUses data to make decisions while maintaining strong operational instinctsLeads with humility, curiosity, accountability, and professionalismThinks about building an operation for the long term rather than pursuing short term fixesAdditional DetailsThis is an in office leadership position based in San Clemente, CaliforniaThe role will require significant time with the distribution operation during the initial onboarding periodDomestic and international travel will be requiredThe role reports directly to senior operations leadershipInternational logistics, trade compliance, 3PL management, process improvement, and continued global expansion will be major areas of focus