Director of Transportation

Brief DescriptionAbout UsFreshDirect is the Northeast’s leading online fresh food grocer, delivering directly to customers throughout the New York tri-state area. We are committed to sourcing the freshest and best-tasting meat, fish, produce, and specialty items through direct relationships with suppliers, growers, and farmers.Since joining Ahold Delhaize in 2021, FreshDirect has accelerated its growth as a leading eCommerce grocer in the United States. We pride ourselves on innovation, quality, and delivering an exceptional customer experience while creating an environment where our associates can grow and succeed.The RoleThe Director of Transportation Operations is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for FreshDirect's transportation network based at our Bronx Fulfillment and Distribution Center. This role leads all aspects of transportation execution, including fleet operations, labor management, safety, customer service, routing efficiency, and team development.The Director will partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Safety, Human Resources, Finance, and Customer Service leadership to drive continuous improvement, achieve operational excellence, and support FreshDirect's growth objectives. This leader is accountable for transportation performance, customer experience, financial results, and the development of a high-performing transportation organization.What You'll DoProvide strategic leadership for all transportation operations, including dispatch, delivery execution, fleet utilization, safety, and workforce planning.Develop and execute transportation strategies that improve service levels, operational efficiency, scalability, and profitability.Lead a team of transportation managers, supervisors, dispatch personnel, and field leaders while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.Own key performance indicators including on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, productivity, route efficiency, driver retention, safety, and cost performance.Manage departmental budgets, labor expenses, transportation costs, capital planning, and productivity initiatives.Partner with senior leadership to establish short- and long-term operational goals aligned with company objectives.Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, process optimization, and technology adoption.Ensure compliance with all DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, company safety standards, and regulatory requirements.Develop succession planning and leadership development programs for transportation management teams.Lead workforce planning efforts, including recruiting strategies, talent development, employee engagement, and retention initiatives.Partner with Customer Service leadership to proactively resolve service issues and improve the overall customer experience.Oversee fleet and transportation-related facilities to ensure effective utilization, maintenance, safety, and operational readiness.Utilize operational reporting and analytics to identify opportunities, improve decision-making, and drive business results.Lead cross-functional projects and change management initiatives that support company growth and operational excellence.Represent Transportation Operations in executive meetings and provide regular business updates to senior leadership.What You'll BringBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Transportation, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.12+ years of progressive transportation, logistics, supply chain, or distribution experience.7+ years of leadership experience managing managers and large hourly workforces in a high-volume operational environment.Proven experience leading transportation operations with responsibility for service, labor, financial performance, and customer outcomes.Strong knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and transportation compliance requirements.Demonstrated success developing operational strategies and executing large-scale process improvements.Experience managing multimillion-dollar operational budgets and labor planning initiatives.Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data and KPIs to drive operational performance.Exceptional leadership, coaching, and organizational development capabilities.Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead through change.Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.Experience within eCommerce, grocery, retail distribution, last-mile delivery, or transportation operations preferred.CDL A or B license is a plus.ValuesCustomer FirstAccountability & OwnershipTeamwork & CollaborationIntegrity & TransparencyContinuous ImprovementWhat You'll LoveLeading a critical function that directly impacts the FreshDirect customer experience.Driving strategic initiatives that shape the future of our transportation network.Building and developing high-performing operational leaders and teams.Working in a fast-paced, innovative eCommerce environment.Partnering with executive leadership to influence operational strategy and business performance.SalaryThe salary range for this role is $130,000 - $160,000, plus eligibility for applicable annual incentive programs. Actual compensation will vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, and business needs.Total Rewards & BenefitsFreshDirect offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:Health benefits and 401(k) planGenerous paid time offLearning & development opportunities20% discount on FreshDirect ordersAccess to FD Market (onsite employee grocery store)24/7 shuttle service between our Bronx headquarters and the subwayEmployee events, recognition programs, and team activitiesOur CultureAt FreshDirect, we believe in building a workplace where employees can innovate, grow, and succeed. We invest in our people through training, development, and meaningful career pathways. Our culture is rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and a shared passion for delivering quality and service to our customers.Equal OpportunityFreshDirect is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, creed, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.Recruiter note: If this role will sit above multiple Senior Transportation Managers and oversee the entire Transportation department, a title such as Director, Transportation Operations or Senior Director, Transportation Operations would be more appropriate than simply "Director of Transportation," as it better reflects ownership of labor, service, fleet, and operational performance.