What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Global Transportation position at Thibaut Inc.?
POSITION PURPOSE:
The Global Director of Transportation is responsible for developing and executing the company's global transportation strategy to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods across domestic and international supply chain networks. This role provides leadership for transportation operations, carrier management, network optimization, freight procurement, and transportation technology initiatives while driving continuous improvement in service, cost, and performance.
This is an in-office role based in our Distribution Center in Charlotte, NC.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Develop and lead the global transportation strategy aligned with business growth objectives and customer service requirements.
- Oversee all modes of transportation, including parcel, less-than-truckload (LTL), truck load (FTL), ocean, air and intermodal operations.
- Manage global freight spending and identify opportunities for cost reduction, mode optimization, and network efficiencies.
- Own and optimize all negotiations with freight carriers and third-party agents related to freight charges, tariff charges and recoveries, and any other contractual obligations related to global transportation.
- Establish and maintain strategic relationships with carriers, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), freight forwarders, and transportation partners.
- Lead transportation sourcing activities, contract negotiations, and carrier performance management.
- Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, transportation laws, and safety standards.
- Drive transportation technology initiatives, including Transportation Management Systems (TMS), visibility platforms, and analytics solutions.
- Develop and monitor transportation KPIs, including on-time delivery, freight cost, capacity utilization, transit performance, and customer service metrics.
- Partner with Distribution, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Client Experience, and Finance teams to optimize end-to-end logistics performance.
- Lead transportation network design, risk mitigation, business continuity planning, and transportation resilience strategies.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service levels while reducing total logistics costs.
- Participate and contribute to budget process, and P&L reviews. This entails continuously optimizing operations and finding effective ways to both reduce spending and enhance customer experience.
- Communicate regularly with the Management team and convey any potential transportation or supply chain concerns timely and provide suggestions for resolution.
- Compiling Transportation Reports. Includes daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports.
- Providing accurate and effective customer service for all internal and external customers over the phone and via email in a professional, courteous, and timely manner. Able to communicate effectively (up and down the organization).
- Support other company initiatives as needed.
Performance Measures
- Reduction in transportation costs and total landed costs.
- Improvement in on-time delivery and service performance.
- Increased carrier reliability and network efficiency.
- Achievement of freight budget and productivity targets.
- Enhanced transportation visibility, compliance, and operational resilience.
Executive-Level Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Global Supply Chain Leadership
- Transportation Network Optimization
- Carrier & Vendor Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Change Management
- Financial Acumen
- Digital Transformation
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Continuous Improvement
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
- 10 years of transportation, logistics, or supply chain experience.
- Experience in managing global transportation networks and budgets.
- Strong knowledge of international trade and customs requirements.
- Expertise in transportation management systems (TMS) and analytics.
- Proven leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
- Bachelor’s degree in related fields, i.e. operations; supply chain; mathematics; or accounting.
- Prior experience in textiles and wallcoverings preferred.
- Prior experience with parcel carriers preferred.
- Strong math skills.
- Excellent computer skills, preferably in an ERP/MRP environment.
- Must have experience with MS Office, especially Excel (advanced level) and Word.