Director of Distribution

Job Title

Director of Distribution

Reporting to

VP of Global Operations

or

VP of Supply Chain

Department

Supply Chain & Operations Department

I. Job Overview

The Director of Distribution is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of the company's global or regional warehousing, logistics, and distribution systems, ensuring that goods are delivered to customers or downstream channels at the right time, at the optimal cost, and with the highest quality.

This position requires exceptional supply chain integration capabilities, process optimization thinking, and leadership. The candidate must be able to build an efficient and scalable distribution system within a complex global network to support the company's growth and customer experience goals.

II. Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning and Execution

Develop and implement the company's distribution strategy, ensuring alignment with overall supply chain and business objectives.

Plan the global/regional distribution network layout, including distribution centers (DCs), fulfillment centers (FCs), and transportation nodes.

Optimize the end-to-end delivery process "from factory to customer," improving delivery speed and cost efficiency.

1. **Driving the Digital Transformation of the Distribution System:** Utilizing automation, IoT, and WMS/TMS systems.

2. **Warehouse and Logistics Management:**

Monitor the operational performance of the company's own and third-party warehouses (3PL/4PL).

Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety regulations for warehouse operations.

Optimize inventory management, balancing costs, capacity, and customer demand.

Improve warehouse operational efficiency and accuracy (picking, packing, shipping, returns, etc.).

Promote automated warehousing technologies (AGVs, AMRs, robotic picking systems).

3. **Transportation and Delivery Management:**

Manage transportation planning and scheduling to ensure on-time delivery (OTD).

Select and manage carriers, negotiating transportation contracts and service standards.

Optimize trunk, last-mile, and reverse logistics processes.

Monitor transportation costs and carbon emissions, promoting green logistics and sustainable operations.

4. Performance and Cost Control

Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including inventory turnover, OTD (Over-the-Counter), transportation costs, and order accuracy.

Drive Lean Logistics and continuous improvement projects (Kaizen/Six Sigma).

Analyze distribution network performance data, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements.

Manage annual distribution budgets and capital expenditures (CapEx/OpEx).

5. Customer Experience and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Work closely with sales, customer success, production, and purchasing teams to ensure a positive customer fulfillment experience.

Support logistics preparation and delivery strategies for new product launches (NPIs) or market expansion.

Establish customer feedback mechanisms to drive improvements in delivery satisfaction and response speed.

6. Team Leadership and Organizational Development

Lead the distribution and logistics team (warehouse manager, transportation manager, logistics analyst, etc.).

Build a high-performance team culture, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.

Develop the team's capabilities in data analysis, system operation, and supply chain thinking.

Promote a safety culture and employee development programs.

III. Job Qualifications

Education Background

Bachelor's degree or above in Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.

MBA or APICS/CSCMP/CPIM/CSCP certifications are preferred.

Work Experience

Over 20 years of experience in supply chain, distribution, or logistics management.

At least 10 years of experience in a regional or global distribution leadership role.

Familiar with warehouse and transportation management systems (WMS/TMS/ERP).

Preferred candidates have successfully managed multi-warehouse, multi-channel networks in multinational corporations or large manufacturing/e-commerce companies.

Experience in automated warehousing, distribution optimization, or digital transformation is a plus.

Professional Skills

Proficient in warehouse operations, transportation management, inventory optimization, and distribution strategies.

Excellent data analysis and process optimization capabilities.

Proficient in Power BI, Excel, SAP, Oracle, Manhattan, Blue Yonder, and other systems.

Excellent negotiation, project management, and cross-departmental coordination skills. Fluent in English, with prior experience in international logistics management is preferred.

IV. Key Performance Indicators (KPI Examples)

On-Time Delivery (OTD)

Order Accuracy (%)

Cost per Shipped Unit (Warehouse & Transportation Costs)

Inventory Turnover

Capacity Utilization

Return Rate / Reverse Logistics Efficiency

Employee Safety and Productivity Indicators

V. Compensation Structure (Reference)

Base Salary: USD $160,000–$250,000 / Year

Performance Bonus: 15%–30% (depending on company performance and operational metrics)

Long-Term Incentives: Stock Options / Profit Sharing / RSU

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Retirement Plan, Travel Allowance, Annual Training and Leadership Development Programs

VI. Personal Qualities

Systematic Thinking: Ability to integrate warehousing, transportation, and customer fulfillment into a unified system.

Data-driven: Using analytics and metrics to guide optimized decision-making.

Exceptional execution: Maintaining high efficiency in multi-warehouse, multi-location operations.

Innovation-oriented: Embracing automation and digital transformation.

Customer-centric: Simultaneously improving distribution efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Strong leadership: Motivating large frontline teams to achieve global standards.