Director Distribution Operations

Join our Distribution Center and be the driving force for our store’s merchandise!

As the Director of Distribution Operations, you will be lead our national distribution network functions. This role is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and performance of our distribution centers (DCs), third-party logistics (3PL) partners, and transportation providers across the U.S. and Canada. The ideal candidate will be a proven supply chain leader with experience in high-volume, multi-site retail logistics, focused on efficiency, accuracy, service, and cost optimization.

Location: East Coast, United States (Remote)

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 40-50 hours a week, weekends as needed

Travel: Up to 50% travel across U.S. and Canada for site visits and partner engagement.

Pay: $165,000 - 180,000

Benefits:

• Employee Discount
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with company match

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute a North American distribution strategy that supports WHSmith’s rapid growth and multi-channel retail model.
• Lead and mentor regional 3PL coordinators and site-level DC managers.
• Drive a culture of safety, performance, continuous improvement, and accountability.

Distribution Operations

• Oversee operations across company-operated and 3PL distribution centers, ensuring service-level compliance, inventory accuracy, and labor efficiency.
• Set and deliver productivity KPIs (e.g., units/hour, order accuracy, fill rate) and monitor site-level performance.
• Manage 3PL contract performance to ensure KPIs are measured and adhered to
• Ensure compliance with FDA, OSHA, and other regulatory standards for facilities and materials handling.

Transportation & Logistics

• Work closely with Transportation leadership to deliver efficiencies for inbound and outbound transportation strategy and execution, including parcel, LTL, FTL, and Final Mile service
• Partner in 3PL contract negotiation; ensure delivery SLAs are met and costs are controlled.

Cost Management & Optimization

• Develop and manage operating budgets for National and 3PL Distribution network
• Identify cost-saving initiatives through continual improvement measures such as process redesign, strategic sourcing, and resource development
• Collaborate with Merchandise Planning, Replenishment and Finance to ensure alignment with business plans and forecast accuracy.

Technology & Systems

• Leverage WMS, TMS, and ERP platforms to streamline operations and improve visibility.
• Partner with IT to drive automation, improve tracking, and enable predictive analytics in supply chain operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Merchandising, Store Operations, and Planning to align inventory flow and replenishment models.
• Lead cross-functional projects (e.g., new DC launches, ERP/WMS implementations, expansion planning).

Job Requirements

• 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain, distribution, and transportation leadership roles.
• Retail, travel retail, or convenience sector experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and Canadian transportation networks and regulations.
• Experience managing 3PLs and third-party carrier relationships.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).
• Proven ability to lead large teams across multiple locations with a data-driven and customer-first approach.
• Experience with leading WMS (e.g. Aptos and Blue Yonder) and TMS platforms.

Additional Requirements

• Limited sitting
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, crouching, bending, pushing, or pulling
• Frequent travel or overnight
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing
• Can distinguish varying or specific colors, patterns, or materials
• Fluency in English is required for training, customer interactions, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures
• Occasionally outdoors
• Frequently exposed to varying temperatures from below 32 degrees to above 90 degrees
• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Use of fine motor hand functions

About Us

WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer with a growing footprint across North America’s airports, transit hubs, and high-traffic retail locations. Our brands include InMotion, Marshall Retail Group, and other innovative concepts delivering convenience and curated shopping experiences for travelers.

EEO/ADA/DFWP

WHSmith North America is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin/ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, military/veteran status, marital status, disability status or any other basis prohibited by law. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.