The Director of Transportation leads outbound freight and transportation, exceptions, and reverse logistics/returns for NewAge's logistics network. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role owns carrier strategy, OTIF performance, exceptions and claims resolution, and returns processing, partnering closely with the Director of Warehousing & Inbound and cross-functional teams to drive service, cost, and quality outcomes across the network. This is an analytically-led role: the successful candidate combines transportation and logistics operating experience with genuine, hands-on expertise in data analytics and AI-enabled tools, using them as a primary lever — not a peripheral skill — to drive network, cost, and service decisions, and is accountable for building and developing a high-performing team across these functions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership & Network Optimization
- Develop and execute the transportation and reverse-logistics strategy in alignment with business growth objectives.
- Design and optimize the outbound carrier and network footprint.
- Lead capacity planning and infrastructure scaling initiatives for outbound transportation and returns processing.
- Identify automation and technology investments (TMS, routing/optimization tools, BI tools).
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across transportation, exceptions, and returns.
Outbound Freight & Transportation
- Oversee parcel, LTL, FTL, intermodal, and own the home delivery customer experience, including coordination with white-glove delivery and installation service partners.
- Drive OTIF (On-Time, In-Full) performance.
- Manage routing guides and carrier scorecards.
- Lead freight budget planning and cost reduction initiatives.
- Manage carrier relationships and freight rate negotiations.
Exceptions Management
- Own resolution and root-cause analysis of shipment, delivery, and fulfillment exceptions across carriers and 3PLs.
- Limit the financial liability associated with claims, damages, and mishandling.
- Reduce exceptions caused by manufacturing, warehouse, and delivery issues, ensuring SLA compliance.
- Report monthly on exceptions trends and drive timely resolution.
- Tie exceptions and claims performance to process improvements and P&L impact.
Reverse Logistics & Returns
- Develop and optimize returns processing workflows.
- Reduce return cycle times and recovery losses.
- Implement disposition strategies (restock, refurbish, liquidation).
- Analyze root causes of returns and partner with cross-functional teams on improvements.
- Develop department budget and weekly/monthly reporting insights for cross-functional teams to reduce returns, damages, and claims.
Data, Analytics & AI-Enabled Performance
- Bring hands-on expertise using AI-driven and automation tools — not just familiarity — to identify and implement where AI/ML-based tools (e.g., predictive analytics, anomaly detection, routing optimization) can reduce manual effort and improve accuracy.
- Use data and reporting to drive decisions across transportation, exceptions, and returns — including dashboarding and root-cause analysis.
- Proactively surface risks and mitigation tactics using available data; measure outcomes to determine effectiveness.
- Drive a culture of data-based decision-making within the team.
Financial Management
- Own the P&L and annual operating budget for outbound transportation, exceptions, and reverse logistics.
- Forecast freight, claims, and returns-related expenses.
- Identify cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service levels.
- Evaluate and negotiate carrier and 3PL contracts.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead managers and teams across outbound transportation, exceptions, and returns.
- Build succession planning and talent development programs.
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Establish KPI-driven performance management frameworks.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Travel to the Toronto Experience Centre approximately 6 times per year
- Travel within Canada and US will be required based on business needs
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated, hands-on experience applying AI/ML-based tools (e.g., predictive analytics, anomaly detection, forecasting models) to solve real operational problems is required.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field such as business, supply chain, logistics, or data analytics.
- 5+ years of direct experience in North American ground transportation, in a 3PL or comparable environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing exceptions, claims, or reverse logistics/returns functions.
- Demonstrated proficiency with data analytics and BI tools (e.g., SQL, Tableau, Power BI) is required.
- Strong analytical skills to gather and interpret data to recommend, test, and implement solutions.
- 5+ years of experience in e-commerce, supply chain, operations, or logistics.
- 5+ years of proven leadership experience, with the ability to motivate, inspire, and create engagement including experience in leading virtual and distributed teams.
- Successful track record leading senior-level strategy initiatives.
- Strong technical aptitude and ability to be a leader in leveraging new and existing technologies.
NEWAGE OFFERS:
- Salary and bonus are based on experience and highly competitive for the right candidate.
- This is an existing vacancy and the salary range for this position is $180,000 to $220,000 (CAD) at the time of the posting.
- An opportunity within a growing, fast-paced company, well established in its industry.
- NewAge operates with a remote-first culture across much of the organization with occasional travel as outlined above.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you’re intrigued by the job profile described above, we invite you to apply with your resume and cover letter illustrating how you would be an ideal fit with our team. We thank all interested candidates for applying and will contact those who qualify for an interview. No phone calls please. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a thorough background check.
NewAge Products is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusion and diversity. We provide employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require any accommodation.
USE OF AI IN HIRING:
AI-enabled tools may be used to support parts of the recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
— Sarah J.
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Marketing Manager
★★★★★
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