Senior Principle, Transportation Optimization

Job Title:

Job Description:

Position Summary 

The Senior Principle, Transportation Optimization is responsible for developing and executing the enterprise transportation strategy to improve service, cost efficiency, visibility, scalability, and network performance across domestic and global operations. This role leads the design and optimization of transportation networks, operating models, technology platforms, analytics capabilities, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the overall effectiveness of the transportation ecosystem. 

The position is accountable for evaluating, selecting, and implementing transportation operating models, including: 

• Control Tower 

• Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL) 

• Managed Service Provider (MSP) 

• Hybrid solutions 

This leader will conduct outsource versus insource assessments, develop business cases, oversee provider selection and implementation, and establish governance frameworks to ensure sustainable value realization. 

Working closely with Global Transportation and cross-functional stakeholders, the Senior Principle, Transportation Optimization focuses on the strategic design, transformation, and continuous improvement of transportation capabilities. Responsibility for day-to-day transportation execution, carrier relationship management, performance escalation, transportation procurement execution, and carrier negotiations remains with the Global Transportation organization. 

Key Responsibilities:

Transportation Strategy & Network Optimization 

• Develop and execute enterprise transportation optimization strategies aligned with company growth, customer service, and profitability objectives. 

• Lead transportation network design and optimization initiatives across domestic and international operations. 

• Develop cost-to-serve models and transportation network scenarios that support strategic decision making. 

• Evaluate mode strategy, transportation flows, network capacity, service requirements, and resiliency opportunities. 

• Identify opportunities to improve transportation cost, service performance, visibility, and scalability. 

• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving transportation practices. 

Transportation Operating Model Design 

• Evaluate and recommend transportation operating models, including internally managed, Control Tower, 4PL, MSP, and hybrid solutions. 

• Lead outsource versus insource assessments for transportation planning, execution, analytics, visibility, and support functions. 

• Develop financial models, organizational impact assessments, and business cases supporting transportation transformation initiatives. 

• Design governance structures, metrics, service requirements, and accountability frameworks. 

• Establish operating processes and performance expectations for transportation service providers. 

• Ensure selected operating models deliver measurable service, productivity, and financial benefits. 

Strategic Provider Selection & Governance 

• Evaluate Control Tower, 4PL, MSP, visibility, and technology partners. 

• Establish governance models and executive review processes for strategic transportation technology partners. 

• Partner with Procurement and Legal on commercial terms and contractual requirements. 

• Measure implementation success and value realization against approved business cases. 

Transportation Technology & Visibility 

• Own the transportation technology strategy and roadmap. 

• Lead selection and implementation of TMS, Control Tower, visibility, optimization, freight audit & payment, and analytics platforms. 

• Develop end-to-end transportation visibility capabilities supporting proactive decision making. 

• Partner with IT to drive automation, integration, and modernization initiatives. 

• Leverage advanced analytics and digital solutions to improve transportation performance. 

Analytics & Continuous Improvement 

• Develop transportation KPI frameworks and executive dashboards. 

• Utilize analytics to identify opportunities for service improvement and cost reduction. 

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Conduct scenario modeling and strategic assessments supporting network decisions. 

• Measure and report realized benefits from optimization initiatives. 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Collaborate with Operations, Customer Logistics, Planning, Procurement, Finance, and IT. 

• Lead enterprise transportation transformation initiatives. 

• Present recommendations, business cases, and strategic plans to senior leadership as part of strategic long-range planning cycles. 

• Drive adoption of new transportation processes, systems, and operating models. 

• Support organizational capability development and change management efforts. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field. 

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain strategy, network design, distribution, or related disciplines. 

• Demonstrated experience leading transportation optimization and transformation initiatives. 

• Experience evaluating and implementing Control Tower, 4PL, MSP, and transportation technology solutions. 

• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and business case development skills. 

• Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives and influence executive stakeholders. 

Preferred 

• Master's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Logistics, or Business Administration. 

• APICS/ASCM CSCP, CPIM, CLTD, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent professional certifications. 

• Experience leading enterprise-wide optimization, transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Experience operating within complex, multi-site, global supply chain networks. 

Compensation: The pay range for this role is: $170,000-$220,000/yr with pay commensurate upon the candidate's experience.