Senior Principal, Distribution Optimization

Job Title:

Senior Principal, Distribution Optimization

Job Description:

Position Summary 

The Senior Principle, Distribution Optimization is responsible for developing and executing the enterprise distribution strategy to improve network efficiency, service performance, inventory flow, labor productivity, scalability, and cost-to-serve across the distribution and fulfillment network. This role leads the design, optimization, and transformation of distribution operations, facilities, processes, systems, and operating models to support current and future business growth. 

The position is accountable for evaluating: 

• Distribution network configuration 

• Facility footprint 

• Automation opportunities 

• Third-party logistics (3PL) strategies 

• Outsource versus insource operating models 

This leader develops business cases, leads network and facility optimization initiatives, oversees implementation of transformational solutions, and establishes governance frameworks to ensure measurable operational and financial results. 

Working closely with operations, supply chain, customer logistics, procurement, finance, and technology stakeholders, the Senior Principle, Distribution Optimization drives continuous improvement and long-term capability development across the distribution network. Responsibility for day-to-day warehouse operations, execution, labor management, customer service delivery, and operational performance remains within the regional logistics operations organizations. 

Key Responsibilities:

Distribution Network Strategy 

• Develop and execute the enterprise distribution optimization roadmap. 

• Design and optimize distribution networks to support growth, service, and profitability objectives. 

• Evaluate facility footprint, capacity requirements, inventory positioning, and customer service strategies. 

• Conduct network studies and modeling efforts to optimize service and cost performance. 

• Develop cost-to-serve models supporting strategic distribution decisions. 

• Lead long-range distribution planning initiatives. 

Distribution Operating Model Design 

• Evaluate and recommend distribution operating models, including internally managed, outsourced, 3PL, and hybrid solutions. 

• Lead outsource versus insource assessments for warehousing, fulfillment, value-added services, and distribution support functions. 

• Develop business cases supporting network and operating model changes. 

• Establish governance frameworks and performance expectations for strategic distribution partners. 

• Ensure future-state distribution capabilities support business growth and complexity. 

Automation & Facility Optimization 

• Develop the enterprise warehouse automation strategy. 

• Evaluate robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), warehouse execution technologies, and material handling solutions. 

• Lead facility optimization and capacity improvement initiatives. 

• Drive implementation of operational technologies that improve productivity and service. 

• Support capital planning and investment prioritization decisions. 

Distribution Systems & Technology 

• Establish the distribution technology roadmap. 

• Partner with IT to optimize WMS, automation control systems, inventory visibility, and reporting platforms. 

• Drive system standardization and integration across the network. 

• Identify opportunities to leverage analytics and digital technologies to improve performance. 

Continuous Improvement & Analytics 

• Develop distribution KPI frameworks and executive reporting. 

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on labor productivity, inventory flow, service performance, and facility utilization. 

• Conduct network and facility performance analyses. 

• Identify opportunities to reduce operating costs while improving customer service. 

• Measure and communicate benefits achieved from optimization programs. 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

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

• Lead cross-functional network optimization and transformation projects. 

• Present strategic recommendations and business cases to executive leadership. 

• Drive change management and organizational adoption of new capabilities and processes. 

• Build long-term distribution optimization capabilities across the organization. 

 

Qualifications:

Required 

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

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

• Demonstrated experience leading distribution network and facility optimization initiatives. 

• Experience evaluating and implementing 3PL operating models, automation technologies, and distribution systems. 

• Strong analytical, financial, and business case development capabilities. 

• Proven success leading large-scale cross-functional transformation initiatives. 

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.