Job Description
Job Description: Director of Logistics
Industry: High-Volume Heavy Manufacturing Location: Pacific Northwest (McMinnville, OR Area) Work Schedule: 100% On-Site (Non-negotiable) Reports To: Director of Operations
Executive Summary
A leading heavy manufacturing facility in the Pacific Northwest is seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of Logistics to oversee end-to-end freight, rail, and warehouse operations. This newly created role is designed for a leader who can manage high-volume industrial shipping while modernizing the organization's logistics technology. The successful candidate will transition the facility away from third-party brokerage models toward an in-house, software-driven bidding strategy.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Logistics & Freight Management (Approx. 50%)
- Oversee and optimize the movement of approximately 550 rail cars and 1,000 trucks per month.
- Manage and negotiate multi-million dollar contracts with Tier 1 rail carriers.
- Resolve complex logistical issues, including demurrage management and lane optimization.
- Lead the evaluation and implementation of new freight-bidding software to replace current broker models and reduce spend.
Operational Leadership & Warehousing (Approx. 40%)
- Direct the daily operations of multiple large-scale warehouses through a direct-reporting Transport Manager.
- Manage a team responsible for planning, ordering, and systems administration.
- Lead and drive accountability within a unionized workforce, ensuring high performance and safety standards.
- Oversee remote inventory accuracy and transload site performance.
Demand Planning (Approx. 10%)
- Partner with Sales and Production to manage demand planning for shipping and rail capacity.
- Ensure logistical output aligns with mill production schedules and customer sales forecasts.
Mandatory Requirements
- Union Experience: Proven track record of managing and driving change within a unionized manufacturing environment is strictly required.
- Industry Background: Extensive experience in high-volume logistics (Rail and Truck) specifically within a manufacturing plant environment (e.g., steel, timber, chemicals, or similar heavy industry).
- On-Site Presence: This role is 100% on-site; candidates must be willing to reside within a 30–40 minute commute of the facility.
- Technical Proficiency: Experience with ERP/WMS systems and advanced data analytics (e.g., Power BI) for carrier scorecards and spend tracking.
Education & Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in a logistics or supply chain management role.
- Experience managing multi-million dollar transportation budgets.
- Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field preferred.