Vice President Transportation

Description

The Vice President of Transportation is responsible for owning and optimizing all aspects of Lipari Foods inbound and outbound transportation operations across our multi-state distribution network. This role oversees all aspects of fleet operations, route optimization, DOT compliance, safety, cost control, carrier contract management, and strategic growth initiatives. Reporting to the CSCO, the VP will ensure high service levels, safe practices, and efficient delivery while supporting the company's customer-first mindset and growth strategy. This role will also focus on strategic planning, capacity planning, cost management, and ensuring efficient and compliant transportation logistics. Reporting directly to the CSCO this leader will develop and lead the transportation budgeting process (both capital and expense), ensure cost controls and efficiencies coupled with Identifying and implementing optimization initiatives without compromising safety, quality, or Customer SLA's.

Key Responsibilities:

Safety: Ensure full compliance with all DOT, FMCSA, and state regulations, as well as adherence to safety standards and industry best practices across all transportation operations.

People Leadership: Lead, coach and develop a high-performing transportation team, including directors, managers, supervisors, dispatchers, support staff, and drivers. Champion a culture of safety, accountability, development and continuous improvement. Own functional communication, performance management, and engagement.

Strategic Planning & Execution: Develop and execute transportation strategies aligned with company goals. Focus on optimizing network design, route planning, fleet and asset management, capacity management, and service performance.

Operational Excellence: Oversee the day-to-day transportation operations including company owned fleet, maintenance programs, vehicle replacement schedules, and capital planning. Drive on-time delivery, backhaul efficiency, and responsive customer service.

Financial Management: Lead the development and execution of transportation capital and expense budgets. Monitor and manage key cost drivers including fuel, labor, and fleet utilization. Identify and implement cost reduction and efficiency initiatives.

Continuous Improvement: Drive operational improvements by identifying and executing initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase service levels across the transportation function.

Data Reporting & Analysis: Own & monitor transportation KPIs (OTIF, Shrink, capacity, asset utilization, driver performance, etc) and reporting. Leverage insights to inform planning, drive accountability, and communicate progress to cross-functional partners and senior leadership.

Collaboration & Communication: Partner with other functions, including Sales, Procurement, HR, and Finance to align transportation strategies with broader business goals and priorities.

Carrier & Partner Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with external logistics providers, including freight carriers, brokers, and 3PL partners, ensuring service quality and performance.

Technology & Systems: Maximize utilization of current tools and systems. Own the roadmap for future system enhancements that drive visibility, tracking, reporting and decision-making efficiency.

Stewardship: Represent Lipari Foods as a brand ambassador in all interactions-with team members, customers, partners, and the community-demonstrating leadership, integrity, and service excellence. Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management or related field

Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership in transportation, logistics or supply chain operations, including 5+ years in an upper-level leadership role

Minimum of 10 years prior experience with Trucking Operations and Fleet Management

Proven experience in managing a large-scale fleet operations with a complex distribution networks, network design and global supply chains

Capacity planning for Assets, Workforce, and SLA's to support sales and customer promise

Deep understanding of DOT, FMCSA, and state transportation regulations. Excellent analytical, interpersonal and communication skills (i.e. written and verbal). Strong negotiation skills and problem solving capabilities.

Expertise in all MS suite applications with heavy emphasis on Excel

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented, and customer-focused environment

Based in or willing to relocate to greater Detroit

Flexibility to travel as needed

Company Profile:

Lipari Foods is a regional full-line deli, bakery, packaging, and grocery distributor, headquartered in Warren, MI. We are a premier store distributor, delivering 37,000+ food and packaging products to 32 states and 14,000+ retail accounts. We operate several manufacturing facilities from a USDA fresh food plant to facilities specializing in jar goods, cheese and confections. We are in your communities providing food to your stores and feeding your families and neighbors. And we are growing. Fast. In fact, Lipari Foods was recently named by Crain's Business as one of the fastest growing companies in Michigan, and we're not just growing in Michigan!

We are looking for talent with a can-do mindset, focused on growing a career, and interested in working on a diverse, dedicated team to create something greater collectively. Together, we are delivering more than great food to build a better tomorrow.

Lipari Foods LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.