Director, Outbound Logistics

Job Description

SUMMARY

This role develops logistics solutions that support company growth and strategic supply chain objectives across multiple AAP business units, including Advance and Carquest, and holds accountability for the Outbound Transportation P&L. The position monitors market trends, opportunities, and risks, then builds cross-functional action plans to address them proactively. It leads delivery of AAP's Logistics Network Optimization strategy by creating integrated supply chain solutions across business units, drawing on expertise in inventory management, warehousing, transportation, demand planning, project management, and continuous improvement. The role is expected to deliver innovative operating solutions that reduce costs, improve service, and enhance product availability. It also carries responsibility for a $150M annual P&L and budget, with oversight of up to 20 distribution center transportation operations and more than 100 HUB and Market HUB locations. In addition, the Director of Outbound Logistics oversees up to 20 Transportation Managers and manages strategic relationships with dedicated transportation partners. Travel up to 50% is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Manage the carrier and fleet network, including contract negotiations in partnership with Procurement, carrier compliance, claims, equipment management, resource allocation, fleet TMS, performance metrics, contingency planning, and pool distribution points.
• Monitor operating metrics such as on-time arrival, vehicle utilization, cost per mile, and cost per piece.
• Perform budget and financial modeling, analyze store profitability and cost to serve, and partner with Finance to develop budgets, annual operating plans, and forecasts.
• Lead strategic analysis and execution across projects, strategic initiatives, change management, analytics, and project management to identify and deliver business and supply chain improvements.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements and DOT regulations, resolve escalated issues, and serve as the safety champion focused on achieving best-in-class performance while meeting or exceeding safety metrics.
• Manage people, processes, budgets, performance, compliance activities, and associate development required for the role.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentoring in fleet operations, including equipment utilization, maintenance, DOT compliance, AAP policy compliance, and audit programs.
• Develop vendor backhaul, one-way transportation, and other cost-reduction initiatives.
• Support store service opportunities through regular interaction with retail District Leaders, VPs of Operations, and Regional Vice Presidents.
• Drive continuous route optimization in coordination with the corporate COE by analyzing routes and schedules for consolidation and asset utilization to achieve the lowest net landed cost.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position supervises up to 20 Transportation Managers, oversees dedicated third-party providers, and leads up to 600 CDL drivers across multiple geographic locations.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty effectively. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Experience in retail outbound transportation management.
• Experience with private and/or dedicated fleets.
• Experience with driver engagement and retention.
• Experience with route and schedule optimization.
• Experience in asset management, including procurement and maintenance.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in quality, service, and cost reduction.
• Experience managing, and ideally implementing, transportation technology such as TMS, YMS, appointment scheduling, and telematics systems.
• Experience in financial management, including freight auditing.
• Experience managing third-party fleet operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage both outsourced and insourced transportation fleets.
• Ability to lead transportation network optimization efforts.
• Ability to improve backhaul utilization.
• Experience managing fleet vehicle acquisition, deployment, and utilization.
• Experience managing fuel purchasing and consumption.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in logistics or a related field required; master's degree preferred. Minimum 10 years of supply chain logistics experience, including at least 5 to 7 years focused on transportation.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Working knowledge of federal and state safety regulations, including CSA, DOT Hazmat, EPA, OSHA, and EHS requirements.

Key Skills/Abilities:

• Provide leadership that motivates the team and function while promoting change and growth.

• Provide leadership and support in a fast-changing environment.

• Build associate engagement, commitment, and enthusiasm by helping team members understand their role and impact on overall AAP performance.

• Promote consistent high performance and excellence in execution.

• Ability to influence alignment across multiple functional areas.

• Demonstrate openness to change and the ability to adapt and lead others through it.

• Ability to think and act innovatively.

• Active listening skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization.

• High credibility and the ability to work effectively with all levels of management.

• Excellent organizational, planning, influence, communication, and presentation skills.

• Self-motivated and persuasive in presenting, selling, and implementing ideas.

• Models a strong work ethic, including:

• Reliability: Consistently meets deadlines and follows through on commitments.

• Discipline: Maintains focus and self-control to complete work efficiently.

• Perseverance: Pushes through challenges and setbacks without losing momentum.

• Professionalism: Treats colleagues and responsibilities with respect and accountability.

• Integrity: Upholds ethical standards and honesty in all actions.

• Continuous Improvement: Looks for opportunities to learn and strengthen skills.

• Time Management: Prioritizes work effectively to maximize productivity.

• Experience using fleet management systems and electronic DOT recording systems.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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