Role Overview for VP, Distribution Center Strategy with an E-commerce Retailer – Indianapolis, IN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth e-commerce retailer in their search for a visionary Vice President of Distribution Center Strategy. Based in the strategic logistics hub of Indianapolis, IN, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to architect the future of our client’s fulfillment and distribution network. The successful candidate will be the central architect of a multi-year strategy designed to enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction across a rapidly expanding national footprint. This is not merely an operational role; it is a strategic imperative. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing a world-class distribution network that can not only handle current demand but also proactively adapt to future market trends, technological advancements, and evolving customer expectations. You will report directly to the Chief Supply Chain Officer and will be a key member of the senior leadership team, providing critical insights that will shape the company’s overall business strategy and competitive positioning. Your work will directly impact the bottom line by optimizing costs, improving delivery speeds, and creating a resilient supply chain that serves as a core pillar of the company’s growth engine. We are seeking a leader who can blend deep analytical rigor with creative problem-solving, someone who is as comfortable developing a five-year capital investment plan as they are mentoring a team of engineers and analysts on the ground.
This role demands a forward-thinking leader who understands that in today’s e-commerce landscape, the distribution center is no longer a cost center but a strategic asset for competitive differentiation. You will be tasked with evaluating every facet of the distribution ecosystem, from the physical location and design of facilities to the integration of cutting-edge automation and robotics. Your strategic roadmap will address critical questions such as network optimization, facility sizing and purpose (e.g., fulfillment centers, sortation centers, micro-fulfillment hubs), inventory placement strategies, and the development of last-mile delivery solutions. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging data analytics and performance metrics to identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency gains. Your leadership will be pivotal in building a nimble, responsive, and cost-effective distribution network that delights customers and fuels the company’s ambitious growth trajectory for years to come.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Distribution Center Strategy with an E-commerce Retailer – Indianapolis, IN
Network Strategy & Design
Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term strategy for the company’s distribution network. This includes network modeling, site selection for new facilities, capacity planning, and defining the role and function of each node in the network to optimize for speed, cost, and service levels.
Technology & Automation Roadmap
Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of advanced warehouse technologies. This includes Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and significant investments in automation such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), and other goods-to-person technologies. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in warehouse automation to ensure the network remains state-of-the-art.
Capital Planning & Project Management
Develop and manage a multi-year capital expenditure plan for network expansion and technology investments. Oversee the entire lifecycle of large-scale projects, from business case development and financial justification to vendor negotiation, implementation, and post-launch performance analysis.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion a culture of continuous improvement across the distribution network. Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive process optimization, reduce waste, improve quality, and enhance workplace safety. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure network performance and identify areas for improvement.
Financial & Performance Analytics
Own the financial performance of the distribution network. Develop sophisticated models to analyze cost-to-serve, transportation costs, labor productivity, and inventory carrying costs. Utilize data-driven insights to make strategic decisions and communicate performance to the executive team.
Leadership & Team Development
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of strategists, engineers, analysts, and project managers. Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that attracts and retains top talent. Provide clear direction, set ambitious goals, and empower your team to achieve extraordinary results.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key strategic partner to other departments, including Operations, Merchandising, Planning, IT, and Finance. Ensure that the distribution strategy is tightly aligned with the company’s overall business objectives, inventory strategy, and customer experience goals.
Risk Management & Resiliency
Develop and implement strategies to build a resilient and agile supply chain. Proactively identify potential risks (e.g., geopolitical issues, natural disasters, carrier capacity constraints) and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions and ensure business continuity.
Requirements for the VP, Distribution Center Strategy with an E-commerce Retailer – Indianapolis, IN
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in supply chain, logistics, and distribution, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role overseeing network strategy for a large-scale e-commerce or retail organization.
- Proven track record of designing and implementing complex, multi-site distribution networks from the ground up or through significant transformation.
- Deep expertise in warehouse automation and robotics, including hands-on experience with the selection, implementation, and scaling of technologies like ASRS, AMRs, sortation systems, and WMS/WCS.
- Strong financial acumen with extensive experience in capital planning, business case development, ROI analysis, and managing multi-million dollar budgets.
- Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale capital projects, from conception to completion, on time and within budget.
- Expert-level knowledge of network modeling and simulation tools, as well as advanced proficiency in data analysis and visualization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain Management/Engineering) is highly preferred.
- Experience in a high-volume, direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce environment is strongly desired.
- Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt) or Project Management (PMP) is a plus.
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels of the organization, from the C-suite to the distribution center floor.
- A strategic and innovative mindset, with the ability to anticipate future trends and translate them into actionable strategies.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience managing relationships with 3PLs, technology vendors, and real estate partners.
- Willingness to travel as needed to oversee network projects and connect with teams across the country.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their people and provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. This includes:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term equity incentive plan.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Full suite of medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, with low-premium options. Includes access to Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you build your future financial security.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company-paid holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate to move to the vibrant Indianapolis area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including conferences, certifications, and executive coaching.
Employee Discounts
Significant discounts on the company’s wide range of products.
Parental Leave
Generous paid parental leave to support growing families.
How to Apply
This is an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact on a rapidly growing industry leader. If you are a visionary supply chain strategist with a passion for innovation and a proven ability to build world-class distribution networks, we want to hear from you. JRG Partners is managing this exclusive search. To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and strategic accomplishments.
