Role Overview for Director of Distribution with an E-commerce Company – Indianapolis, IN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth e-commerce company in their search for a visionary and results-driven Director of Distribution. Based in the logistics hub of Indianapolis, IN, this is a critical senior leadership role responsible for shaping the future of our client’s supply chain and fulfillment operations. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of scaling operations, driving innovation, and leading a large, dynamic team to deliver a world-class customer experience.
In this position, you will be the principal owner of the entire distribution network, from inbound receipt and inventory management to outbound order fulfillment and shipping. You will command a significant operational budget and be tasked with optimizing processes, implementing cutting-edge technology, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety. This role is not just about managing day-to-day operations; it’s about building a scalable, resilient, and efficient distribution infrastructure that can support exponential growth.
You will collaborate closely with other executive leaders in merchandising, marketing, finance, and technology to ensure that the supply chain is a key enabler of the company’s strategic objectives. If you are a passionate logistics professional with a proven track record of success in the fast-paced world of e-commerce and are ready to make a significant impact on a thriving organization, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Distribution with an E-commerce Company – Indianapolis, IN
The Director of Distribution will have a broad scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, team leadership, and financial stewardship. Success in this role requires a blend of analytical rigor, operational expertise, and inspirational leadership.
Strategic Leadership & Network Design
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term distribution strategy that aligns with the company’s aggressive growth targets and customer experience goals.
- Conduct ongoing network analysis to optimize fulfillment center locations, capacity, and capabilities, including evaluating the potential for new facilities or 3PL partnerships.
- Lead strategic initiatives related to automation, robotics, and other warehouse technologies to enhance productivity, accuracy, and scalability.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to drive operational excellence across all functions.
- Serve as the primary supply chain expert on the senior leadership team, providing critical insights and data-driven recommendations to inform business strategy.
Operational Excellence & Execution
- Oversee all aspects of fulfillment center operations, including receiving, put-away, inventory control, picking, packing, and shipping for a high-volume, direct-to-consumer business.
- Establish, monitor, and consistently exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time shipping, order accuracy, dock-to-stock time, cost per unit, and inventory accuracy.
- Implement and enforce best-in-class standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all shifts and departments.
- Manage relationships with key external partners, including parcel carriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS, USPS), 3PLs, and packaging suppliers, negotiating contracts and holding them accountable to service level agreements (SLAs).
- Ensure unwavering compliance with all safety regulations, including OSHA standards, and foster a proactive safety-first culture throughout the facility.
- Direct inventory control processes, including cycle counting programs and physical inventories, to maintain the highest levels of accuracy and minimize shrink.
Team Development & Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of operations managers, supervisors, and associates, fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging work environment.
- Establish clear goals and expectations for the team, providing regular feedback, coaching, and performance reviews to drive individual and team growth.
- Develop and implement robust training and development programs to build leadership capabilities and operational skills at all levels of the organization.
- Champion succession planning to build a strong leadership pipeline within the distribution function.
- Effectively manage labor planning and staffing models to meet fluctuating demand while controlling costs.
Financial Management & Analytics
- Develop and manage the annual distribution operating budget, including labor, supplies, facilities, and transportation costs, ensuring targets are met or exceeded.
- Provide detailed financial forecasting, variance analysis, and regular reporting to the executive team.
- Utilize data and analytics to identify trends, pinpoint opportunities for cost savings, and make informed, strategic decisions.
- Lead the evaluation and justification for capital expenditures related to facility enhancements, equipment, and technology investments.
Requirements for the Director of Distribution with an E-commerce Company – Indianapolis, IN
We are seeking a seasoned leader with deep expertise in modern e-commerce fulfillment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, exceptional leadership skills, and a relentless drive for excellence.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in distribution, logistics, or fulfillment operations, with a significant focus on high-volume e-commerce or direct-to-consumer (DTC) environments.
- At least 5-7 years of experience in a senior leadership role (Director or similar), directly managing large teams of 100+ employees and developing other leaders.
- Proven experience managing a large-scale, automated or semi-automated fulfillment center (250,000 sq. ft. or larger).
- Demonstrated experience with full P&L responsibility for a distribution center or network, including budget creation, cost control, and financial reporting.
- Expert-level knowledge of modern Warehouse Management Systems (WMS); experience with a major Tier 1 WMS (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Oracle) is essential.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, generate insights, and translate them into actionable operational improvements. Proficiency with data analysis tools and Excel is required.
- Excellent project management skills with a track record of successfully leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from conception to completion.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain Management) is highly preferred.
- Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
- Experience in a hyper-growth start-up or rapidly scaling e-commerce company.
- Direct experience with the selection and implementation of warehouse automation and robotics systems.
- Advanced knowledge and best practices in supply chain management, including network modeling and transportation management systems (TMS).
- Strong negotiation skills with experience managing contracts with major parcel carriers and third-party logistics providers.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, significant performance-based bonus potential, and equity/stock options.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous PTO policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid company holidays.
Parental Leave
Paid parental leave to support growing families.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including conferences, certifications, and workshops.
Employee Discounts
Substantial discounts on all company products.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
A Dynamic Culture
An opportunity to work with a passionate, innovative, and collaborative team that is redefining its industry.
How to Apply
If you are a transformational supply chain leader ready to take on a new challenge and drive the success of a leading e-commerce brand, we want to hear from you. JRG Partners is managing this exclusive search. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy.
JRG Partners is a leader in connecting top-tier talent with exceptional companies. To learn more about our dedicated recruitment services, please visit our website and explore our expertise in Supply Chain & Logistics executive search. We look forward to reviewing your application.
