Role Overview for Director of Logistics & Distribution Planning with a CPG Co. – St. Louis, MO
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, rapidly growing Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company in their search for a visionary and strategic Director of Logistics & Distribution Planning. Based in the vibrant city of St. Louis, MO, this executive leadership role is critical to the company’s continued success and market expansion. The successful candidate will be a master of complexity, a data-driven strategist, and an inspirational leader, responsible for architecting and executing a world-class logistics and distribution strategy that ensures product availability, optimizes costs, and delivers an exceptional customer experience.
As the Director, you will assume full ownership of the end-to-end logistics network, encompassing transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and final-mile delivery. You will be tasked with transforming the existing infrastructure into a highly efficient, scalable, and resilient operation capable of supporting ambitious growth targets in a dynamic market. This is not merely an operational role; it is a strategic position that requires a forward-thinking mindset to anticipate future challenges, leverage emerging technologies, and build a competitive advantage through supply chain excellence. You will lead a dedicated team of logistics professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s bottom line, brand reputation, and ability to win in a competitive CPG landscape. If you are a seasoned logistics leader with a passion for innovation and a proven track record of driving transformative change within the CPG sector, we invite you to explore this career-defining opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Logistics & Distribution Planning with a CPG Co. – St. Louis, MO
Strategic Network Design & Optimization
- Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year logistics and distribution strategy that aligns with overall corporate objectives and growth plans.
- Conduct regular, in-depth analysis of the distribution network to identify opportunities for optimization, including facility location, network flow paths, and inventory positioning.
- Lead network modeling and simulation projects to evaluate the impact of potential changes, such as new distribution centers, mergers, or market entries.
- Champion and implement continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) across all logistics functions to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve service levels.
Transportation Management
- Oversee all domestic and international transportation activities, including inbound materials and outbound finished goods, across all modes (FTL, LTL, parcel, ocean, air).
- Develop and manage strategic relationships with key carriers and 3PL providers, leading contract negotiations to secure favorable rates and terms while ensuring high performance standards.
- Implement and optimize the Transportation Management System (TMS) to improve load planning, route optimization, carrier selection, and freight audit and payment processes.
- Ensure strict compliance with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations, including DOT, FMCSA, and customs requirements.
Warehousing & Distribution Center Operations
- Provide strategic oversight for a network of company-owned and third-party (3PL) distribution centers, ensuring operational excellence and consistency.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for warehouse operations, including order fill rates, on-time shipping, inventory accuracy, cost per unit, and safety metrics.
- Drive the implementation of best-in-class warehouse processes and technologies, including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), automation, and robotics, to improve productivity and accuracy.
- Develop and manage a robust inventory control program to minimize shrinkage, optimize stock levels, and support sales and operations planning (S&OP).
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of logistics and distribution professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.
- Set clear performance objectives, provide regular feedback and coaching, and manage the professional development and career progression of your team members.
- Champion a culture of safety, ensuring all operations adhere to the highest safety standards and regulations.
- Effectively manage resources, build team capabilities, and plan for succession within the logistics organization.
Financial & Performance Management
- Develop and manage the annual logistics budget, including freight, warehousing, and overhead costs, ensuring financial targets are met.
- Conduct detailed variance analysis, identify root causes for deviations, and implement corrective actions to control costs.
- Provide regular performance reports and strategic insights to the executive leadership team, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Utilize data analytics to drive decision-making and uncover opportunities for cost savings and service improvements, achieving greater end-to-end supply chain visibility and control.
Requirements for the Director of Logistics & Distribution Planning with a CPG Co. – St. Louis, MO
Educational & Professional Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required.
- An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
- A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in logistics, distribution, and supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a significant leadership capacity overseeing multiple sites and functions.
- Direct experience within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), food and beverage, or a related fast-paced manufacturing/distribution industry is mandatory.
- Proven track record of successfully managing complex, large-scale logistics networks and driving significant cost and service improvements.
Technical & Analytical Skills
- Expert-level knowledge of modern logistics and supply chain principles, including network design, inventory management, and transportation optimization.
- Deep hands-on experience with Tier 1 ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills; ability to interpret complex data, generate insights, and build a compelling business case for strategic initiatives.
- Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Power BI) is essential.
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
- Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse team.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and long-range planning capabilities.
- Superior negotiation and vendor management skills, with experience managing multi-million dollar contracts.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization, from the warehouse floor to the executive suite.
- A proactive, results-driven mindset with a strong sense of urgency and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
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 professional and personal well-being. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company-paid holidays.
Professional Growth
Significant opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and tuition reimbursement for continued education.
Wellness Programs
Access to employee assistance programs (EAP) and various wellness initiatives to support your overall health.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates.
Employee Perks
Generous discounts on company products and access to other corporate discount programs.
How to Apply
This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a thriving CPG organization and shape the future of its supply chain. JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. If you possess the required experience and leadership qualities to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply today.
To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit our Supply Chain & Operations practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
