Role Overview for Director, Logistics & Transportation with a 3PL – Memphis, TN
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, fast-growing Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider in their search for a dynamic and visionary Director, Logistics & Transportation. This pivotal leadership role, based in the logistics powerhouse city of Memphis, TN, is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape the future of our client’s transportation network. You will be the strategic architect and operational leader responsible for all facets of logistics and transportation, ensuring the seamless, efficient, and cost-effective movement of goods for a diverse portfolio of clients.
As the Director, you will not just manage operations; you will innovate, lead, and inspire. You will be tasked with developing and executing a comprehensive transportation strategy that aligns with aggressive business growth, enhances service levels, and drives profitability. This role requires a leader who can masterfully balance high-level strategic planning with hands-on operational oversight. You will be at the helm of a talented team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and customer-centricity.
Your expertise will be critical in navigating the complexities of the modern supply chain, from carrier negotiations and network optimization to technology implementation and regulatory compliance. This is more than a job; it is a chance to make a significant impact on a leading organization, drive industry-best practices, and build a world-class logistics function in one of North America’s most critical distribution hubs.
Key Responsibilities of Director, Logistics & Transportation with a 3PL – Memphis, TN
The Director will have a broad scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, financial stewardship, and team development. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, service quality, and team performance.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Develop, implement, and refine the long-term transportation and logistics strategy to support company growth and client needs. Analyze market trends, transportation costs, and capacity to identify risks and opportunities. Lead network design and optimization projects to improve transit times and reduce costs.
Operational Excellence
Oversee all daily transportation operations, including freight brokerage, carrier management, load planning, and dispatch. Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time performance, cost-per-mile, carrier compliance, and customer satisfaction. Implement and champion continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to streamline processes and eliminate waste. Ensure all operations adhere to DOT, FMCSA, and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Carrier & Vendor Management
Cultivate and manage a robust network of high-performing carriers across all modes (FTL, LTL, Intermodal, etc.). Lead carrier sourcing, negotiation of rates and contracts, and performance management through regular business reviews. Develop strategic partnerships to ensure capacity, service reliability, and competitive pricing.
Financial Acumen & Budgeting
Develop and manage the annual transportation budget, including freight spend, overhead, and capital expenditures. Conduct detailed financial analysis, variance reporting, and forecasting to ensure financial targets are met. Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives without compromising service quality.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber team of logistics professionals, including managers, planners, and coordinators. Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team culture. Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback and coaching, and support professional growth and succession planning.
Technology & Systems Integration
Champion the use of technology to drive efficiency and visibility. Oversee the management and optimization of the Transportation Management System (TMS). Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to enhance operational capabilities. Ensure seamless data flow and integration with WMS, ERP, and client systems.
Client Relationship Management
Serve as a senior point of contact for key clients regarding transportation and logistics matters. Collaborate with the business development team to design and price competitive transportation solutions for new and existing customers. Ensure client service level agreements (SLAs) are consistently met or exceeded.
Industry Expertise
Maintain a deep understanding of the transportation market, including pricing fluctuations, capacity constraints, and emerging trends. Actively stay current with supply chain management best practices to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of the industry.
Requirements for the Director, Logistics & Transportation with a 3PL – Memphis, TN
We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of success in logistics leadership. The ideal individual will possess a unique blend of strategic thinking, analytical prowess, operational expertise, and inspirational leadership.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain) is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in transportation and logistics management, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (Manager, Senior Manager, or Director level).
Industry Background
Direct experience within a 3PL, freight brokerage, or a company with a large, complex transportation network is essential. Deep understanding of the 3PL business model and its value proposition.
Modal Expertise
Comprehensive knowledge of various transportation modes, including Full Truckload (FTL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Intermodal, and Parcel. Experience with dedicated fleet operations is a plus.
Technical Skills
Advanced proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) is required. Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and modeling. Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is advantageous.
Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop large, diverse teams. Proven success in building a positive and high-performance culture. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
Strong quantitative and analytical skills. Ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. A strategic thinker who can solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
Negotiation & Financial Skills
Proven track record of successfully negotiating complex carrier contracts and managing multi-million dollar freight budgets. Strong financial acumen with experience in P&L management, budgeting, and cost control.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and a significant performance-based bonus structure.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous policy for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your growth with opportunities for continued education, industry certifications (e.g., CSCP, CLTD), and attendance at key industry conferences.
Career Advancement
A clear path for career progression within a rapidly growing organization.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
Modern Work Environment
A dynamic and collaborative workplace culture with modern facilities and technology.
How to Apply
If you are a results-driven logistics leader ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role in Memphis, we want to hear from you. This is a critical hire for our client, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact is immense.
To be considered for this exclusive opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership accomplishments. JRG Partners specializes in connecting top-tier talent with leading companies. Learn more about our expertise by visiting our Supply Chain & Logistics recruitment experts page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how this role aligns with your career aspirations.
