Role Overview for VP, Logistics & Distribution with a Major Retailer – Indianapolis, IN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth national retailer in their search for a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Logistics & Distribution. Based in the strategic hub of Indianapolis, IN, this executive leadership role is a cornerstone of the company’s operational backbone and a critical driver of its continued market success. The VP of Logistics & Distribution will assume ultimate responsibility for the entire distribution and transportation network, encompassing multiple large-scale distribution centers, a complex transportation infrastructure, and the final-mile delivery experience that directly impacts customer satisfaction.
This is not merely an operational role; it is a strategic one. You will be tasked with architecting the future of our client’s supply chain, ensuring it is not only efficient and cost-effective today but also scalable, agile, and innovative enough to meet the demands of tomorrow’s retail landscape. You will lead a large, geographically dispersed team, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned supply chain executive with a proven track record of transforming logistics operations within a fast-paced, high-volume retail or e-commerce environment. You are a leader who can seamlessly transition between high-level strategic planning and hands-on operational oversight, inspiring your teams to achieve peak performance and driving enterprise-wide value.
Reporting directly to the Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO), you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, collaborating with peers across Merchandising, Store Operations, E-commerce, Finance, and IT. Your insights and strategic direction will be instrumental in shaping the company’s growth trajectory, enhancing its competitive advantage, and delivering a world-class experience to millions of customers nationwide. If you are a transformative leader with a passion for logistics excellence and a desire to make a significant impact on a leading retail brand, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Logistics & Distribution with a Major Retailer – Indianapolis, IN
Strategic Network Design & Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term logistics and distribution strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives, growth plans, and customer experience goals. Continuously evaluate and optimize the network footprint, including facility location, capacity planning, and flow path design to enhance speed, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
Operational Excellence & Performance Management
Direct all facets of distribution center operations, including receiving, put-away, inventory control, picking, packing, and shipping. Implement and enforce best-in-class operational standards and lean methodologies to maximize productivity, ensure inventory accuracy, and maintain the highest levels of quality and safety across all facilities.
Transportation & Fleet Management
Oversee the entire transportation function, including inbound and outbound logistics, carrier negotiations and management, fleet operations (if applicable), and final-mile delivery solutions. Develop a robust transportation strategy that balances cost, speed, and reliability, leveraging a sophisticated TMS and a dynamic mix of carrier partners.
Financial Acumen & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the logistics and distribution division. Develop, manage, and report on annual operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and key financial metrics. Drive a culture of cost-consciousness and identify and execute significant cost-saving initiatives without compromising service quality.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of senior logistics leaders, including Directors of Operations, Transportation, and Engineering. Foster a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven culture that prioritizes employee engagement, safety, and professional growth. Implement succession planning to build a strong leadership pipeline.
Technology & Innovation Integration
Champion the evaluation and implementation of cutting-edge logistics technologies, including advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), automation, robotics, and data analytics tools. Stay abreast of industry trends to ensure the company’s logistics capabilities remain a competitive differentiator, particularly in supporting omni-channel fulfillment strategies.
Vendor and 3PL Partnership Management
Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key vendors, including 3PL providers, transportation carriers, and equipment suppliers. Lead contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and establish rigorous Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability and performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Alignment
Serve as the primary logistics partner to other executive leaders. Collaborate closely with Merchandising on inventory flow and planning, with E-commerce on fulfillment strategies, with Store Operations on replenishment, and with Finance on budgeting and forecasting to ensure a cohesive and integrated supply chain.
Compliance & Risk Mitigation
Ensure the entire logistics operation is in strict compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, including DOT, OSHA, and environmental standards. Proactively identify potential risks within the supply chain and develop robust contingency and business continuity plans.
Requirements for the VP, Logistics & Distribution with a Major Retailer – Indianapolis, IN
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in supply chain and logistics management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, VP) overseeing a large, complex distribution network.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience within a high-volume, fast-paced environment is essential. Deep knowledge of B2C distribution for a major retailer, e-commerce company, or consumer goods organization is required.
Leadership & Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage a large, multi-site team of both exempt and non-exempt employees. Proven success in building high-performance teams and developing future leaders.
Financial & Analytical Acumen
Extensive experience with P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning for a multi-million dollar logistics operation. Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive strategic decisions and operational improvements.
Technical Proficiency
In-depth knowledge of modern logistics technologies, including Tier-1 WMS and TMS platforms. Experience with implementing logistics automation and robotics is highly desirable.
Strategic Thinker
Proven ability to develop and implement successful long-range strategic plans. Must be able to anticipate future trends and challenges and position the organization for success.
Negotiation & Communication
Exceptional negotiation skills for managing multi-million dollar contracts with carriers and 3PLs. Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences, from front-line associates to the C-suite.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, RSUs).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Planning
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 paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive executive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to Indianapolis, IN.
Employee Perks
Substantial employee discounts on company products, access to wellness programs, and other corporate perks.
Professional Development
Support for continued learning, including attendance at industry conferences, executive coaching, and leadership development programs.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We are committed to a thorough and discreet recruitment process. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. We encourage you to learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting JRG Partners’ Supply Chain & Logistics Executive Search practice. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss how your background and career aspirations align with this exciting leadership role.
