Director, Logistics

Jobtailor; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Curriculum Associates is seeking a senior logistics leader to define and drive a comprehensive 3PL strategy across warehousing, fulfillment, and international shipping. You will oversee multiple providers, negotiate SLAs, and ensure governance while partnering with cross-functional teams to optimize costs and service levels.

The role emphasizes data-driven improvements, KPI management, and global logistics execution, with travel 20–30% to partner sites and facilities.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage and hold accountable complex, multi-provider 3PL networks across warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment

Responsibilities

• Lead logistics strategy and manage third-party logistics partnerships across warehousing, fulfillment, transportation, returns, and international shipping
• Develop and maintain strategic 3PL partnerships, negotiate contracts, define service level agreements, and enforce operational and quality standards
• Maintain visibility into internal operational performance and align business requirements with 3PL execution
• Oversee outsourced warehousing and order fulfillment operations, including inventory flows, peak-season readiness, and product launches
• Establish and track fulfillment KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time shipment, and inventory shrinkage
• Oversee parcel, LTL, FTL, and freight broker relationships through 3PL partners
• Drive carrier performance, cost optimization, and service-level compliance
• Lead returns and reverse logistics strategy, including processing standards, disposition rules, and reporting
• Manage international shipping channels and ensure customs, import/export, and trade-policy compliance
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven analysis, KPI dashboards, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning
• Partner with Supply Chain, Order Management, Customer Service, Finance, IT, procurement, legal, and Operations teams
• Provide regular reporting on logistics performance, costs, compliance, and initiative progress to senior leadership
• Support implementation of logistics systems, technologies, and operational enhancements
• Travel 20–30% to 3PL partner sites, CA facilities, and corporate meetings

Skills

Contract negotiation

Analytical problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Influencing without authority

Data analysis

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

APICS CSCP

APICS CLTD

WMS

TMS

Visibility tools

Job description

• Lead Curriculum Associates' logistics strategy and manage third-party logistics partnerships across warehousing, fulfillment, transportation, returns, and international shipping


• Develop and maintain strategic 3PL partnerships, negotiate contracts, define service level agreements, and enforce operational and quality standards


• Maintain visibility into internal operational performance and align business requirements with 3PL execution


• Oversee outsourced warehousing and order fulfillment operations, including inventory flows, peak-season readiness, and product launches


• Establish and track fulfillment KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time shipment, and inventory shrinkage


• Oversee parcel, LTL, FTL, and freight broker relationships through 3PL partners


• Drive carrier performance, cost optimization, and service-level compliance


• Lead returns and reverse logistics strategy, including processing standards, disposition rules, and reporting


• Manage international shipping channels and ensure customs, import/export, and trade-policy compliance


• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven analysis, KPI dashboards, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning


• Partner with Supply Chain, Order Management, Customer Service, Finance, IT, procurement, legal, and Operations teams


• Provide regular reporting on logistics performance, costs, compliance, and initiative progress to senior leadership


• Support implementation of logistics systems, technologies, and operational enhancements


• Travel 20–30% to 3PL partner sites, CA facilities, and corporate meetings

Requirements

• Proven ability to manage and hold accountable complex, multi-provider 3PL networks across warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment


• Strong contract negotiation skills with experience structuring SLAs, KPIs, and performance governance frameworks for logistics providers


• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with experience using data to drive operational decisions and continuous improvement


• Deep knowledge of logistics operations including warehousing, parcel and freight transportation, reverse logistics, and international shipping


• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority


• Experience implementing or leveraging logistics technology platforms, including WMS, TMS, and visibility tools, in partnership with 3PL providers


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment


• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience


• 10 to 12+ years of logistics, supply chain, or operations experience with progressive leadership responsibility


• Minimum 5 years of direct 3PL management experience, including contract negotiation, SLA governance, and performance management


• Demonstrated experience managing multiple logistics channels including warehousing, transportation, returns, and international shipping


• Proven track record of driving continuous improvement and cost savings within a complex logistics network


• Experience with WMS, TMS, or supply chain visibility platforms


• Experience managing logistics in a publishing, media, or education materials industry


• Familiarity with customs brokerage and international trade compliance requirements


• Experience leading logistics network design or 3PL RFP and onboarding processes


• APICS CSCP, CLTD, or similar supply chain/logistics certification preferred


• Master's degree preferred

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in managing complex 3PL networks, including contract negotiation, SLA governance, and performance management. Proven ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives and optimize logistics operations across warehousing, transportation, and international shipping.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• 3PL Management


• Contract Negotiation


• Logistics Technology Implementation


• Continuous Improvement


• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Hard Skills

• Logistics Operations


• Warehouse Management


• Transportation Management


• Reverse Logistics


• KPI Development


• Data Analysis


• Performance Management


• Cost Optimization


• Customs Compliance


• Inventory Management

Soft Skills

• Analytical Problem-Solving


• Communication


• Influencing Without Authority


• Multi-Priority Management

Certifications & Qualifications

• APICS CSCP


• APICS CLTD

Industry Keywords

• Supply Chain


• Logistics


• Operations Management


• Publishing


• Media


• Education Materials

Tools & Technologies

• WMS


• TMS


• Visibility Tools