Director, Transportation – First/Middle Mile

Cardinal Health; United States; Remote; USD 107,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401k plan

Paid time off

HSA

Flexible spending accounts

Parental leave

Work-Life resources

Job summary

Cardinal Health in the United States seeks a Director of Transportation for First and Middle Mile to lead strategic operations across the network. You will oversee a ~$200M budget, guide a ~20-person team, and partner with internal and external stakeholders to optimize routing, service, and cost-to-serve.

The role requires strong leadership, contract negotiation, and data-driven decision making, with 15% travel and the ability to work remotely with a dedicated home/field setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• 12+ years in transportation and logistics with 5+ years in leadership across multiple sites.
• Proven track record with large transportation budgets ($100M+).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all U.S. first and middle mile transportation across manufacturing sites, cross docks, and replenishment centers.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of ~20 transportation professionals.
• Own and manage a transportation budget of ~ $200M, driving cost efficiency and on-time performance.
• Drive network optimization, routing efficiency, capacity planning, and cost-to-serve reductions.
• Lead transportation procurement: carrier sourcing, RFPs, contract negotiations, and vendor management.
• Manage relationships with 100+ carrier partners and ensure compliance and improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Carrier management

Contract negotiation

Data analytics

TMS experience

Route optimization

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

TMS

Routing software

Job description

Cardinal Health’s Global Medical Products and Distribution (“GMPD”) segment, focuses on U.S. and International Products and Distribution businesses. We offer industry expertise and an expanding portfolio of safe, effective medical products that improve quality, manage costs and reduce complexity. With our trusted regulatory experience, insights, and infrastructure, we help manufacture and source medical products that meet the demand for value-driven, comprehensive healthcare solutions.

The Director, Transportation – First/Middle Mile will provide centralized leadership for all U.S. First & Middle Mile transportation activities, overseeing a significant budget and driving strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. This role is critical in ensuring transportation excellence across our seven Medical Replenishment Centers, in addition to multiple cross docks and Cardinal Health Medical Manufacturing sites, and will involve close collaboration with various internal teams and external carrier partners to shape the future of our network.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all U.S. first and middle mile transportation operations across manufacturing sites, cross docks, and replenishment centers.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of approximately 20 transportation professionals.
• Own and manage a transportation budget of approximately $200M, driving cost efficiency, service excellence, and on-time performance.
• Drive transportation network optimization initiatives focused on routing efficiency, capacity planning, service improvements, and cost-to-serve reduction.
• Ensure transportation excellence and consistency across the national distribution and manufacturing network.
• Lead transportation procurement activities, including carrier sourcing, RFPs, contract negotiations, and vendor management.
• Manage relationships with 100+ commercial carrier partners, ensuring strong performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Distribution, Inventory, Commercial, Marketing, Systems, and Network Design teams to optimize network flow and transportation strategy.
• Establish and enforce transportation policies, governance standards, and operational best practices.
• Oversee customer onboarding, network transitions, and carrier integration initiatives.
• Leverage transportation management systems (TMS), routing technologies, and analytics to improve network performance and decision-making.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support FDC operations and carrier engagements – Approximately 15% (Domestic) Ability to work remotely from home/field requires a dedicated, quiet, private, distraction free environment with access to high-speed internet. We will provide you with the computer, technology and equipment needed to successfully perform your job. You will be responsible for providing high-speed internet & mobile phone).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in transportation and logistics, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing transportation operations in a multi-site environment preferred.
• Proven track record of managing large transportation budgets (e.g., $100M+) and delivering on cost-saving and performance improvement targets.
• Demonstrated expertise in carrier management, contract negotiation, and relationship building.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate performance metrics, analyze data, and implement continuous improvements.
• Experience with route optimization technologies and transportation management systems (TMS).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization and with external partners.
• Ability to develop and implement transportation policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute long-term transportation strategies.
• Experience in customer onboarding/offboarding processes and a strong customer‑centric approach.

Application window

Application window anticipated to close: 10/21/2026

Salary and Bonus

Anticipated salary range: $107,200 - $191,285 *The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience, skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.

Bonus eligible: Yes

Benefits

Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan
• Health savings account (HSA)
• 401k savings plan
• Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short‑and long‑term disability coverage
• Work‑Life resources
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy lifestyle programs

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background.

We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day.

Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

About Cardinal Health

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of performance and data solutions for healthcare facilities. We are a crucial link between the clinical and operational sides of healthcare, delivering end‑to‑end solutions and data‑driving insights that advance healthcare and improve lives every day. With deep partnerships, diverse perspectives and innovative digital solutions, we build connections across the continuum of care. With more than 50 years of experience, we seize the opportunity to address healthcare's most complicated challenges — now, and in the future.