Remote Director, First & Middle Mile Transportation

Cardinal Health; Trenton (NJ); Remote; USD 107,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Cardinal Health is seeking a Director, Transportation – First/Middle Mile to lead U.S. transportation operations across manufacturing sites, cross docks and replenishment centers.

You will oversee a ~ $200M budget, mentor a team of about 20 professionals, and drive network optimization, carrier sourcing, and performance improvements. This role requires deep expertise in TMS, route optimization, and regulatory alignment, with travel ~15% domestically.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Carrier management

Contract negotiation

Analytical skills

TMS experience

Strategic thinking

Regulatory compliance

Customer onboarding

Travel readiness

Remote work capability

Education

Bachelor's degree (Supply Chain/Logistics/Business)

Tools

TMS

Routing software

Job description

Cardinal Health is seeking a Director, Transportation – First/Middle Mile to lead U.S. transportation operations across manufacturing sites, cross docks and replenishment centers.

You will oversee a ~ $200M budget, mentor a team of about 20 professionals, and drive network optimization, carrier sourcing, and performance improvements. This role requires deep expertise in TMS, route optimization, and regulatory alignment, with travel ~15% domestically.