Vice President Operations (Retained Search)

Jobot; Lino Lakes (MN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot in Lino Lakes, MN seeks a Vice President of Operations to own the US logistics, warehousing and distribution strategy on-site. Lead a senior team and drive a data-driven transformation across warehouses, transportation, 3PLs, inventory and facilities.

Lead the build of WMS, automation and network strategy; shape standards, systems and investments with global counterparts. Manage budget, performance and continuous improvement initiatives to deliver excellent customer experience.

Qualifications

• Track record of leading warehouse performance improvement and logistics transformation
• Proven ability to lead and develop multi-disciplinary operational teams
• Strong experience in transportation procurement and 3PL management
• Experience in a seasonal or peak-driven distribution business
• Proven ability to identify and implement process optimization and automation with measurable results
• Strong financial and analytical skills including budget ownership and KPI tracking
• Lean or continuous improvement exposure; certification a plus
• Familiarity with WMS, ERP and BI tools; AI exposure is a plus
• Direct import and international shipping experience preferred
• Ability to travel within US and internationally up to 10%

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a multi-year logistics roadmap.
• Own US logistics network design and capacity strategy.
• Executive owner of US logistics performance and investment priorities.
• Collaborate with commercial operations and cross-country teams.
• Partner with global supply chain, IT and corporate functions on standards and data.

Job description

Vice President Operations (Retained Search)

$180000 - $210000 per year | Lino Lakes, MN | On-site | Permanent

Build a Modern Distribution Operation + Strong Team in Place + Seat at the Global Table + Low Ego, High EQ Culture

A bit about us:

We are the US distribution business of a global, publicly traded entertainment products company, with $200M+ in US revenue. We get products people love into the hands of big box retailers, thousands of independent specialty stores and consumers directly. Our year is shaped by a fall and holiday peak, and our customers count on us to deliver on time, every time, because their own busiest days depend on it. We are a warm, low-ego team that moves fast locally and partners closely with colleagues around the world. Over the last few years we have simplified and consolidated our network, and we are now entering a build phase: new systems, automation and a network strategy for the next decade. We are looking for a leader who listens first, brings people along, and gets energy from building something better.

Why join us?

• Own the top operations seat for the US business, with the autonomy to set the roadmap for warehousing, transportation, facilities and partners
• Inherit a loyal, capable leadership team that runs the operation well today and is eager to learn and grow with you
• Lead the build: the process foundation for a new WMS, automation, a direct import program and the long-term network strategy
• Sit at the global table and shape standards, systems and investments across countries
• Time to do it right: project support is already in place, so you can learn the business and plan before making changes
• Work for a company whose people love the product and care about the customer experience behind every shipment

Job Details

The VP of Operations is responsible for the performance, scalability and transformation of our US warehouse and logistics operations. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on operational oversight across warehousing, transportation, 3PLs, inventory, fulfillment, facilities, compliance, vendors, staffing and cost management. The VP will build a data‑driven performance culture, lead the WMS and automation roadmap, and partner with sales operations, finance, customer service, IT and global supply chain to improve efficiency, scalability and the customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy, Performance and Global Alignment

• Define and execute a multi-year logistics roadmap
• Own US logistics network design and capacity strategy as the business evolves, including site, space and lease decisions
• Act as the executive owner of US logistics performance and investment priorities
• Build a structured operating link with commercial operations and take an active part in cross‑country initiatives
• Partner with global supply chain, IT and other corporate functions on standards, systems, data and network optimization
• Ensure effective collaboration across logistics, sales, finance, customer service, IT and supply chain

Warehouse Operations, Transportation and 3PL Management

• Lead warehouse operations and performance with a focus on service, efficiency, cost and customer satisfaction, while promoting a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance
• Develop capacity and labor plans based on forecasts, seasonal peaks, launches and business needs
• Lead facility strategy, including locations, layouts, space utilization, equipment, capital projects and maintenance
• Ensure facilities and operations are safe, well maintained and compliant with safety and regulatory requirements, including customs and product compliance
• Maintain inventory accuracy and loss prevention through strong controls, reconciliation and corrective action

  Digital Transformation and Continuous Improvement

  • Analyze performance trends and drive continuous improvement across warehouse operations
  • Lead logistics transformation initiatives, including WMS, automation and process improvement
  • Build business cases and select solutions and vendors, bringing in the right experts where needed
  • Lead implementation, including testing, training, change management and go‑live
  • Measure results across productivity, accuracy, service and cost

  Financial Ownership and Investment

  • Own the logistics budget, forecast and overall cost performance
  • Identify and deliver cost savings and productivity and service improvements
  • Optimize contracts and supplier performance to achieve expected financial results
  • Challenge existing processes and eliminate waste and non‑value‑added work

  People and Operational Resilience

  • Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and ownership
  • Lead and develop the logistics leadership team through clear expectations, coaching and career development
  • Strengthen workforce planning, training, engagement, retention and frontline involvement, including a structured path for temporary staff to advance
  • Maintain business continuity and contingency plans for peak surges and supply disruptions
  • Advance practical sustainability initiatives across logistics operations

  What You Bring

  • A track record of leading warehouse performance improvement, logistics transformation and multi‑disciplinary operational teams
  • Success leading and developing a warehouse and logistics leadership team, bringing people along through change
  • Strong experience in transportation procurement, carrier negotiations, 3PL management and contract performance
  • Experience in a seasonal or peak‑driven distribution business
  • Proven ability to identify and implement process optimization and automation with measurable service, productivity or cost results
  • Strong financial and analytical skills, including budget ownership, business cases, KPI design and benefits tracking
  • Working knowledge of Lean or similar continuous improvement methods; certification is a plus
  • Comfort with WMS, ERP and business intelligence tools, and with emerging technology including AI, with the ability to turn data into operating decisions
  • Exposure to a WMS selection or implementation, or another major systems go‑live
  • Direct import and international shipping experience preferred
  • OSHA and DOT knowledge, with a strong record of building a safety culture
  • Ability to travel within the US and internationally up to 10%
  • A learning mindset, high EQ and genuine interest in the products and customers you serve
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, supply chain, logistics or a related field, or equivalent experience; MBA a plus
  • Significant progressive experience in logistics, warehousing or distribution operations, including senior leadership in a complex, high‑volume environment

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