Operations director jobs in Maumee, OH

This position is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all transportation activities across manufacturing facilities and Service Centers within The McAlear Group. This role ensures cost-effective, timely, and complaint movement of raw materials, components, and finished goods to and from facilities, suppliers, and customers. The Director of Logistics owns carrier relationships, implementation of transportation strategies, and will drive continuous improvement initiatives to effect maximum operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Our company believes in the Ideal Team Player. We follow the model behaviors of Humble (quick to point out the contributions of others), Hungry (self-motivated and diligent), Smart (socially appropriate and aware), Safety-Minded (works to lower safety risks, Quality-Minded (take pride in their work) and Attendance (recognizes their presence is important). ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and execute the organization's logistics strategy to support business objectives, customer requirements, and growth plans. Oversee long-range planning for transportation, warehousing, and distribution. Establishes service-level standards, performance goals, and operational KPIs. Directs all inbound and outbound transportation operations, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery. Negotiate service agreements and rates with carriers, freight brokers, 3PLs, and logistics partners. Monitors carrier performance and ensures compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and other regulatory requirements. Analyzes logistics workflows to identify cost-saving opportunities and performance improvements. Oversees network optimization studies, routing strategies, and load planning initiatives. Implements continuous improvement initiatives. Develops and manages the logistics department budget, including transportation, labor, facility, and equipment expenses. Reviews financial reports, forecasts, and prepares capital investment proposals related to logistics operations. Ensures cost control measures are implemented and adhered to. Ensures company compliance with federal, state, and local transportation and safety regulations. Oversees audits, risk assessments, and corrective actions in warehouse and transportation operations. Manages logistics-related insurance claims, loss prevention, and incident reporting. Creates and publishes routing guide for The McAlear Group personnel to utilize. Establish shipment tendering policies and processes and ensure The McAlear Group personnel adhere to guidelines. Evaluates vendor performance and leads contract negotiations and renewals. Uses data analytics to monitor performance, forecast transportation demand, and support decision-making. Ensures data accuracy, reporting integrity, and system integration across logistics functions. Directs, trains, and mentors logistics managers, supervisors, and staff. Evaluates performance, ensures effective staffing, and builds succession plans. Creates a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Partners with Sales, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Customer Service to ensure logistics alignment with business needs. Resolves escalated logistics issues affecting customer satisfaction. Establishes and administers a business review process for The McAlear Group's top 3 carriers by spend and shipment volume. NON-ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists in developing marketing or customer-facing materials related to logistics capabilities when requested. Participates in various committees, cross-functional task forces, or company culture initiatives. Supports events such as company meetings, community outreach programs, or employee recognition events. Provides coaching or mentorship to employees outside the logistics department upon request. Assists HR with interviewing or onboarding candidates when subject-matter input is needed. Help evaluate new system features or enhancements (ERP/WMS/TMS) that do not directly impact logistics operations. Provides input for IT projects unrelated to core logistics processes. Attends customer meetings or supplier visits for relationship-building or support, but not as the primary contact. Assists in evaluating new suppliers or third-party logistics providers when requested. Participates in company-wide continuous improvement projects not tied directly to logistics performance. Supports sustainability or environmental initiatives as a secondary responsibility. Contributes non-critical data or analysis for company projects that are not part of standard logistics KPIs. Assists executive leadership with special research or benchmarking projects when requested. Represents the department at networking events, conferences, or trade shows as needed. Provides backup support to other directors during absences or high-volume periods. Performs other duties as assigned that support organizational goals but are not core with the logistics function. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday. Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and office equipment. May occasionally lift, move, or carry items up to 25 pounds (such as files, materials, or product samples). Must be able to visually review documents, reports, and system screens with attention to detail. Occasional bending, reaching, or climbing. Ability to safely navigate warehouse environments, which may include exposure to moving equipment, forklifts, uneven floors, or elevated noise levels. Must be able to travel to company sites, vendor locations, conferences, or logistics facilities as required (typically light to moderate travel). Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting with regular use of computers and standard office equipment. Routine visits to warehouses, distribution, and manufacturing areas may expose the team member to temperature variations, dust, noise, and industrial equipment. May work in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities and time-sensitive deadlines. Occasional travel to carrier facilities, customer locations, or company sites may be required. Work hours are generally standard business hours; however, extended, or irregular hours may be required during peak activity periods, operational issues, or special projects. Must adhere to all company safety policies and use appropriate PPE when in operational areas. COMPETENCY, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Demonstrates strong leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate, mentor, and develop high-performing teams. Makes sound decisions under pressure and provides clear direction. Promotes accountability, teamwork, and a culture of continuous improvement. Ability to define long-term logistics strategies aligned with business objectives. Anticipates future industry trends, risks, and customer needs. Strong ability to assess complex logistics networks and recommend improvements. Applies Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies. Focuses on quality, accuracy, efficiency, and cost reduction. Maintains high standards of safety and compliance. Understands budgeting, forecasting, cost modeling, and ROI analysis. Makes data-driven decisions that support organizational profitability. Strong understanding of contract negotiation and vendor management. Communicates effectively with cross-functional teams, leadership, suppliers, and customers. Able to simplify complex logistics concepts for diverse stakeholders. Builds strong internal and external partnerships. Quickly identifies root causes of operational issues and develops effective solutions. Uses analytical tools and structured methodologies to resolve challenges. Expert knowledge of logistics operations including transportation, warehousing, inventory, and distribution. Strong proficiency with TMS, WMS, ERP systems and advanced Excel or data analytics tools. Ability to interpret logistics data, KPIs, and dashboards to drive decisions. Skilled in carrier management, routing, freight optimization, and supply chain compliance. Ability to analyze large data sets, identify trends, and develop action plans. Strong understanding of forecasting models, cost analysis, and performance metrics. Ability to implement technology solutions that improve logistics efficiency. Skilled in leading complex, cross-functional projects from planning through execution. Comfortable driving organizational changes, system upgrades, and process improvements. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to present to executives, lead meetings, and influence decisions. Capable of managing conflict and facilitating discussions. Builds productive relationships across departments. Strong negotiation skills with careers, vendors, and partners. Ability to manage sensitive issues with professionalism. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage competing deadlines. Strong time management and resource-allocation skills. High attention to detail while managing large-scale operations. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: REQUIRED: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field. 5+ years of experience in transportation or logistics management, preferably in a multi-site manufacturing or distribution environment. PREFERRED: Experience with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies Familiarity with sustainability initiatives in transportation. The McAlear Group offers a full range of benefits for eligible employee including 401k, health and life insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), disability coverage, and PTO.