Logistics Distribution Manager

Role Overview

The Logistics Distribution Manager leads the logistics operations and directly supervises team members handling daily freight and distribution coordination for raw materials and finished goods across Canada and the United States. This role is responsible for inbound and outbound transport execution, managing freight forwarders, carriers, third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse performance, customer delivery service, and driving continual logistics process improvements. A key focus is on developing scalable logistics frameworks to support Crofter's Organic's growth.

Key Duties

• Develop, implement, and govern inbound freight forwarding strategies and oversee ocean freight, cross-border transportation, and domestic distribution.
• Enforce supplier compliance with routing guides, booking procedures, shipping schedules, and required documentation.
• Manage negotiation and administration of freight contracts including varied pricing structures, and evaluate carrier and freight forwarder performance through KPIs and business reviews.
• Control and reduce demurrage, detention, storage, and accessorial fees while handling freight audits, invoice validation, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Collaborate with customer service, sales, supply chain planning, and warehouse teams to maintain strong on-time, in-full delivery performance and comply with retailer requirements, minimizing charges and delivery issues.
• Oversee 3PL warehouses by monitoring inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock times, order fill rates, and overall service levels; conduct performance reviews and drive cost and service improvements.
• Provide leadership by coaching and developing the logistics team, establishing clear roles, expectations, and accountability to enable a scalable, structured supply chain organization.
• Work with procurement, finance, customs brokers, and freight forwarders to ensure correct tariff handling, documentation accuracy, import/export compliance, and process improvements reducing customs delays.
• Contribute logistics inputs to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and supply planning processes, communicating capacity and risk issues proactively.
• Ensure logistics processes comply with food-grade and CPG distribution standards, supporting traceability, inventory accuracy, and product handling controls.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of escalating logistics, transportation, or distribution experience in sectors like CPG, food manufacturing/distribution, or high-volume retail supply chains.
• 2–3 years of direct team leadership experience, capable of coaching, developing, and holding teams accountable.
• Proven expertise in managing cross-border Canada–U.S. freight, including less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), and retail distribution.
• Experience with ocean freight, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and managing international shipping paperwork.
• Strong understanding of 3PL warehouse operations, service level agreements, and related performance metrics.
• Familiarity with retailer routing requirements and chargeback prevention.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills under high-pressure conditions balancing service, cost, and inventory needs.
• Proficient with ERP systems, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), freight portals, advanced Excel, and KPI/dashboard reporting tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, logistics, operations management, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CITT, CIFFA, CCS, APICS/ASCM, or Lean/Six Sigma are advantageous.