Vice President Operations

Our client is a growing and established organization within the logistics and distribution sector, seeking an experienced and hands-on Vice President, Operations to lead and optimize its day-to-day operations.

About the Role

This is a highly visible leadership position responsible for overseeing operational performance, developing and implementing strategies for growth and efficiency, and ensuring the organization consistently delivers exceptional service to its customers.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership across all operational functions.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, quality, and customer service objectives are achieved.
• Establish operational priorities, processes, and performance standards aligned with company objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.
• Develop and monitor operational KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Logistics & Distribution
• Oversee transportation, warehousing, distribution, inventory, and related operational activities.
• Ensure the effective movement and delivery of products while maintaining service levels and controlling costs.
• Optimize staffing, equipment, facilities, and other operational resources.
• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to improve supply chain performance.
• Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks and service issues.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop operational managers and supervisors.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Establish clear goals and performance expectations for operational teams.
• Identify talent needs and support recruitment, onboarding, training, and succession planning.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration across departments.
• Financial & Business Management
• Develop and manage operational budgets while maintaining appropriate cost controls.
• Analyze operational expenses and identify opportunities for cost savings and increased profitability.
• Work closely with senior leadership on forecasting, strategic planning, and business growth initiatives.
• Evaluate operational investments, technology, equipment, and infrastructure requirements.
• Ensure operational decisions support overall company profitability and growth.
• Process Improvement & Strategy
• Develop and implement initiatives focused on continuous improvement and operational scalability.
• Review existing processes and implement best practices across the organization.
• Utilize data and analytics to identify trends, improve decision-making, and increase productivity.
• Lead change-management initiatives associated with organizational growth and process improvements.
• Stay current with industry trends and identify opportunities to maintain a competitive advantage.
• Maintain strong relationships with key customers and business partners.
• Ensure operational teams consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Resolve escalated service and operational issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, HR, and other departments to ensure alignment between commercial and operational objectives.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations, logistics, distribution, transportation, warehousing, or supply chain.
• 5+ years in a senior operations leadership role such as VP Operations, Director of Operations, General Manager, Senior Operations Manager, or equivalent.
• Proven experience leading multi-functional operational teams.
• Demonstrated success improving operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting and KPI management.
• Experience developing and implementing operational strategies and process improvements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.