Vice President Operations

Our client is seeking a Vice President, Operations to lead a large, asset intensive transportation network through its next phase of growth and operational excellence.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the President, the VP Operations will own end to end execution across a national LTL/TL and dedicated fleet footprint, including terminals, linehaul, pickup & delivery and related yard and dock operations. This leader will be accountable for network performance, safety, service reliability and cost, while partnering closely with commercial teams to drive profitable growth and differentiated customer experience.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead day to day operations across terminals, fleets and yards, ensuring service, productivity, safety and on time performance targets are consistently achieved
• Translate overall company strategy into clear operating plans and KPIs, and ensure rigorous performance management, variance analysis and corrective action
• Partner with Commercial leadership to solution and launch new business, ensuring operational readiness, sustainable margins and high service levels on strategic accounts
• Build and deepen executive level relationships with key customers, acting as an operational sponsor to support retention, growth and win back initiatives
• Champion continuous improvement, leveraging lean/6 sigma concepts, process re engineering and technology (TMS, telematics, analytics) to improve cost per shipment, asset utilization and quality
• Provide strong, visible leadership to terminal and fleet managers, cultivating a high performance, “safety first” culture and a practical, solutions oriented mindset
• Attract, develop and mentor operational leaders, with clear succession plans, development goals and regular performance reviews
• Oversee operating and capital budgets for the network; manage P&L performance, unit costs, productivity and working capital in line with financial targets
• Ensure effective management of driver and labour relationships (company drivers, owner operators, union and non union), balancing engagement, safety and productivity with company objectives
• Represent Operations as a key member of the senior leadership team, constructively challenging the status quo and contributing to broader strategy, M&A integration and change initiatives

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• 10+ years in senior operations leadership within asset based transportation (LTL/TL, parcel, dedicated fleet or related), with direct accountability for multi site P&L and leading large frontline teams
• Proven track record running complex networks with high service expectations, tight cost control and strong safety performance
• Commercially savvy operator who has partnered closely with Sales/Customer Solutions, understands pricing and margin levers, and has helped win, launch and stabilize major accounts
• Experienced people leader who builds strong teams, develops talent, manages through managers and creates an accountable, collaborative culture
• Demonstrated expertise in continuous improvement, project management and data driven decision making; comfortable with KPIs, dashboards and operational analysis
• Strong communicator and relationship builder with executives, customers, drivers, terminal teams and external stakeholders
• Post secondary degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or related discipline preferred; additional training in lean/6 sigma and/or project management is an asset

Personal Style and Leadership:

• Analytical, practical and hands on, with the ability to move between the boardroom and the dock with equal credibility
• Assertive and decisive, yet collaborative; comfortable constructively challenging peers and long standing practices to improve results
• Naturally customer centric, instilling a strong service ethic across operations
• High integrity leader who builds trust, communicates clearly and models safety and compliance at all times

This mandate is being managed exclusively and confidentially by Reimer Associates. Qualified candidates are invited to express interest in confidence; only those under consideration will be contacted. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to each candidate individually; however, we will retain your resume on file and may reach out to you should a suitable opportunity arise in the future.