Director of transportation (Ottawa)

Director, Transportation

Organization: The Beer Store and Brewers Distributor Ltd.

Location: Bolton, Ontario (minimum 3x per week)

About the Company

The Beer Store is the primary distribution and sales channel for beer in Ontario and is owned by 29+ Ontario‑based brewers. With a history since 1927, we operate Retail Stores, Distribution Centres, Draught Services, Customer Experience Centre and Corporate Office. We focus on safety, sustainability, diversity and community engagement.

Role Overview

We are searching for a Director, Transportation to lead, transform and modernize transportation operations across TBS & BDL. This high‑impact leadership role requires a data‑driven operator to drive efficiency, service improvements, and technology adoption across a high‑volume distribution network.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for transportation operations across TBS & BDL, ensuring service excellence, safety and cost efficiency.
• Develop and execute long‑term transportation strategies, including capacity planning, fleet optimization and sustainability initiatives.
• Lead and mentor a high‑performing team, fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Manage fleet and material handling equipment (MHE), including capital purchases, ROI analysis, vendor negotiations and lifecycle planning.
• Oversee carrier selection and management for LTL and full truckload freight across multiple provinces, ensuring compliance and performance.
• Drive operational optimization through routing improvements, Lean methodologies and centralized control tower systems for real‑time visibility.
• Own financial performance for transportation, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Establish and manage strategic vendor partnerships, negotiating contracts and service‑level agreements to maximize value and reliability.
• Implement performance management frameworks leveraging KPIs and data analytics to improve delivery, fleet uptime and cost metrics.
• Champion innovation and technology adoption, piloting automation, digital tools and sustainability programs.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Finance, Supply Chain and IT to align transportation strategies with broader business objectives.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in transportation or logistics within a large, multi‑site network (ideally beverage, retail or CPG).
• 5+ years in a senior leadership/management role.
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to interpret and act on operational data.
• Deep understanding of transportation compliance, safety and maintenance regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of routing optimization, fleet lifecycle management and logistics cost drivers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in transportation management systems (Ortec, SAP, Power BI, Excel).
• Collaborative, solutions‑oriented and comfortable in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven ability to lead change, deliver process excellence and influence stakeholders.
• Results‑oriented, metrics‑driven leader with expertise in purchasing, supplier collaboration, development and compliance.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large operating and capital budgets.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy with strong analytical and vendor negotiation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration or related field.
• Professional designation: CITT, P. Log, Lean Six Sigma, PMP. Post‑graduate study in Supply Chain, Business or related field is an asset.