Director, Transportation and Logistics

As Director, Transportation and Logistics for Alaska Commercial Company (ACC), you will lead the planning, direction, coordination and continuous improvement of transportation, logistics, depot and warehouse operations supporting Alaska Commercial stores and Pacific Alaska Wholesale (PAW). You'll own transportation strategy and execution, carrier and postal relationships, freight rates and contracts, depot and dispatch operations, and technology-enabled continuous improvement — balancing safety, service and cost across a complex Alaska and Pacific Northwest network. If you're a strategic operator who thrives on solving logistics challenges in remote and unique markets, this is an exciting opportunity to lead a critical function for our business.

Joining ACC gives you the opportunity for growth and development throughout the company, a competitive salary and benefits package, and to be part of a dynamic and diverse culture.

ACC is a subsidiary of The North West Company International (NWCI), a leading retailer of under-served rural communities and urban neighborhood markets in the following regions: Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands, and the Caribbean. Our stores offer a broad range of products and services with an emphasis on food. Our value offer is to be the best local shopping choice for everyday household and local lifestyle needs. Check out www.alaskacommercial.com for more information.

Your Responsibilities:

• Plan, direct and maintain an efficient multimodal WMS transportation network supporting Alaska Commercial stores and PAW, overseeing inbound and outbound freight planning, lane allocation, scheduling, delivery performance, dispatch and company-owned transportation assets while balancing service and cost

• Lead safe, cost-effective depot and warehouse operations, developing practices and systems that preserve inventory selling condition, control shrink, support accurate inventories and protect facilities and equipment through effective maintenance

• Negotiate freight rates and terms, manage carrier and vendor contracts and service expectations, and manage the United States Postal Service relationship supporting bypass mail

• Lead transportation and cost-opportunity analysis, using performance metrics to guide decisions, improve logistics through technology, benchmark providers and implement improvements in efficiency, cost, safety and service

• Partner with stores and internal departments to improve operating metrics, align freight services with store requirements, resolve logistics issues and claims, and address root causes

• Build team capability through accountability, coaching and succession planning; ensure health, safety, employment and permitting compliance; and develop and control labor, operating and capital budgets
 

Skills and Qualifications:

• 5 years of progressively responsible transportation, logistics, distribution, depot or supply-chain experience preferred; retail and remote-market experience strongly preferred

• Demonstrated understanding of Alaska transportation networks and freight modes, including bypass mail, air, ocean, barge, road and local delivery

• Previous management experience with accountability for operational results and development of managers and supervisors

• Proven ability to lead vendor negotiations and manage contracts, rates and service expectations

• Experience with transportation, warehouse and financial modeling tools; Blue Yonder or a comparable WMS system is an asset

• Ability to monitor key performance indicators, analyze service and cost performance and make timely adjustments

• Strong organizational, planning, leadership, written and verbal communication skills

• Post-secondary education in supply chain, logistics, business, accounting or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

• Valid driver's license and passport, with ability to meet company travel requirements

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word
 

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced transportation, depot and warehouse environment requiring accurate information and timely decisions

• Work is performed in an office setting with regular presence in operating areas

• Occasional travel is required to stores, carrier facilities and other company locations

• Regular use of a computer and mobile phone is required

 

Location: Anchorage, Alaska OR Tacoma, Washington

Reports to: Vice President, Supply Chain Optimization | NWC
 

We create a collaborative and constructive culture by:

• Acting with Integrity • Fostering excellence • Respecting Others • Working Collaboratively • Being Accountable

The North West Company is committed to inclusion and diversity and encourages applications from all candidates including but not limited to: all religions and ethnicities, LGBTQ2s+, BIPOC, and persons with disabilities.

You may include your resume and cover letter together as a single document. A competitive salary is being offered along with opportunities to learn, develop and advance throughout the organization. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.