The Corporate Logistics Manager is responsible for overseeing transportation, inventory movement, fleet logistics, equipment distribution, yard operations, and supply chain processes across multiple dealership locations. The role is especially critical in ensuring timely delivery of agricultural, construction, turf, and compact equipment to customers while optimizing costs and maintaining safety and compliance standards.

Corporate Logistics Manager

Department: Supply Chain & Logistics
Reports To: Director of Supply Chain, Logistics, & Project Management
Location: Corporate Office / Remote

Position Summary

The Corporate Logistics Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing logistics and transportation strategies across the dealership network. This position oversees the movement of equipment, parts, and materials between dealership locations, manufacturers, vendors, and customers while ensuring operational efficiency, cost control, safety compliance, and exceptional customer service.

The Corporate Logistics Manager partners closely with Sales, Parts, Service, Asset Management, Precision Ag, and Executive Leadership teams to optimize equipment transfers, delivery schedules, inventory positioning, and transportation resources. The role is accountable for developing scalable logistics processes that support business growth and maximize asset utilization across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Logistics & Transportation Management

• Develop and execute corporate logistics strategies supporting all dealership locations.
• Manage transportation operations for new and used equipment, attachments, parts, and service-related deliveries.
• Coordinate movement of equipment between dealerships, customer sites, auctions, and John Deere facilities.
• Optimize routing, scheduling, and load planning to improve efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
• Establish and monitor logistics performance metrics, including delivery timeliness, transportation costs, equipment utilization, and customer satisfaction.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with third-party transportation providers and logistics vendors.

Fleet Management

• Oversee dealership transportation assets including trucks, trailers, service vehicles, and support equipment.
• Develop preventative maintenance programs for transportation equipment.
• Monitor fleet utilization, fuel consumption, licensing, and compliance requirements.
• Evaluate fleet replacement schedules and capital equipment needs.
• Ensure Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance and transportation safety standards are consistently maintained.

Equipment & Inventory Coordination

• Collaborate with Sales and Operations teams to manage equipment allocation and transfers.
• Analyze inventory distribution across locations to improve equipment availability and reduce excess inventory.
• Support equipment receiving, staging, storage, and delivery processes.
• Coordinate logistics requirements for seasonal equipment demand and special projects.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline logistics operations.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices across all locations.
• Utilize logistics software, transportation management systems (TMS), and ERP platforms to improve visibility and decision-making.
• Lead initiatives focused on reducing freight costs and improving delivery performance.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop logistics coordinators, transportation supervisors, drivers, and yard personnel.
• Establish performance goals and conduct employee evaluations.
• Coach team members on safety practices, customer service expectations, and operational procedures.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
• Maintain DOT, OSHA, and company safety requirements.
• Lead accident prevention programs and investigate transportation-related incidents.
• Monitor driver qualifications, certifications, and training requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all logistics operations.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• 5-10 years of progressive logistics, transportation, supply chain, or operations management experience.
• Experience managing multi-site logistics operations preferred.
• Experience within agricultural equipment, construction equipment, heavy equipment, manufacturing, or dealership operations highly preferred.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and transportation assets.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of transportation management, inventory control, and supply chain principles.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, fleet management practices, and transportation compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, logistics software, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools.
• Ability to analyze operational data and make strategic recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS, CSCMP, CLTD, or other supply chain/logistics certifications.
• Experience with agricultural and construction equipment logistics.
• Knowledge of AG operational processes and dealership environments.
• Experience with transportation optimization and logistics technology platforms.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time delivery performance
• Transportation cost per unit delivered
• Cost per mile
• Fleet utilization rate
• Equipment transfer cycle time
• Inventory turns and equipment availability
• Freight cost reduction
• Safety incident rate
• Customer satisfaction scores
• Driver productivity metrics

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between dealership locations and customer sites.
• Ability to work both in office and outdoor yard environments.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to inspect transportation equipment and logistics operations in various weather conditions.