Aquent

Head of Finished Vehicle Logistics

Aquent$290K — $315K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 10+ years of leadership experience in Finished Vehicle Logistics or a related field.
  • Proven experience with large automotive manufacturer customers.
  • Deep operational knowledge of port operations and rail transportation.
  • Experience managing multi-site operations and diverse teams.
  • Strong financial management skills with budget ownership experience.
  • Exceptional executive communication and relationship-building capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead all Finished Vehicle Logistics operations to enhance service reliability and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with executives to develop long-term network strategies for growth.
  • Build strong relationships with automotive manufacturers and strategic partners.
  • Oversee implementation of new customer programs and service offerings.
  • Manage operational budgets and drive cost optimization strategies.
  • Develop and inspire a high-performing organization across various locations.
  • Contribute to broader organizational strategy as a key executive team member.

Benefits

  • Relocation package available for non-local candidates.
  • Opportunity to influence enterprise strategy and network expansion.
  • Access to future leadership opportunities within the organization.
  • Chance to make a significant business impact in the automotive logistics field.
  • Engagement in a high-visibility executive position with growth potential.
Full Job Description
Placement Type:

Permanent

Salary:

$290,000-315,000 Salary

Start Date:

Aug 31, 2026

Head of Finshed Vehicle Logistics

Location: Irvine CA ( 100% on-site)

Relocation package provided for non-local candidates

This is an unparalleled opportunity for a transformative executive leader to step into a pivotal role as Director, Finished Vehicle Logistics. You will have full accountability for shaping the performance, scalability, and continuous improvement of a multimodal automotive logistics network. Your leadership will directly impact the efficiency and reliability of vehicle delivery across ports, Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs), rail operations, and trucking, playing a critical role in strengthening partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers and driving the future direction of the organization. This high-visibility executive position offers a succession-track opportunity with significant potential for expanded enterprise leadership responsibilities.

**Key Responsibilities**

* **Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence:** Lead end-to-end Finished Vehicle Logistics operations, establishing strategies that enhance service reliability, scalability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Drive accountability through key performance indicators (KPIs) such such as vehicle dwell time, transit performance, throughput, aging inventory, damage performance, and cost efficiency, while implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
* **Network Strategy & Business Growth:** Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute long-term network strategy. Identify and evaluate opportunities for expanding transportation capabilities, improving network capacity, and supporting future customer growth, including port expansion, inland terminal development, Vehicle Processing Center capabilities, and new service offerings.
* **Customer & Commercial Partnership:** Build and maintain robust executive relationships with automotive manufacturer customers and strategic partners. Serve as a trusted operational advisor, developing scalable logistics solutions that align with customer objectives and supporting business development initiatives.
* **Growth Execution & Operational Expansion:** Lead the operational implementation of new customer programs, vehicle volume increases, and expanded service offerings. Develop repeatable processes for successful onboarding and scalable growth, ensuring smooth transitions from commercial agreement to operational execution.
* **Financial Management & Performance Optimization:** Own operational budgets, cost management initiatives, and productivity improvement strategies across the network. Utilize data analytics and performance insights to drive operational decisions and maintain a strong understanding of P&L drivers.
* **Organizational Leadership & Talent Development:** Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing organization across multiple locations. Build leadership capabilities through mentoring and succession planning, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and customer excellence. Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to broader organizational strategy.

**Must-Have Qualifications**

* Bachelor's degree.
* 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within Finished Vehicle Logistics, automotive logistics, transportation, supply chain management, or related logistics environments.
* Proven experience supporting large automotive manufacturer customers.
* Deep operational knowledge of port operations, Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs), rail transportation, Finished Vehicle Logistics trucking, and automotive transportation networks.
* Demonstrated success leading large-scale, multi-site operational teams.
* Experience managing both direct and indirect labor organizations.
* Strong background managing executive customer relationships and strategic partnerships.
* Financial expertise including budget ownership, cost optimization, productivity improvement, and operational P&L management.
* Proven ability to lead transformation initiatives and support business growth.
* Exceptional executive communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into operational results.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications**

* Master's degree.
* 13+ years of progressive leadership experience in automotive logistics or Finished Vehicle Logistics transportation.
* Experience working within global logistics organizations supporting multiple automotive manufacturer customers.
* Background in transportation network expansion, infrastructure development, and strategic planning.
* Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide operational initiatives.
* Experience preparing organizations for growth, transformation, and future-state operating models.

**Why Join This Organization?**

This is a unique opportunity to join a global automotive logistics leader in a highly visible executive position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence enterprise strategy, drive network expansion, strengthen automotive manufacturer partnerships, and shape the future of Finished Vehicle Logistics across North America. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant business impact while positioning yourself for future enterprise leadership opportunities.

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