JM Smucker Company

Vice President, Distribution Operations & Transportation

JM Smucker Company • $160K — $200K *
Orrville, OH 44667Hybrid
Transportation
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Business, or related field.
  • 15+ years of progressive leadership in supply chain, logistics, or distribution in CPG/high-volume consumer sectors.
  • Expertise in transportation strategy, warehousing operations, and 3PL management.
  • Experience managing cross-border logistics between the U.S. and Canada.
  • Strong financial acumen for budget management and capital planning.
  • Exceptional executive communication skills, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Willingness to travel up to 15%.
  • Familiarity with AI and digital technologies in logistics.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute a multi-year distribution and transportation strategy.
  • Partner with cross-functional leaders to leverage logistics as a competitive advantage.
  • Benchmark logistics network and operational costs against industry leaders.
  • Lead the integration of AI and digital technologies for enhanced operations.
  • Manage multi-site distribution centers to meet service, safety, and cost KPIs.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
  • Oversee strategic facility planning and operational risk management.
  • Drive continuous improvement in transportation networks and performance.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of 9 on-site days per month.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
  • Engagement in strategic industry forums and networks.
  • Access to innovative technology solutions and automation initiatives.
  • Strong emphasis on a collaborative and safety-first workplace culture.
Full Job Description
Your Opportunity as the Vice President, Distribution Operations & Transportation

The Vice President of Distribution Operations & Transportation is responsible for leading end-to-end distribution, warehousing, and transportation operations across the J.M. Smucker Co.'s North America footprint. This role oversees both company owned and third-party distribution centers, national and cross-border transportation operations, and major 3PL partnerships to ensure world-class service performance, operational resilience, and cost efficiency. This role also has responsibility for our Sherbrooke, ON manufacturing facility.

Location: Orrville, Corporate Offices

Work Arrangements: Hybrid - onsite a minimum of 9 days a month primarily during core weeks as determined by the Company; maybe more as business need requires.

In this role you will:

Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute a multi-year distribution and transportation strategy aligned with enterprise supply chain and business objectives.
  • Partner across Commercial, Procurement, Manufacturing, Customer Supply Chain, Finance, and Digital to leverage logistics as a strategic competitive advantage that accelerates growth, improves customer experience, strengthens resilience, and expands margins.
  • Continuously benchmark Smucker's logistics network, operating costs, service performance, and capabilities against world-class internal and external peers, translating external best practices into competitive advantage and enterprise value creation.
  • Lead the strategic direction and adoption of Artificial Intelligence, Decision Intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital technologies to improve planning, transportation optimization, warehouse productivity, autonomous decision making, network visibility, and operational resilience.
  • Own multi-year productivity and transformation roadmaps, delivering committed cost savings, working capital improvements, and service enhancements across warehousing and transportation. Distribution & Warehouse Operations Excellence
  • Lead operations across multi-site distribution centers, both company owned and outsourced distribution centers ensuring service, safety, quality and cost KPIs are met.
  • Ensure full compliance with DOT, OSHA, environmental, labor, and food safety regulations.
  • Proactively manage operational risks, business continuity, and contingency planning across the distribution network.
  • Oversee facility strategy, including footprint optimization, capacity planning, lease negotiations, renewals, and exit strategies.
  • Represent Smucker externally through industry forums, strategic partnerships, technology ecosystems, and professional networks to identify disruptive innovations and position the company as a logistics leader.


Transportation Excellence
  • Oversee inbound, outbound, and intercompany transportation networks, ensuring reliable, cost effective service.
  • Drive continuous improvement in on time and in full (OTIF) performance, customer service metrics, and carrier compliance.
  • Lead carrier strategy, contract negotiations, and performance management, including 3PLs and dedicated fleets where applicable Automation, Technology & Innovation
  • Champion warehouse and transportation automation initiatives, including robotics, material handling systems, WMS/TMS optimization, and data analytics.
  • Partner with IT, engineering, and external vendors to deploy scalable, future ready solutions that improve throughput, visibility, and labor efficiency.
  • Leverage data to enable predictive decision making and continuous improvement across the network. Third Party & Vendor Management
  • Provide executive leadership for 3PL partnerships, ensuring performance accountability, contract compliance, and value creation.
  • Establish governance models, scorecards, and QBRs to drive continuous improvement and innovation from external partners. Team & Organizational Leadership
  • Lead and develop high-performing logistics teams across distribution and transportation.
  • Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.
  • Develop succession plans and talent pipelines to support long-term organizational capability.


Financial & Budget Ownership
  • Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets for distribution and transportation, including freight, warehousing, labor, automation, and leased facilities.
  • Drive monthly spend variance and reforecasting efforts throughout fiscal year.
  • Deliver productivity targets through network optimization, rate negotiations, automation, labor efficiency, and asset utilization improvements.


What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Business, or related field.
  • At least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in supply chain, logistics, or distribution within a CPG or high-volume consumer environment.
  • Deep expertise in transportation strategy, warehousing operations, and 3PL management, budget ownership and contract negotiations.
  • Experience leading cross-border U.S./Canada logistics.
  • Strong financial acumen and capital-planning experience.
  • Strong executive communication skills with experience influencing executives and cross functional stakeholders.
  • Up to 15% required travel


#LI-JW1

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About JM Smucker Company

J.M. Smucker Company manufactures and supplies spreads, warm beverages, sweeteners, condiments, decorating syrups, and milk products.

JM Smucker Company Careers

There has never been a more exciting time to explore the job opportunities at JM Smucker Company, a leader in the food industry known for its strong values and commitment to quality. As we continue to grow, we invite you to join our team of professionals, where innovation and leadership thrive. Work You’ll Do Join JM Smucker Company’s dynamic team to help drive growth and innovation in one of the most respected companies in the food sector. At JM Smucker, we are dedicated to transforming our business while upholding our unique culture of integrity and responsibility. Lead in a Unique Market Position At JM Smucker Company, you will find yourself at the crossroads of consumer needs and cutting-edge solutions. With a focus on diversity and professional development, we empower our employees to lead and innovate within the industry. Engage with a Skilled Team of Professionals Collaborate with over 7,000 dedicated employees who bring their skills and passion to our teams every day. At JM Smucker, we believe in nurturing talent through comprehensive training and development programs, ensuring that every team member can achieve their career goals. Introducing the JM Smucker Leadership and Innovation Initiative We are committed to fostering leadership and innovation across all levels of our company. This initiative is designed to support our employees in mastering their professional journey through continuous learning and leadership opportunities. Do Innovative Work Be part of a company that is as committed to innovation as it is to producing high-quality products. At JM Smucker Company, you will work on projects that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible in the food industry. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that values teamwork, leadership, and diversity. Our teams are made up of individuals from various backgrounds, working together to achieve common goals and drive success in the industry. Future-Proof Your Career With JM Smucker Company, your career is in good hands. We offer a variety of job opportunities, from internships to full-time positions, each accompanied by competitive benefits and the chance for growth. Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance your career, JM Smucker provides the resources and support to help you succeed. Explore Discover how our commitment to innovation leads to superior products and services: [Explore Our Innovations] Read more about how our teams are pioneering new techniques and flavors in the food industry. The JM Smucker Company Difference Our commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity sets us apart in the food industry. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to their growth and development. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always looking for passionate, creative, and driven individuals to join our team. [SEARCH JM SMUCKER JOBS] Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. [READ CAREERS BLOG] Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at JM Smucker Company. [SUBSCRIBE FOR JOB ALERTS]
Learn more about JM Smucker Company
Size
14,000 employees
Market Cap
$16.9 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$955.6 million
Founded
1897
5 Year Trend
+1.6%
Revenue
$8.1 billion
* Ladders Estimates

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