Job Title: VP, Transportation LeadFunction: TransportationDivision: NAFS - TransportationLocation: Cranbury, NJand Clark, NJReports To: SVP, NAFS What You Will Do:Are you ready to lead one of the most dynamic, large-scale consumer goods transportation networks in North America?
As the
Head of North America Transportation, you will own and transform the end-to-end physical flow of goods. Reporting directly to senior operations leadership within North America Fulfillment Services (NAFS), you will serve as the executive leader bridging day-to-day operational execution (
Operate) with strategic capability building, governance, and digital transformation (
Build & Adapt / NOE).
Your scope spans the entire value chain: inbound freight from global suppliers into our manufacturing plants, plant-to-distribution center replenishment, and outbound delivery from our DC network to major retail partners, salons, specialty channels, and directly to consumers' doorsteps.
You will lead the strategy and operational execution across three vital business mandates:
- Cost-to-Serve Optimization: Partnering with Indirect Sourcing and commercial divisions to drive structural freight efficiencies, mode conversions (LTL to TL/Intermodal), and payload optimization.
- Customer Service Excellence: Driving flawless On-Time Pickup (OTPU) and On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance through carrier relationship management and tight integration with our distribution center network.
- Sustainable Logistics & Decarbonization: Leading the L'Oréal for the Future (L4TF) transportation agenda, implementing green freight initiatives, and meeting aggressive carbon reduction targets while supporting aggressive business growth.
Key Responsibilities1. End-to-End Operational Leadership (Operate)- P&L and Financial Stewardship: Manage the North America transportation budget. Drive cost-to-serve reduction initiatives, eliminate operational waste (accessorials, detention, expedited freight), and ensure financial predictability.
- Network Execution & Performance: Lead domestic operations, international freight forwarding, dedicated fleets, and final-mile delivery across all North American channels (B2B, Retail, Specialty, and D2C).
- Service Delivery: Maintain top-tier SLA compliance, focusing on On-Time Pickup (OTPU), On-Time Delivery (OTD), carrier capacity commitments, and retailer compliance chargeback minimization.
- Carrier Strategy & Sourcing Alignment: In close partnership with Indirect Sourcing, drive strategic carrier allocation, master service agreements, rate negotiations, quarterly business reviews (QBRs), and performance scorecards.
- Cross-Functional Integration: Partner with Plant Managers, DC Operations Leaders, Customer Care, and Commercial Divisions to align shipping schedules, prebuild movements, and peak volume execution.
2. Strategic Transformation & Network of Excellence (Build & Adapt)- Global NOE Governance: Act as the North American leader for the Global Transportation Network of Excellence (NOE). Deploy global standards, KPI definitions, auditing frameworks, and operating methodologies across the zone.
- Digital Suite & Systems (TMS/SAP): Own the roadmap, rollout, and optimization of our next-generation Transportation Management Systems (TMS), tracking tools, parcel rate-shopping engines, and operational analytics platforms.
- Network Redesign & Growth Strategy: Partner with Engineering and Fulfillment NOE leaders on multi-year network studies, identifying optimal flow paths, cross-dock opportunities, and fulfillment center positioning.
- Systems Remediation & Continuous Improvement: Lead operational readiness, post-go-live stabilization, and data cleansing initiatives following enterprise ERP and WMS implementations.
3. Sustainability & Innovation (L'Oréal for the Future)- Decarbonization Roadmap: Lead the zone transportation sustainability strategy to achieve company Net Zero targets.
- Green Freight Solutions: Evaluate, pilot, and scale lower-emission alternatives, including fleet electrification, alternative fuels, intermodal expansion, and optimized route density to actively offset volume growth.
4. People & Organization Leadership- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across Domestic Operations, International Operations, Continuous Improvement, and Systems.
- Foster a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and cross-functional collaboration across plant, DC, and corporate teams.
What We Are Looking ForRequired Qualifications:- Experience: 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in transportation, logistics, or end-to-end supply chain within large-scale, high-velocity consumer goods (CPG), retail, or complex manufacturing environments.
- Financial & Scale Acumen: Proven track record managing large-scale freight budgets ($100M+) with deep knowledge of North American carrier markets, parcel networks, LTL/TL dynamics, and intermodal transport.
- Systems & Digital Fluency: Extensive experience with enterprise-grade Transportation Management Systems (e.g., SAP TM, OTM, Blue Yonder, Manhattan) and modern visibility/telematics platforms.
- Procurement & Negotiation: Demonstrated success collaborating with sourcing teams on multi-million-dollar RFP events, contract negotiation, and carrier relationship management.
- Operational Mindset: Strong root-cause problem-solving capabilities with a bias toward data-driven execution and operational discipline.
- Education: Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline (Master's/MBA preferred).
- Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent, ongoing basis is required. No immigration support/sponsorship offered for this role
- Being present in the office three days a week is considered an essential function of all office-based roles for eligible full-time employees.
Preferred Attributes:- Direct experience managing international freight, customs clearance, and global ocean/air lanes.
- Proven leadership in logistics sustainability programs (SmartWay, carbon accounting, alternative fleet deployment).
- High executive presence with the ability to influence cross-functional leaders, divisional general managers, and global stakeholders.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate teams.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and Solvace.
What's In It For You:- Salary Range: $212,500 - 250,000 base salary (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level)
- Competitive Benefit Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
- Hybrid Work Policy (3 Days in Office, 2 Days Work from Home)
- Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
- Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L'Oréal's Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
- Learning & Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
- Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
- Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs
To learn more about L'Oréal's commitment to sustainability, please click HERE Don't meet every single requirement? At L'Oréal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!
