We are seeking a strategic, results-driven and highly collaborative leader to lead Canadian Tire's end-to-end Transportation function. This role is accountable for delivering reliable, cost-efficient, and resilient product flow from global vendors through to our Banners stores (CTR, Sport Chek, Mark's) and eCommerce fulfillment nodes.
The VP, Transportation will lead a complex, multi-modal network spanning ocean, rail, drayage, and over-the-road, while advancing a modern, digitally enabled transportation agenda. This includes leveraging advanced analytics, optimization tools, and TMS capabilities to improve service, reduce cost, and enhance visibility.
Success in this role requires a strong operator with a transformation mindset-someone who can balance in-year performance delivery (cost, service, inventory flow) with longer-term network optimization, carrier strategy, and capability building. The role will partner closely across Supply Chain, Merchandising, Finance, and Technology, as well as with external carrier partners and government stakeholders.
What you'll do:- Deliver on-time, in-full (OTIF) service performance to stores and customers
- Achieve annual transportation cost targets and identify incremental savings opportunities
- Improve network efficiency through mode optimization, consolidation, and flow improvements
- Advance TMS and data capabilities to enable real-time visibility and decision-making
- Strengthen carrier performance and contractual outcomes
- Enhance resiliency and risk mitigation across the transportation network
- End-to-End Transportation Strategy & Execution:
- Lead global and domestic transportation strategy across all modes (ocean, rail, truckload, intermodal, final mile)
- Ensure consistent, high service levels to stores and customers while optimizing total landed cost
- Carrier Strategy & Commercial Leadership:
- Own all carrier sourcing, contracting, and negotiation strategies (ocean, rail, road)
- Build strategic, performance-based partnerships with key transportation providers
- Continuously benchmark rates and service against market conditions
- Cost Management & Productivity:
- Deliver transportation budgets and identify in-year savings opportunities (freight, fuel, accessorials)
- Drive productivity through network optimization, mode shift, consolidation, and backhaul strategies
- Digital & Systems Transformation:
- Lead advancement of Transportation Management Systems (e.g., OTM) and analytics capabilities
- Embed data-driven decision making, real-time visibility, and AI-enabled optimization into operations
- Network Optimization & Flow Management:
- Partner across Supply Chain to optimize end-to-end product flow, balancing service, cost, and inventory
- Support peak planning, disruption management, and contingency strategies
- Regulatory, Compliance & ESG:
- Ensure compliant, safe, and secure transportation operations (customs, dangerous goods, transport regulations)
- Advance sustainability initiatives including emissions reduction, mode optimization, and fuel strategy
- People Leadership & Culture:
- Lead and develop a high-performing, engaged transportation team across Canada
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration
- Key Relationships:
- SVP Supply Chain & Supply Chain Leadership Team
- Merchandising, Finance, and Digital/Technology leaders
- Distribution Centre and Inventory Planning leadership
- External partners: ocean carriers, rail providers (CN/CPKC), 3PLs, drayage and fleet providers
- Canadian Tire Dealers
- Government and regulatory bodies
What you bring:- 12-15+ years of progressive leadership experience in transportation or broader supply chain within a complex, multi-node retail or consumer environment
- Deep expertise across global and domestic transportation (ocean, rail, trucking, intermodal)
- Proven track record of leading large-scale carrier negotiations and managing significant freight spend
- Strong financial and commercial acumen with ability to manage budgets and deliver cost reduction
- Experience leading digital transformation (TMS, analytics, optimization tools)
- Demonstrated ability to influence at senior executive levels internally and externally
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA, PLog, or equivalent considered an asset
- Operator + Strategist: Proven ability to deliver in-year results while building longer-term capability
- Commercially Savvy Negotiator: Strong track record managing large, complex carrier portfolios
- Digitally Enabled Leader: Comfortable leveraging data, analytics, and systems to drive decisions
- Enterprise Thinker: Looks beyond transportation to optimize total supply chain performance
- Collaborative Influencer: Builds strong partnerships across functions, Dealers, and external partners
- Change Leader: Experienced driving transformation in established, tenured organizations
- Calm Under Pressure: Effective in managing disruption, peak volumes, and network volatility
#LI-RM1
This posting represents an existing vacancy within our organization.
We may use artificial intelligence tools as part of our recruitment process to assist in the initial screening of resumes. All hiring decisions, including candidate evaluation, selection, and disposition, are made by human recruiters.
