Vice President of Transportation

Description Pet Food Experts | Vice President of Transportation Location: Pawtucket, Rhode Island Travel: Up to 50% At Pet Food Experts (PFX), we believe exceptional service starts with exceptional people. As a leading distributor of pet food, treats, toys, and supplies, we serve thousands of independent pet specialty retailers across the country through a growing network of distribution centers and transportation operations.

We're looking for a Vice President of Transportation to lead the strategy, performance, and continued evolution of our national transportation network. This leader will oversee our private fleet, routing and dispatch operations, and third-party carrier partnerships while driving improvements in efficiency, safety, cost, and customer service.

This is an opportunity for an experienced, hands-on transportation leader who knows how to turn strategy into execution. We're looking for someone who can challenge existing processes, optimize complex delivery networks, and develop a strong team of transportation professionals. The right leader will bring both the technical expertise to drive meaningful operational improvements and the people-first leadership style to build engagement, accountability, and long-term success.

What You'll Do

As the Vice President of Transportation, you will lead transportation operations across our distribution network, balancing service excellence, operational efficiency, financial performance, and safety. You will: Develop and execute a national transportation strategy aligned with business growth, customer service, and financial objectives.

Lead and optimize multi-site private fleet operations, including transportation managers, dispatch teams, drivers, and fleet resources. Own route planning, optimization, and network design, identifying opportunities to improve delivery efficiency, reduce miles and costs, and maximize fleet utilization. Evaluate and improve daily routing and dispatch processes, creating greater consistency, efficiency, and accountability across locations.

Oversee transportation budgets, financial performance, and key operational metrics, driving measurable improvements in cost per stop, cost per mile, and overall service levels. Manage fleet strategy, equipment utilization, and capital planning to support operational needs and future growth. Evaluate and manage third-party transportation partnerships, including LTL, truckload, final-mile, and inter-DC shuttle services.

Ensure compliance with DOT/FMCSA regulations, safety standards, and applicable food safety and temperature-controlled transportation requirements. Build, coach, and develop transportation leaders, strengthening team capabilities, succession planning, and employee retention. Leverage transportation technology, routing systems, and performance data to identify trends, improve decision-making, and drive continuous improvement.

Partner with Distribution Operations, Sales, Customer Service, Finance, HR, and other teams to improve execution and the overall customer experience. Lead transportation improvement initiatives, standardize best practices, and support the continued growth and evolution of the PFX network. How You Lead This role requires more than transportation expertise.

We're looking for a leader who: Is equally comfortable developing long-term strategy and getting into the details of daily transportation operations. Brings deep expertise in route optimization and knows how to lead complex network changes from analysis through execution. Is passionate about developing people, building strong leadership teams, and helping others reach their potential.

Creates a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement. Challenges the status quo, identifies opportunities for improvement, and brings practical solutions to complex operational challenges. Uses data to guide decisions while understanding the real-world impact on drivers, customers, and operations.

Communicates effectively across all levels of the organization and builds strong cross-functional relationships. Leads change with confidence, humility, and a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt. What You Bring 10+ years of progressive transportation or logistics leadership experience, including at least 5 years leading multi-site private fleet operations.

5+ years of transportation P&L or budget ownership, with demonstrated success reducing costs and improving service performance. Proven experience leading route optimization, network redesign, and transportation efficiency initiatives. Strong knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations, transportation safety programs, and regulatory compliance.

Experience managing third-party transportation providers, carrier relationships, and freight costs. Demonstrated success developing transportation leaders and managing geographically dispersed teams. Strong financial and analytical capabilities, with experience using transportation metrics to drive operational decisions.

Proficiency with transportation management systems, routing and optimization technology, telematics, and related data tools. Excellent communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and change-management skills. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in food, grocery, foodservice, pet products, or similar wholesale distribution environments. Experience with temperature-controlled transportation, including refrigerated and frozen distribution. MBA or other relevant advanced degree. Additional Expectations Ability to travel up to 50% to support transportation operations across the PFX network.

Flexibility to respond to critical operational needs outside standard business hours when necessary. Why Pet Food Experts? At PFX, we don't just move product, we build relationships, develop people, and create a culture rooted in our values: Family. Inclusion. Dependability. Curiosity. Humility. You'll be part of a team that cares deeply about doing the right thing, working hard, and having fun along the way.

Benefits

& Perks of Being Part of the PFX Pack Competitive Compensation Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Retirement Savings with Employer Match Flexible Time Off Paid Parental Leave Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Pet Perks & Product Discounts Additional Voluntary Benefits Pet Food Experts is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace.

All employment offers are contingent upon completion of a background check.