Logistics Manager

Company Overview Auto Electric Service (AES) is a locally owned wholesale distribution company serving the automotive aftermarket, agricultural, and industrial sectors across Southern Saskatchewan. Founded in 1943, AES has built a trusted reputation through strong customer relationships, an unmatched product assortment, and reliable service. The company is entering a transformative growth phase, with a strategy to scale its operations to support 2.5 times its current revenue. This role will be critical to building the operational infrastructure to support that growth. Position Overview The Director of Logistics will lead the strategic and operational management of logistics, warehousing, and distribution functions across our growing automotive parts business. This newly created position will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and optimizing the processes, systems, and infrastructure required to support significant company growth—2.5 times over the next 5 years. This role oversees a central distribution center and six branch locations that serve a diverse customer base, including wholesale, retail, and affiliate stores, spanning the southern two-thirds of Saskatchewan. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of logistics network design, freight optimization, warehouse management, and supply chain efficiency—balancing cost, service, and scalability. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute the company's logistics strategy to support growth targets and service-level objectives. Design and implement scalable logistics processes, distribution models, and systems that align with corporate goals. Lead long-term planning for network expansion, capacity management, and fleet utilization. Establish and track KPIs related to transportation cost, delivery performance, warehouse efficiency, and inventory accuracy. Distribution & Transportation Management Oversee all aspects of freight logistics, including route design, carrier relationships, and freight optimization for cost and service efficiency. Ensure effective scheduling and routing of deliveries across Saskatchewan's branch network. Evaluate and negotiate contracts with carriers and logistics service providers. Implement robust delivery tracking, with weekly reporting of the number of deliveries, on-time percentage, delivery errors, and cost per delivery. Develop strategies for improved on-time delivery, reduced freight damage, and enhanced customer experience. Warehouse & Inventory Operations Lead the management of the central Distribution Center and collaborate with branch operations to maintain inventory accuracy and replenish efficiency. Standardize warehouse practices, procedures, and layouts across all facilities to maximize space, safety, and productivity. Partner with Purchasing and IT teams to enhance system integration and visibility across the supply chain. Implement technology-driven improvements (e.g., WMS, DiDMS) to support automation and data-driven decision-making. Team Development & Leadership Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing logistics and distribution team. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, IT, and Operations to ensure alignment on service levels, costs, and priorities. Process Improvement & Innovation Evaluate current logistics and distribution processes to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. Lead continuous improvement initiatives using EOS. Drive sustainability efforts in fleet and warehouse operations (fuel efficiency, packaging reduction, route optimization). Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Freight cost per item, delivery cost per order. On-time delivery rate. Warehouse productivity metrics (lines/hour, order accuracy, etc.). Inventory accuracy and fill rate. Logistics process improvement milestones. Employee engagement and turnover in logistics team. Candidate Profile Required Experience: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field required. Professional designation (e.g., CITT, P.Log., APICS/CPIM/CSCP) considered an asset. 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in logistics, warehousing, or distribution—preferably in the automotive parts or related aftermarket industry. Proven experience building logistics infrastructure and processes in a growing organization. Strong understanding of transportation across rural and regional networks. Demonstrated success managing road freight operations and working with third-party carriers. Experience with ERP, WMS, and TMS systems implementation or optimization. Skills & Attributes Strategic Leadership & Execution: Able to set a clear logistics vision and translate it into actionable, measurable process improvements. Executes plans with urgency, discipline, and accountability. Change & People Leadership: Mobilizes people, resources, and technology to drive transformation. Builds, develops, and retains high-performing, safety-focused teams. Fosters a positive culture of continuous improvement and high performance. Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses analytics, KPIs, and reporting tools to identify opportunities, measure impact, and manage by data. Applies Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen principles to process optimization. Technical Supply Chain Expertise: Proficient in WMS/ERP (e.g., Indago, Vision), warehouse automation, and route optimization systems (TMS). Skilled at slotting, inventory control, space planning, and maximizing warehouse productivity. Vendor & Network Management: Negotiates and manages freight, 3PL, and vendor relationships to balance cost, speed, and service. Designs efficient delivery networks and transportation routes. Safety, Compliance & Technology Adoption: Maintains rigorous compliance with all warehousing and transport regulations. Champions technology adoption—automation, real-time tracking, scanning/barcoding—to improve accuracy, visibility, and efficiency. Cross-Functional & Owner Mindset: Collaborates effectively across branches, sales, and support teams. Acts with integrity and proactivity, resolving challenges and seizing operational opportunities for continuous improvement. Core Values Solution Focus – Approach every challenge with a problem-solving mindset. Humbly Confident – Lead with humility, staying open to learning and focused on serving others. Customer Experience Obsessed – Care about making sure internal and external customers feel valued and supported. Foot on the Accelerator – Move with urgency and passion. Benefits Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive health and dental coverage. Life and disability insurance. Company pension plan. Employee discounts. Flexible scheduling for work-life balance. Paid time off and holiday pay. Training and development opportunities. Join our team and take the next step in your career in a supportive, fast-paced environment where every detail counts and every order matters. If you take pride in your work and enjoy being part of a trusted local company, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to become a valued member of the Auto Electric Service Ltd. team. #J-18808-Ljbffr