Director of Transportation

The Director of Transportation leads outbound freight and transportation, exceptions, and reverse logistics/returns for NewAge's logistics network. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role owns carrier strategy, OTIF performance, exceptions and claims resolution, and returns processing, partnering closely with the Director of Warehousing & Inbound and cross-functional teams to drive service, cost, and quality outcomes across the network. This is an analytically-led role: the successful candidate combines transportation and logistics operating experience with genuine, hands-on expertise in data analytics and AI-enabled tools, using them as a primary lever — not a peripheral skill — to drive network, cost, and service decisions, and is accountable for building and developing a high-performing team across these functions. RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Leadership & Network Optimization Develop and execute the transportation and reverse-logistics strategy in alignment with business growth objectives. Design and optimize the outbound carrier and network footprint. Lead capacity planning and infrastructure scaling initiatives for outbound transportation and returns processing. Identify automation and technology investments (TMS, routing/optimization tools, BI tools). Drive continuous improvement initiatives across transportation, exceptions, and returns. Outbound Freight & Transportation Oversee parcel, LTL, FTL, intermodal, and own the home delivery customer experience, including coordination with white-glove delivery and installation service partners. Drive OTIF (On-Time, In-Full) performance. Manage routing guides and carrier scorecards. Lead freight budget planning and cost reduction initiatives. Manage carrier relationships and freight rate negotiations. Exceptions Management Own resolution and root-cause analysis of shipment, delivery, and fulfillment exceptions across carriers and 3PLs. Limit the financial liability associated with claims, damages, and mishandling. Reduce exceptions caused by manufacturing, warehouse, and delivery issues, ensuring SLA compliance. Report monthly on exceptions trends and drive timely resolution. Tie exceptions and claims performance to process improvements and P&L impact. Reverse Logistics & Returns Develop and optimize returns processing workflows. Reduce return cycle times and recovery losses. Implement disposition strategies (restock, refurbish, liquidation). Analyze root causes of returns and partner with cross-functional teams on improvements. Develop department budget and weekly/monthly reporting insights for cross-functional teams to reduce returns, damages, and claims. Data, Analytics & AI-Enabled Performance Bring hands-on expertise using AI-driven and automation tools — not just familiarity — to identify and implement where AI/ML-based tools (e.g., predictive analytics, anomaly detection, routing optimization) can reduce manual effort and improve accuracy. Use data and reporting to drive decisions across transportation, exceptions, and returns — including dashboarding and root-cause analysis. Proactively surface risks and mitigation tactics using available data; measure outcomes to determine effectiveness. Drive a culture of data-based decision-making within the team. Financial Management Own the P&L and annual operating budget for outbound transportation, exceptions, and reverse logistics. Forecast freight, claims, and returns-related expenses. Identify cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service levels. Evaluate and negotiate carrier and 3PL contracts. Team Leadership & Development Lead managers and teams across outbound transportation, exceptions, and returns. Build succession planning and talent development programs. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Establish KPI-driven performance management frameworks. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Travel to the Toronto Experience Centre approximately 6 times per year Travel within Canad…

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