What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dir, Network Optimization & Logistics position at MSC Industrial Supply Co.?
BUILD A BETTER CAREER WITH MSC
Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries. We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.
Requisition ID :19833
Employment Type :Full Time
Job Category :Supply Chain
Work Location :Davidson, NC (CSC)
Brief Position Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director, Network Optimization & Logistics, to lead the optimization of our inbound supply chain operations. This leader will play a critical role in shaping how products flow into our network, improving cost efficiency, strengthening forecast accuracy, and enabling healthier inventory across the business. The Logistics Director plays a crucial role in implementing strategic plans in partnership with the organization, collaboratively supporting day-to-day operations of the Distribution Center with a focus on the systems, procedures, processes, and product flow. The ideal candidate is a seasoned logistics leader with a track record of operational excellence, cross?functional influence, and transformation leadership.
Duties And Responsibilities
What You Need:
Education
The salary range represented is based on similar roles in comparable industries, and the cost of labor in respective cities. Actual compensation is based on the candidate's relevant experience, education requirements and peer pay equity. The Company reserves the right to modify the range as market conditions change.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position at this time.
This job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 business days from the original posting date or longer as needed to fill the position.
WHY MSC?
People. Collaboration. Insight. That's how you build something that works. Built on a foundation of trust, MSC works side by side with our customers to help them drive business results. With more than one million product offerings and 80 years of experience across industries, MSC strives to help our customers achieve greater productivity, profitability, and growth through inventory management and other innovative supply chain solutions. We care about our associates and have programs in place to help our 6,500 team members achieve their potential.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Our associates are our top priority and investing in their well-being is one way we execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise. Alongside competitive pay, we have a comprehensive benefits program to support you and your family's health, well-being and financial future. We offer dynamic healthcare plans, generous 401K and stock purchasing programs, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and paid time away for holidays, vacations, and illness. Visit our page for a better look at our extensive benefits: Your Future Benefits.
You will also have the opportunity to join our Associate Inclusion Circles: Women, Pride, Black, Generational, Veterans, HOLA, and Able. These circles are open to all associates and are designed to promote awareness, collaboration, and respect.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
At MSC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and our associates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any category protected by applicable law. Accommodation requests can be made at any stage of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements known.
Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries. We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.
Requisition ID :19833
Employment Type :Full Time
Job Category :Supply Chain
Work Location :Davidson, NC (CSC)
Brief Position Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director, Network Optimization & Logistics, to lead the optimization of our inbound supply chain operations. This leader will play a critical role in shaping how products flow into our network, improving cost efficiency, strengthening forecast accuracy, and enabling healthier inventory across the business. The Logistics Director plays a crucial role in implementing strategic plans in partnership with the organization, collaboratively supporting day-to-day operations of the Distribution Center with a focus on the systems, procedures, processes, and product flow. The ideal candidate is a seasoned logistics leader with a track record of operational excellence, cross?functional influence, and transformation leadership.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Evaluate and refine current inbound logistics processes and controls.
- Analyze shipment modes, consolidation opportunities, and cross?dock feasibility.
- Establish baseline KPIs that define success for inbound performance.
- Manage high-value freight P & L with strong control of transportation costs and deliver executive-level financial reporting and strategic recommendations to C-suite leaders.
- Lead the logistics strategy and all associated contract negotiations with carriers and vendor partners.
- Ensure compliance with all transportation laws and regulations, monitoring changes in legislation and transport systems, routes, and infrastructure.
- Manage the import teams and the processes that support import freight.
- Balance the needs of the CFCs with the needs of the organization, identifying, analyzing, and weighing outcomes for various work centers when making decisions.
- Flex and adapt strategy and actions when external forces impact the supply chain landscape, partnering appropriately to ensure implementation and results.
- Identify, analyze, and resolve operational issues using structured problem-solving and root cause analysis techniques.
- Proactively communicate shipment risks, delays, and mitigation plans to both internal and external partners is essential.
- In addition to import operations, they will be responsible for developing and maintaining advanced Excel-based data models to support logistics visibility, forecasting, and performance measurement.
- Build dashboards, scorecards, and exception reports using tools like Microsoft Excel, Power Pivot, and BI tools. Automating manual reporting processes to enhance accuracy, speed, and scalability is a key part of this role.
- Redesign inbound flows in partnership with Category and Planning teams.
- Improve mode management, routing, and shipment consolidation using TMS and analytics tools.
- Implement freight cost controls and inbound visibility processes.
- Develop a consolidated purchasing and inbound volume forecast model.
- Deliver weekly inbound volume forecasts to Customer Fulfillment Centers.
- Improve integration of forecasting within enterprise planning systems.
- Lead implementation and rollout of new inbound processes and SOPs.
- Pilot new initiatives across categories and scale based on performance.
- Train teams across BU, Planning, and Logistics to ensure alignment and adoption.
- Designs forward-looking strategies that elevate inbound operations and inventory health.
- Makes data-driven decisions balancing cost, service, and speed.
- Builds strong partnerships across BU, Planning, CFC Operations, Finance, and Category teams.
- Communicates clearly and drives alignment across stakeholders.
- Deep knowledge of freight management, shipment routing, TMS, and aged inventory dynamics.
- Leverages systems to deliver improved visibility and process control.
- Translates data insights into business actions and continuous improvements.
- Leads transformation programs with structured rollout and follow?through.
- Ensures teams are trained, supported, and equipped for new processes.
- Aligns inbound processes with Go?to?Market strategies and customer fulfillment needs.
- Connects logistics decisions to financial impact and customer experience.
- Drives the MSC Culture in the department and throughout the company to ensure fulfillment of MSC's vision and unity of purpose.
- Participation in special projects and performs additional duties as required
What You Need:
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, or related field or the equivalent experience is required.
- 10 years of experience in logistics, supply chain, or operations leadership.
- Expertise in inbound logistics, freight management, cross-docking, and consolidation strategies.
- Strong understanding of inventory lifecycle and recovery channels.
- Proficiency with TMS, ERP, forecasting, and BI tools.
- Advanced data analysis capabilities and financial acumen.
- Proven track record in process redesign, logistics transformation, and program management.
- Exceptional communication and cross-functional leadership abilities.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Master's degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain/Operations) preferred.
- Professional certifications (APICS CPIM/CSCP, CSCMP SCPro, Lean Six Sigma) are a plus.
- A valid driver's license may be required.
- Position requires up to 20% travel
- This position may require access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations Information (“ITAR”) and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (“CUI”)
The salary range represented is based on similar roles in comparable industries, and the cost of labor in respective cities. Actual compensation is based on the candidate's relevant experience, education requirements and peer pay equity. The Company reserves the right to modify the range as market conditions change.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position at this time.
This job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 business days from the original posting date or longer as needed to fill the position.
WHY MSC?
People. Collaboration. Insight. That's how you build something that works. Built on a foundation of trust, MSC works side by side with our customers to help them drive business results. With more than one million product offerings and 80 years of experience across industries, MSC strives to help our customers achieve greater productivity, profitability, and growth through inventory management and other innovative supply chain solutions. We care about our associates and have programs in place to help our 6,500 team members achieve their potential.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Our associates are our top priority and investing in their well-being is one way we execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise. Alongside competitive pay, we have a comprehensive benefits program to support you and your family's health, well-being and financial future. We offer dynamic healthcare plans, generous 401K and stock purchasing programs, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and paid time away for holidays, vacations, and illness. Visit our page for a better look at our extensive benefits: Your Future Benefits.
You will also have the opportunity to join our Associate Inclusion Circles: Women, Pride, Black, Generational, Veterans, HOLA, and Able. These circles are open to all associates and are designed to promote awareness, collaboration, and respect.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
At MSC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and our associates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any category protected by applicable law. Accommodation requests can be made at any stage of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements known.
Salary : $127,750 - $200,750