Job Description

About Company:

The Legacy Companies is a leading international manufacturer and exporter of food service equipment serving over 130 countries through a network of distributors, dealers and retail channels, representing a diverse portfolio of trusted, quality and leading brands such as: Avanti, Bevles, Blakeslee, Chef’sChoice, Excalibur, General, Legion, Maxx Cold, Maxx Ice, Maxx Scientific, Nautilus, Omega, Sapphire, Vintotemp, Vinturi, WestBend, Yonanas and Zeroll. The Legacy Companies works with world class partners to develop, source and market healthy, convenient and enjoyable solutions for the restaurant, hospitality, grocery, convenience store, entertainment, education and healthcare industries.          

About the Role:

The Director of Distribution plays a pivotal role in overseeing and optimizing the entire distribution network within a manufacturing environment to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of products. This leadership position is responsible for developing strategic distribution plans that align with company goals, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and managing relationships with logistics partners and internal teams. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of inventory management, transportation logistics, and warehouse operations to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. The Director will lead a team of distribution managers and coordinators, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and high performance. Ultimately, this position ensures that the distribution function supports customer satisfaction and business growth through reliable and scalable distribution solutions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in distribution, logistics, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing distribution teams and complex logistics operations.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and inventory control.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic distribution plans that improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with international distribution and compliance regulations.
• Professional certifications such as APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD).
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement distribution strategies that optimize cost, efficiency, and service levels across all channels.
• Manage and lead the distribution team, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, sales, and supply chain departments to forecast demand and plan inventory distribution accordingly.
• Oversee warehouse operations, transportation logistics, and third-party logistics providers to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Analyze distribution metrics and KPIs to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements with carriers and logistics partners to secure favorable terms and maintain strong partnerships.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven insights and industry best practices to enhance distribution processes.
• Ensure adherence to budgetary constraints while maintaining high service quality and operational efficiency.
• Lead crisis management and problem resolution related to distribution disruptions or delays.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes impacting distribution and logistics.

Skills:

The Director of Distribution utilizes strong leadership and communication skills daily to manage and motivate a diverse team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Analytical skills are essential for interpreting distribution data and KPIs to make informed decisions that enhance operational performance. Expertise in logistics software and systems enables efficient management of inventory, transportation, and warehouse activities. Negotiation and relationship management skills are critical when working with carriers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to secure optimal service levels and cost savings. Additionally, problem-solving and strategic planning skills are applied continuously to address challenges, implement improvements, and adapt distribution strategies in a dynamic manufacturing environment.