Senior Manager Distribution Strategy – US/CAN

What we look for

The Senior Manager Distribution Strategy for Clarios (US/CA Region) is responsible for shaping and executing the long‑term distribution network strategy that supports growth, improves customer service performance, and drives cost efficiency across the region. This role leads strategic design of the end-to-end distribution footprint, encompassing FC/warehouse placement, transportation flows, inventory positioning, and outbound service capabilities. The Senior Manager partners closely with Operations, Commercial, Finance, Procurement, Transportation, and Global Supply Chain teams to ensure Clarios maintains a resilient, scalable, and competitive distribution network.

How you will do it

Distribution Network Strategy & Optimization

• Develop and maintain the Clarios US and Canada distribution network strategy, including long-term planning for warehouse capacity, facility location modeling, and regional service design.
• Lead future network optimization studies using data‑driven modeling tools to balance service requirements, transportation cost, inventory positioning, and operational capacity.

Operational Performance & Service Improvement

• Define service-level design standards (lead times, delivery frequency, order cut-off) across customer segments.
• Collaborate with Operations and Transportation teams to implement distribution strategies that enhance reliability, responsiveness, and market competitiveness.
• Monitor key KPIs—network cost per unit, transportation cost performance, service levels, and inventory velocity—and identify structural improvement opportunities.

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Work closely with Commercial and Demand Planning teams to understand customer requirements, new business opportunities, program launches, and regional demand shifts.
• Partner with Finance on scenario modeling, cost forecasting, and long-term capital planning for distribution infrastructure.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives related to network design, including FC startups or transitions, major customer supply chain reconfigurations, and capacity expansions.
• Collaborate with IT and ME Organizations to advance automation, visibility, and analytics capabilities within the distribution ecosystem.

Vendor & 3PL Strategy

• Support the evaluation and selection of 3PL partners for warehousing and value-added services.
• Partner with Procurement to negotiate strategic agreements that align with long-term network goals.
• Oversee performance governance for key strategic 3PLs, ensuring alignment with Clarios KPIs and continuous improvement expectations.

Fulfillment Center Launch Planning & Project Management

• Develop and own the detailed project plan for each 3PL fulfillment center launch, including timelines, milestones, dependencies, and risk mitigation plans.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams (Logistics, IT, Distribution, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, Safety, Customer Service).
• Lead recurring launch readiness meetings and executive updates, ensuring aligned decisions and transparent communication.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the 3PL provider during the launch process.
• Validate operational design, storage layouts, material flow, staffing models, and service level alignment.
• Ensure contractual requirements, KPI expectations, and operating procedures are clearly defined and understood.
• Confirm facility infrastructure, racking, material handling equipment, shipping/receiving areas, and safety standards meet requirements.
• Oversee inbound inventory planning, scheduling, and execution to support go‑live volumes.
• Validate WMS configuration, EDI integrations, SOP deployment, and training completion.
• Lead user acceptance testing (UAT), dry runs, stress tests, and cutover activities.

Performance Validation & Go‑Live

• Manage the go‑live process, ensuring the site meets daily operational targets and service expectations.
• Monitor early‑stage KPIs (order accuracy, fill rate, dock‑to‑stock time, productivity, cycle time, shrink, safety metrics).
• Resolve issues quickly with 3PL and internal teams; escalate risks when needed.

Post‑Launch Stabilization

• Lead the 30‑, 60‑, and 90‑day post‑launch stabilization reviews.
• Drive continuous improvement actions to ensure the s