Head of Supply Chain and In-Plant Logistics Readiness

Inside the Role

The Head of Supply Chain and In-Plant Logistics Readiness is accountable for the strategy, design, realization, and launch of the end-to-end supply chain and in-plant logistics model for DTNA’s new production facility.

During the project phase, this role will lead the development and implementation of lean, integrated, and scalable logistics processes across inbound and outbound operations, including transportation, receiving, warehousing, inventory management, point-of-use delivery, and customer fulfillment. The position leverages automation, digital supply chain solutions, and advanced technologies to drive operational excellence and end-to-end visibility.

The role ensures processes, systems, infrastructure, equipment, automation, packaging, and organizational capabilities are fully integrated into the plant design and launch plan, delivering measurable efficiency while remaining safe, flexible, and resilient.

This position will be relocated to DTNA’s new production facility. This position will assume responsibility for the in-plant logistics organization at the start of production (SOP).

The ideal candidate is a strategic, technology-forward, and execution-focused leader with demonstrated success in logistics transformation, automation and digital deployment, operational launches, team development, and translating innovative concepts into sustainable performance.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience 

Benefits include annual variable pay bonus program; company paid company vehicle with insurance and fuel card; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; non-qualified deferred compensation plan with company contribution of 7% of variable pay;  starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ holidays per calendar year; Paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive health care plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance program; volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans. 

What You Drive at DTNA

• Lead the new facility’s supply chain and in-plant logistics strategy, centered on efficiency, automation, digitalization, and scalability
• Develop and execute holistic supply chain strategies that connect suppliers, transportation, in plant logistics, warehousing, and operations, ensuring end-to-end visibility, operational excellence, and network optimization
• Drive game-changing supply chain solutions including 3PL strategies, supplier park integration, digital visibility platforms, and logistics network optimizations
• Lead outbound logistics readiness strategies to ensure seamless customer deliveries, optimize outbound transportation and distribution networks
• Ensure efficient material flow from supplier delivery and receiving through warehousing, sequencing, and delivery to the point of use
• Establish lean, technology-enabled standards for yard, dock, receiving, storage, line feeding, replenishment, kitting, staging, and return flows
• Oversee warehouse layouts, storage strategies, and capacity requirements
• Ensure digitally enabled material-control processes that deliver high inventory accuracy
• Ensure packaging readiness, including specification, validation, implementation, inventory planning, supplier integration, and automation compatibility
• Champion lean logistics to eliminate non-value-added activity
• Advance automation, technology, and analytics to improve productivity and decision-making
• Oversee the sourcing, commissioning, and testing of logistics infrastructure and equipment
• Validate logistics concepts and efficiency targets through simulations, capacity studies, process trials, and launch events
• Lead launch and ramp-up readiness for supply chain and in-plant logistics requirements
• Establish readiness criteria, performance indicators, governance, and risk-management routines
• Hold accountability for project budgets, productivity targets, and financial performance
• Partner with the Head of Supply Chain Engineering & Transportation Operations to align the new plant with enterprise transportation, packaging, 3PL, systems, technology, and logistics standards
• Sustain collaboration after launch to integrate the plant with the broader supply chain network and advance shared efficiencies
• Drive alignment across production, manufacturing engineering, facilities, quality, procurement and supply, IT, finance, human resources, suppliers, carriers, technology partners, and logistics providers • Establish the future in-plant logistics organization, including structure, capabilities, staffing, digital competencies, and operational interfaces
• Build and empower a high-performing team to lead intelligent, automated, and continuously improving supply chain and logistics operations
• Lead the transition from project execution through launch, stabilization, and sustainable operations

Knowledge you should bring

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, operations management, or a related field
• 10+ years of leadership experience in supply chain, logistics engineering, in-plant logistics, or manufacturing operations
• Proven success leading new-plant logistics readiness, facility launches, or major operational or supply chain transformations
• Proven expertise in designing and optimizing end-to-end supply chain and logistics networks
• Experience applying automation, digital systems, and advanced technologies to improve efficiency, inventory accuracy, visibility, and reliability
• Strong knowledge of material-handling and supply chain technologies, systems integration, simulation, and capacity optimization
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and complex programs
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to align stakeholders, present complex concepts clearly, and drive decision-making
• Strong commitment to project visibility, performance tracking, and governance through clear reporting, milestone management, issue escalation, and executive-level communication
• • Willingness to relocate and assume leadership of in-plant logistics operations following launch

NOTE

• The selected candidate for this role will be required to relocate to the new facility and assume leadership accountability for in-plant logistics operations following launch

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Detroit, MI US, Fort Mill, SC US, Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance for this position is available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• Visa sponsorship will only be open to current Daimler Truck North America employees working under an existing U.S. Daimler Truck North America Visa

• All other applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application

• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check

• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen

• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions

• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.