Director of Logistics & Inventory

POSITION DETAILS: The Director of Logistics & Inventory leads Dakota’s freight and inventory functions across all regions and is accountable for the enterprise carrier network, freight quoting and procurement standards, and inventory controls. You will set enterprise freight policy — including which carriers each region is approved to use — establish the KPIs by which logistics performance is measured, and deliver measurable reductions in landed cost through rate negotiation, rebates, and improved payment terms. You will partner with executive leadership, operations, finance, and regional business unit leaders as Dakota’s subject-matter authority on freight and inventory. This is also a hands-on role. The Director is expected to do the work as well as lead it — negotiating directly with carriers, building quotes and reports, working daily in Kuebix and Business Central, and stepping in to support time-sensitive mobilizations. The ideal candidate combines enterprise process-building experience with the willingness to execute personally. This position is hybrid for candidates within commuting distance of a Dakota office. Remote arrangements may be considered for candidates outside commuting distance. KEY RESPONSIBILITIESCarrier Sourcing & Network Development Set and govern Dakota’s carrier network strategy; source, vet, and onboard carriers both locally (regional/short-haul lanes serving each region) and nationally (long-haul and project-mobilization lanes) Serve as final approval authority for all new freight carriers, and establish and maintain the vetting standards (e.g., insurance, safety record, operating authority) required before onboarding Implement a carrier scorecard and tiering program, and secure master service agreements with core carriers, coordinating with leadership and counsel as appropriate Lead rate negotiations, volume-based rebates, preferred-carrier programs, and payment terms, and personally manage key carrier relationships Freight Quoting & Procurement Design, document, and own a standardized enterprise freight quoting and lane-award process applied consistently across every region Provide freight quotes and cost guidance to internal teams to support bids, personally building quotes for complex or high-value mobilizations Freight Optimization Set the freight optimization agenda — load consolidation, multi-stop sequencing, backhaul capture, empty-mile reduction, and mode and equipment selection — and track results against targets Work directly in the transportation management system (Kuebix) and shipment data to identify savings, cut deadhead miles, and improve on-time delivery Partner with yards and project teams to plan freight ahead of demand, balancing cost, transit time, and reliability Inventory Governance & Reporting Own enterprise inventory reporting, consolidating counts from the mill, yards, active projects, and Business Central into a single trusted view Establish inventory control standards, including cycle count and physical audit programs, and participate directly in counts and reconciliations with yard and field teams Deliver regular reporting and analysis that supports procurement, project forecasting, asset utilization, and capital planning Regional Business Unit Governance Serve as the enterprise authority for freight and inventory governance, working directly with each regional business unit leader Set and communicate which approved carriers each region may use, and hold regions accountable for adherence to logistics policy Standardize logistics and inventory processes across regions, sharing best practices and ensuring consistent execution and reporting Documentation, Compliance & Vendor Performance Establish standards and controls for freight documentation — Bills of Lading, shipment summaries, and record retention — ensuring accuracy and completeness across all regions Ensure carriers meet agreement standards through ongoing KPI audits and corrective action, and that logistics practices align with company policy and applicable transportation requirementsJOB REQUIREMENTSAt Dakota, we take on and execute some of the most challenging access projects in the country. To help us successfully execute our projects, we are looking for a Director of Logistics & Inventory with these qualifications:

Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being matter to us. As part of our commitment to your health and financial security, we offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and a retirement plan. Paid Vacation and Holidays: We offer paid time off (PTO) so you can relax, recharge, and maintain a healthy work–life balance. In addition, the Company observes eight paid holidays each year for you to enjoy with family and friends. Fast Growing Company with Great Career Growth Opportunities: Dakota is a fast-growing company that offers excellent career growth opportunities. As we continue to expand and thrive, you’ll have the chance to advance your career and take on new challenges. Work with a Diverse and Inclusive Team: Dakota Matting prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture. This diverse exposure will enhance your skillset, broaden your expertise, and position you as a well-rounded professional. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERDakota Matting & Environmental Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Dakota prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on these characteristics.