Executive Vice President, Member Services and Operations

COMPANY:
National wholesale distribution company serving over 3,000 retail locations through 10 distribution centers.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
This position will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and has four senior-level direct reports.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
The EVP, Member Services and Operations is a pivotal executive leader responsible for overseeing and optimizing all operational facets of the organization, driving efficiency, profitability, and strategic growth. This influential role leads significant change and expansion across the company’s diverse operations, including distribution, logistics, and regional retail support. The EVP champions a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and robust member service, ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term mission and strategic objectives. This role will be based in the Midwest and directly impacts the company’s ability to provide member-retailers with the tools, products, and services needed to compete favorably in all markets at the lowest possible cost.

Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Strategic Operational Leadership

Develop and execute comprehensive long-range operational strategies for distribution centers, regional operations, and overall supply chain to enhance profitability, productivity, and efficiency.
Work closely with the CEO and executive team to establish organizational priorities, set ambitious yet achievable goals, and ensure that operational initiatives align with the company’s broader strategic direction.
Lead key cross-functional projects aimed at improving operational performance, mitigating supply risk, optimizing working capital, and achieving cost reduction across the enterprise.

Distribution and Logistics Oversight:

Provide executive leadership and strategic direction to the executive vice president, corporate distribution and logistics, overseeing the development and implementation of distribution strategies across all divisions.
Champion the strategy and thought leadership for automation, robotics, machine learning, and AI to support future growth and operational excellence within distribution and logistics.
Oversee the development and standardization of operational models, procedures, KPIs, best practices, and capabilities across all distribution centers and transportation activities.
Ensure compliance with all safety, food safety, and regulatory policies, practices, and procedures within distribution and regional operations.

Regional Operations and Member Support:

Provide strategic guidance and support to the three SVP/regional managers, ensuring the achievement of regional sales, expenses, and net profit goals.
Oversee the development and execution of strategic plans for market growth within each region.
Ensure ongoing communication and positive relations with key members are maintained across all regions, acting as a single point of contact and voice for corporate and divisional leadership.
Support business development efforts in the acquisition of large target members.

Culture, Talent, and Continuous Improvement:

Guide and mentor division and functional leadership, fostering a standard of excellence in operational execution.
Responsible for regional and corporate operational succession planning and the development of future leaders within the teams.
Champion a continuous improvement mindset, driving structured problem-solving, leveraging subject matter experts (SMEs), and coordinating cross-facility learning.
Define and integrate information systems requirements to support process improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment between technology, quality, purchasing, and logistics functions.
Continually benchmark and research industry best practices, legislative constraints, fuel costs, and environmental pressures, providing recommendations for improved processes and performance.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum of 20 years of progressive leadership experience in retail grocery, grocery wholesale, merchandising, supply chain, or large-scale multisite distribution and logistics operations, with at least 10-15 years in executive or senior leadership roles.
Demonstrated ability to define and execute strategic direction, balancing long-term vision with operational execution to deliver measurable results.
Proven leadership experience managing large, diverse teams; fostering high-performance cultures; and influencing internal and external stakeholders.
Extensive experience with complex operational systems including warehouse, labor, yard, and transportation management, slotting, and telematics.
Strong change management capabilities, including leading large-scale initiatives such as distribution center startups, closures, and technology transitions.
Practical knowledge of automation, robotics, AI, and other advanced supply chain technologies, including direct experience implementing large-scale automation projects.
Effective collaborator with the ability to work cross-functionally in a matrixed organization and build partnerships across business units.
Experience managing both union and non-union labor environments, including collective bargaining and labor negotiations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret complex data, identify opportunities, and drive effective solutions.
Proficient in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis, with solid business acumen and knowledge of key financial drivers (e.g., sales, expenses, net profit).
In-depth knowledge of regulatory and compliance matters including OSHA, food safety, transportation operations, and government relations.
Background in inventory management, reverse logistics, and managing unsalables.
Strong communication skills with the ability to present persuasively to executive teams, boards, and external partners.
Customer service mindset with a focus on delivering value to internal and external stakeholders.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other relevant productivity tools.
Experience with e-commerce fulfillment operations is a plus.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, logistics, or a related field required; master’s degree (e.g., MBA) preferred.

COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience including a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity, and competitive benefits package.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Greg Gabel
ggabel@CLCBsearch.com
212.949.6611