VP, Transportation

Responsibilities

• Deliver on-time, in-full (OTIF) service performance to stores and customers
• Achieve annual transportation cost targets and identify incremental savings opportunities
• Improve network efficiency through mode optimization, consolidation, and flow improvements
• Advance TMS and data capabilities to enable real-time visibility and decision-making
• Strengthen carrier performance and contractual outcomes
• Enhance resiliency and risk mitigation across the transportation network
• End-to-End Transportation Strategy & Execution:
• Lead global and domestic transportation strategy across all modes (ocean, rail, truckload, intermodal, final mile)
• Ensure consistent, high service levels to stores and customers while optimizing total landed cost
• Carrier Strategy & Commercial Leadership:
• Own all carrier sourcing, contracting, and negotiation strategies (ocean, rail, road)
• Build strategic, performance-based partnerships with key transportation providers
• Continuously benchmark rates and service against market conditions
• Cost Management & Productivity:
• Deliver transportation budgets and identify in-year savings opportunities (freight, fuel, accessorials)
• Drive productivity through network optimization, mode shift, consolidation, and backhaul strategies
• Digital & Systems Transformation:
• Lead advancement of Transportation Management Systems (e.g., OTM) and analytics capabilities
• Embed data-driven decision making, real-time visibility, and AI-enabled optimization into operations
• Network Optimization & Flow Management:
• Partner across Supply Chain to optimize end-to-end product flow, balancing service, cost, and inventory
• Support peak planning, disruption management, and contingency strategies
• Regulatory, Compliance & ESG:
• Ensure compliant, safe, and secure transportation operations (customs, dangerous goods, transport regulations)
• Advance sustainability initiatives including emissions reduction, mode optimization, and fuel strategy
• People Leadership & Culture:
• Lead and develop a high-performing, engaged transportation team across Canada
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration
• Key Relationships:
• SVP Supply Chain & Supply Chain Leadership Team
• Merchandising, Finance, and Digital/Technology leaders
• Distribution Centre and Inventory Planning leadership
• External partners: ocean carriers, rail providers (CN/CPKC), 3PLs, drayage and fleet providers
• Canadian Tire Dealers
• Government and regulatory bodies
• What you bring:
• 12-15+ years of progressive leadership experience in transportation or broader supply chain within a complex, multi-node retail or consumer environment
• Deep expertise across global and domestic transportation (ocean, rail, trucking, intermodal)
• Proven track record of leading large-scale carrier negotiations and managing significant freight spend
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with ability to manage budgets and deliver cost reduction
• Experience leading digital transformation (TMS, analytics, optimization tools)
• Demonstrated ability to influence at senior executive levels internally and externally
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA, PLog, or equivalent considered an asset
• Operator + Strategist: Proven ability to deliver in-year results while building longer-term capability
• Commercially Savvy Negotiator: Strong track record managing large, complex carrier portfolios
• Digitally Enabled Leader: Comfortable leveraging data, analytics, and systems to drive decisions
• Enterprise Thinker: Looks beyond transportation to optimize total supply chain performance
• Collaborative Influencer: Builds strong partnerships across functions, Dealers, and external partners
• Change Leader: Experienced driving transformation in established, tenured organizations
• Calm Under Pressure: Effective in managing disruption, peak volumes, and network volatility
• #LI-RM1
• This posting represents an existin

Additional Information

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven and highly collaborative leader to lead Canadian Tire's end-to-end Transportation function. This role is accountable for delivering reliable, cost-efficient, and resilient product flow from global vendors through to our Banners stores (CTR, Sport Chek, Mark's) and eCommerce fulfillment nodes. The VP, Transportation will lead a complex, multi-modal network spanning ocean, rail, drayage, and over-the-road, while advancing a modern, digitally enabled transportation agenda. This includes leveraging advanced analytics, optimization tools, and TMS capabilities to improve service, reduce cost, and enhance visibility. Success in this role requires a strong operator with a transformation mindset-someone who can balance in-year performance delivery (cost, service, inventory flow) with longer-term network optimization, carrier strategy, and capability building. The role will partner closely across Supply Chain, Merchandising, Finance, and Technology, as well as with external carrier partners and government stakeholders.

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