Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

The Director of Global Distribution will lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of four regional distribution centers in NA, AP, EMEA and SCA and international and domestic logistics and trade compliance, while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. This role will ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and timely delivery of products to customers across multiple regions while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. Reporting to the EVP of Operations, this role will drive enhanced global distribution, warehousing, logistics and compliance processes to enhance customer satisfaction. A focus on quality, safety, delivery and cost with a hands-on approach will be required for success in this position.

What You Will Do at Graco

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global distribution strategy.

• Lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of warehousing operations, distribution systems and logistics processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery.

• Apply key 80/20 principles and tools in global and regional distribution center operations to identify and eliminate waste, maximizing throughput while maintaining high standards of quality.

• Lead and develop distribution team on a global scale, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Distribution Network, Warehousing and Inventory Management

• Oversee the global distribution network, including distribution centers and logistics partners.

• Implement best practices in inventory management, including demand forecasting, stock control, and order fulfillment.

• Monitor and optimize warehouse capacity utilization, layout, and processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

• Evaluate regional warehouse locations to support growth, usage of 3PL’s, and consolidation of smaller site warehouses into regional warehouses.

Logistics & Transportation Management

• Oversee global logistics, including transportation, carrier relationships, contract negotiation, and process optimization to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery.

Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Ensure global distribution activities comply with regulations and company policies, lead quality improvement initiatives, and manage risks related to distribution and logistics.

Team Leadership and Financial Management

• Lead, mentor, manage, and staff a team of global distribution, warehouse, logistics and trade compliance leaders, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and promoting a culture of leadership excellence.

• Develop and implement strategies for talent acquisition and management, succession planning, and leadership development to build a pipeline of future leaders.

• Drive team performance by setting clear goals, providing ongoing feedback, and facilitating professional growth opportunities.

• Establish, manage, and be accountable for the annual global distribution budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and alignment with organizational strategic objectives.

What You Will Bring to Graco

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics or a related field; an MBA is preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in logistics, distribution, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.

• Proven track record of leadership in a senior distribution or logistics role, preferred experience managing complex global operations.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and execute a global distribution strategy.

• Excellent knowledge of global logistics, warehousing, and transportation best practices.

• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.

• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and optimizing costs.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Accelerators

• Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge.

• Strong knowledge of international trade regulations, customs, and compliance requirements.

• Experience with 80/20, Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco’s culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.