Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world-famous brand with offices located around the globe. An American icon, Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence extending beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender guitar is more than an instrument, it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally. The Director of Distribution and Logistics for S. Korea will reside within Fender Musical Instruments Corporation’s ("FMIC") Global Supply Chain team, reporting to the SVP of Global Logistics, Trade and Distribution.

We are searching for a Director, Distribution & Logistics based in Seoul, S. Korea. This role will be accountable for FMIC’s distribution operations that currently service South Korea. Immediate goals will be support in establishing the operational entity, 3PL warehouse transition from previous party manager to implementing within the new facility with upstream new systems, managing domestic transportation fulfillment requirements, as well as successfully creating and deploying imports SOP. Global operations (Manufacturing, Distribution, Logistics, Trade compliance) will support and enable this role in managing local operations. Regional office support will be out of Japan (Finance, Demand, Supply, etc.) This role will have country-level accountability for import, warehousing and domestic logistics. Additional deliverables will be establishing day to day reporting, KPIs, financial opportunities, and operations efficiency. Aside from ensuring the day-to-day orderbook is flawlessly executed, the main goals are driving efficiency, cost mitigation, and orchestrating flawless change management with business transition through internal and external partner management. 

Essential Functions:

• Be a thought leader driving supply chain process, technology, and people management to reach new heights – fostering an environment of optimization for FMIC and our amazing customers.
• The role will oversee the transition from outsourced country distribution to FMIC-run distribution. This includes collaborating with the previous distribution partner and FMIC local sales operations teams to flawlessly transition the warehouse, operations, and inventory.
• FMIC owned 3PL (transportation, brokerage, and transport) day to day management and execution of operations.
• Must understand systems integration, flow, and configuration across Fender and 3PL supply chain technologies.
• Monitor financial performance, including cost control, budget adherence, and margin impact.
• Build strong relationships with external partners (suppliers, transportation, manufacturing, customers) and internal customers (sales, finance, planning, etc).
• Strong communication skillset within country, regional, and global stakeholders.
• Provide strategic leadership to ensure day-to-day activities are flawlessly executed with 3PLs and team members while driving initiatives and best practices to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Establish and evolve formal reviews of the SLA monitoring / KPIs with the Third-Party and FMIC.
• Be the regional customs POC, with support from 3^rd party brokerage and local FMIC trade compliance.
• Lead through the resolution of issues as required with the 3PL provider.
• Maintains a high level of transparency and provides excellent communication to all stakeholders through effective oral, written, and non-verbal communication.
• This role's strategic planning horizon is 1-3 years, enabling FMIC to grow and control its margins.
• Develop, build, and maintain relationships with support resources to ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, human resources, and other policies and procedures.
• Lead and mentor FMIC functional teams, including quality, customer service, and shipping, fostering a results-driven, high-performance, and professional development culture.
• Develop and implement logistics strategies to achieve business goals and enhance operational efficiency.
• Implementing initiatives to improve delivery performance and customer satisfaction.
• Implementing cost reduction initiatives to improve logistics efficiency and reduce expenses.
• Oversee sourcing events for third-party partner selection.
• Manage transportation planning and execution, including carrier selection, route optimization, and freight management.
• Risk Management, identifying and prioritizing risks, ensuring stakeholders are informed of risks and management actions (i.e., ensuring compliance with local transportation regulations and safety standards, managing and maintaining product compliance documentation, etc).
• Additional duties as assigned

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent is required.
• 7 -10 years experience in the areas of Third-Party Management in Distribution Operations, Warehouse Operations, Materials Operations, Inventory Control
• Proficiency in estimating and managing P&L/Expense Budgets
• Six Sigma or comparatively strong continuous improvement and optimization experience desired.
• Skills should include leadership, planning, financial analysis, negotiations, and excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong capability with not only managing Third-Party relationships but also acting as a strong partner and influencer within FMIC
• Specialization in logistics principles, processes, and best practices
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in data analytics and business intelligence platforms
• Competency in Project management
• Proficiency in Contract management of third-party partners
• Customer relationship management experience, knowledge of CRM systems
• Emotional intelligence
• Experience in local customs and compliance legislation and practical application

 

About Fender Musical Instruments:

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers, and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Presonus®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby®, and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.