Director, National Distribution (Simplot Grower Solutions) - Boise, ID

Summary

The Director of National Distribution ensures product is positioned in the right location, at the right time, and at the appropriate inventory levels across the Simplot Grower Solutions network.

This role leads national inventory deployment and movement across Distribution Centers, Regional Hubs, and Retail Locations to maximize product availability, optimize working capital, and support exceptional customer service. As a key leader within the Retail Supply Chain organization, the Director plays a central role in the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process, translating demand, supply, and procurement plans into effective distribution and replenishment strategies.

The Director partners closely with Procurement Operations, Demand Planning, Retail Market Managers, and field operations to position inventory where customer demand occurs. This leader oversees a team of National Distribution Managers and is accountable for inventory deployment, network performance, freight efficiency, service levels, and continuous improvement across the distribution network.

Key Responsibilities

Why This Role Exists

Every successful supply chain relies on three critical capabilities:

• Procuring supply
• Deploying supply
• Executing locally

National Distribution sits at the center of this process. Procurement Operations ensures product is acquired. National Distribution ensures inventory is positioned throughout the network. Retail Locations ensure products reach customers. Success is not determined by whether inventory exists somewhere within the network. Success is determined by whether inventory exists where the customer needs it when demand materializes.

The Director of National Distribution is accountable for creating the processes, capabilities, and execution discipline required to achieve that outcome.

Integrated Business Planning (IBP)

• Lead distribution strategy within the IBP process.
• Align inventory deployment with demand forecasts and supply plans.
• Identify inventory and service risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Provide inventory insights, network constraints, and scenario recommendations.
• Ensure distribution execution aligns with approved business plans.

Distribution Network Planning & Execution

• Lead inventory deployment across Distribution Centers, Hubs, and Retail Locations.
• Direct replenishment, transfer planning, and inventory balancing activities.
• Optimize inventory placement to maximize service levels and minimize investment.
• Standardize deployment processes and improve network visibility.
• Drive planning discipline and reduce reactive inventory movements.

Inventory Strategy & Health

• Develop inventory strategies supporting customer service, seasonality, and financial objectives.
• Improve inventory productivity and working capital performance.
• Reduce excess, obsolete, and aged inventory.
• Lead network inventory balancing efforts.

Key Metrics:

• Inventory Turns
• Ending Inventory % of Sales
• Aged / Excess / Obsolete Inventory
• Inventory Accuracy
• Working Capital Performance
• Inventory Availability

Freight & Distribution Efficiency

• Lead transportation and transfer execution supporting deployment plans.
• Optimize freight utilization and network transfer costs.
• Reduce unnecessary inventory movements and handling.
• Improve transportation performance while controlling logistics spend.

Key Metrics:

• Freight Efficiency
• Freight Cost per Ton
• On-Time Delivery
• Transfer Cost
• Network Throughput

Service-Level Performance

• Ensure inventory positioning supports customer demand and service expectations.
• Monitor and improve product availability and fill rates.
• Proactively manage shortages, supply risks, and deployment constraints.

Key Metrics:

• Fill Rate
• Product Availability
• On-Time Delivery
• Service-Level Performance

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and develop three National Distribution Managers.
• Build organizational capability in inventory planning, deployment, analytics, and supply chain execution.
• Establish performance expectations, succession plans, and talent development strategies.
• Drive technology adoption, process standardization, and network optimization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Relationships

Direct Reports

• National Distribution Managers (3)

Internal Partners

• Head of Retail Supply Chain
• Procurement Operations
• Demand Planning
• Retail Market Managers
• Operations Leadership
• Finance
• IT & Digital Enablement Teams

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured through:

• Inventory performance and working capital optimization
• Fill rate, product availability, and on-time delivery
• Freight and transfer efficiency
• IBP adoption and planning accuracy
• Process standardization and continuous improvement
• Team capability and organizational development

Typical Education

Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.) from 4 year college or university

Relevant Experience

10+ years related experience and/or training

Other Information

Strong analytical skills and knowledge of all aspects of Supply Chain, and financial processes. Strong understanding and experience in managing both internal and external relationships.

Strong management skills developed through experience and formal training at least equivalent to an advanced college degree in a related field are needed. Must possess excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skills. Ability to interact and influence a broad range of internal and external customers, associates and partners. Superior organizational, team building, planning and coordination skills are required.