Senior Director of Distribution

Work Location Type: Janesville, Wisconsin; Salisbury, North Carolina; or Arlington, Texas

Imperial Supplies, a Grainger Company, is a national distributor of quality maintenance products. Serving the fleet maintenance industry since 1958, Imperial has formed lasting relationships with customers by tailoring our services to meet their changing needs.

Our welcoming workplace enables you to learn, grow and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe. As a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company, we’re looking for passionate people to join our team as we continue leading the industry.

Lead. Innovate. Delivery.

Are you a seasoned distribution leader with a passion for strategy, innovation, and operational excellence? At Imperial , we are seeking a Sr. Director of Distribution to take our world-class network to the next level.

As a key member of our Supply Chain leadership team, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the long-term vision of our distribution infrastructure , driving continuous improvement , fostering cross-functional collaboration , and developing exceptional leaders across our distribution centers.

This is more than a leadership role—it is an opportunity to leave a legacy.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), hybrid position based out of one of three locations - Janesville, WI; Salisbury, NC; or Arlington, TX . The role requires up to 50% travel .

You will receive immediate access to health, dental, and vision insurance, earn 18 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, enjoy 6 paid holidays , and benefit from a 6% retirement contribution —with no employee contribution required .

For additional information and details regarding benefits, please click on the link below:

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement short and long-term distribution strategies focused on automation, technology, infrastructure, safety, and culture.

• Lead the execution of a capital budget of up to $45M annually , driving impactful investments across the distribution network.

• Manage an operational budget of up to $40M , optimizing labor, transportation, and resources.

• Direct and inspire a team of up to 300+ distribution professionals , including 4–8 direct leadership reports.

• Serve as a key liaison between Sales, Customer Service, Transportation, Purchasing, and HR to align strategy and execution.

• Represent Distribution in customer-facing engagements , solving complex supply chain challenges.

• Establish a robust Continuous Improvement (CI) program , targeting $1M–$3M in annual savings.

• Cultivate leadership talent by applying proven performance management practices.

• Ensure operational excellence through adherence to executive KPIs , compliance, and safety standards.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent leadership experience (CI certifications a plus)
• 6–8 years of senior-level leadership in manufacturing, warehousing, or distribution environments
• Proven ability to lead large teams , develop leaders, and manage multimillion-dollar budgets.
• Strong background in CI methodology , strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration
• A passion for solving problems , driving innovation, and achieving results.

You Will Thrive If You Are...

✅ A strategic thinker who also loves to execute
✅ An empowering leader who develops others
✅ A cross-functional collaborator and effective communicator
✅ A data-driven decision maker with high standards for safety and performance
✅ An innovator who is always looking for what is next

Why Imperial?

As a part of the Grainger family of brands , Imperial is backed by the strength of an industry leader while maintaining the agility of a dynamic, growing business. Here, you will find freedom to lead , the tools to succeed , and the support of a team that values excellence, innovation, and people .

Ready to Lead the Future of Distribution?

If you are ready to take the helm of a high-performing network and drive transformational results, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and shape the future of Imperial’s supply chain.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.

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