Framing The Search Assignment

Position: Director of Transportation and Logistics

Client: a vertically integrated, diversified family-owned agribusiness in California 

The Challenge

As part of a broader growth strategy, the company created its first Director of Transportation and Logistics role to professionalize fleet operations and drive profitability within its trucking division. This role was tasked with stabilizing internal transportation, developing route optimization strategies, improving safety and compliance protocols, and expanding external market service. The goal was to transform a historically underutilized function into a scalable, profit-generating business unit.

The role required someone capable of overseeing a regional fleet operation, developing systems for safety and compliance, and building an optimized logistics network across inbound, outbound, and interplant movements. The ideal candidate needed to bring both operational rigor and strategic foresight to help transform the internal transportation division into a high-performing business unit.

The Solution

3P Partners conducted a targeted search for senior logistics and transportation leaders with experience in network optimization, fleet compliance, and multi-site operations. We focused on individuals with a proven ability to manage P&L responsibilities, implement logistics strategies, and mentor large, diverse teams.

We successfully placed a transportation leader with over 20 years of experience managing fleet and logistics operations for Fortune 500 companies and national carriers. Most recently, he held full P&L responsibility for a $22M private fleet with over 100 trucks, 225 trailers, and 140 drivers. He improved on-time performance from 71% to 95%, reduced costs by nearly $1M annually, and implemented a backhaul program that recovered over $1.8M in revenue. His expertise in network design, regulatory compliance, and last-mile execution made him an ideal match for the role.

The 3P Difference

As the leading executive search firm for food and agribusiness, 3P Partners delivers high-impact candidates who bring the right blend of experience, leadership, and cultural alignment. Our proactive approach gives clients access to exceptional talent not actively seeking new roles, ensuring the best possible match for long-term success.

The Results

Our client was thrilled to appoint a proven operator with the leadership and experience to build their logistics strategy from the ground up. This placement followed several other successful searches, including their Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, and Chief Revenue Officer, demonstrating our long-term partnership in supporting this company’s growth trajectory.