Job Summary
The Vice President, Global Distribution is responsible for developing and executing KEEN's global distribution and fulfillment strategy to deliver an exceptional fan experience while enabling profitable, scalable growth across the enterprise. This executive leads the company's owned Fan Engagement Center (FEC) in Kentucky and provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of KEEN's global distribution network, including company-owned operations and third-party logistics (3PL) partners.
Working closely with Regional Managing Directors and cross-functional leaders, this role establishes global operating standards, drives continuous improvement, and ensures consistent execution across all distribution operations. The Vice President is accountable for optimizing service, cost, inventory flow, safety, quality, and operational performance while building a scalable distribution network that supports KEEN's long-term growth strategy.
As a member of the Global Operations leadership team, this leader will play a key role in advancing enterprise initiatives, including SAP S/4 transformation, operational excellence, automation, and technology-enabled capabilities. The ideal candidate is an experienced executive who combines strategic vision with operational discipline, develops high-performing teams, and creates a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Essential Functions
Description
- Develop and execute KEEN's global distribution strategy to support profitable growth, deliver an exceptional fan experience, and build a scalable, resilient fulfillment network aligned with the company's long-term business objectives.
- Provide executive leadership for KEEN's Fan Engagement Center (FEC) in Kentucky while establishing the operating standards, governance, and performance expectations across the company's global distribution network, including third-party logistics (3PL) partners.
- Establish and monitor global key performance indicators (KPIs), service levels, and operational governance to ensure consistent execution, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across all distribution operations.
- Lead the ongoing evaluation and optimization of KEEN's global distribution network, including capacity planning, network design, inventory flow, fulfillment capabilities, and future scalability to support business growth.
- Partner closely with Regional Managing Directors to align global distribution strategies with regional business priorities while driving consistency, collaboration, and operational excellence across all markets.
- Lead regular operational and financial business reviews with distribution leaders and 3PL partners to improve service, productivity, inventory accuracy, quality, safety, and cost performance.
- Drive the modernization of KEEN's distribution capabilities by leading technology-enabled transformation initiatives, including SAP S/4, warehouse management systems (WMS), automation, advanced analytics, AI-enabled capabilities, and digital process improvements.
- Foster a culture of operational excellence through standardization, continuous improvement, Lean principles, data-driven decision making, and disciplined execution across the global distribution network.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and all applicable regulatory, safety, and operational standards while promoting a culture where safety, accountability, and employee well-being are foundational values.
- Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Customer Service, Planning, Product, Technology, Finance, and Supply Chain leaders to align distribution capabilities with customer expectations, inventory strategies, business priorities, and future growth opportunities.
- Develop and manage the global distribution operating budget, driving productivity improvements, cost optimization, capital planning, and disciplined financial stewardship while maintaining industry-leading service levels.
- Lead strategic sourcing, RFQs, contract negotiations, and long-term performance management of global logistics and 3PL partners to ensure service excellence, operational flexibility, quality, and cost competitiveness.
- Identify operational, supply chain, and business continuity risks across the global distribution network and develop mitigation strategies that improve resilience and ensure uninterrupted service to customers.
- Advance KEEN's sustainability commitments by identifying opportunities to improve transportation efficiency, reduce waste, optimize packaging, strengthen reverse logistics, and implement environmentally responsible distribution practices.
- Build and develop a high-performing global distribution organization through talent development, succession planning, coaching, organizational capability building, and leadership development.
- Lead organizational change initiatives by effectively communicating strategy, building engagement, and creating alignment across global teams during periods of business growth and transformation.
- Serve as a key member of the Global Operations leadership team, contributing to enterprise strategy, cross-functional decision making, and long-range operational planning to support KEEN's continued growth.
Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field required.
- Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
- Minimum fifteen (15) years experience in progressive leadership experience in global distribution, fulfillment, logistics, or supply chain operations within consumer products, footwear, apparel, retail, or a similarly complex industry.
- Demonstrated success leading multi-site distribution operations, including company-operated facilities and third-party logistics (3PL) partners required.
- Experience developing and executing enterprise-level distribution or fulfillment strategies that support business growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction required.
- Proven ability to lead large operational organizations through periods of growth, transformation, and organizational change required.
- Experience managing complex operating budgets, capital investments, and cost optimization initiatives while maintaining high service levels required.
- Strong experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving Planning, Customer Service, Technology, Finance, Commercial, Product, and Supply Chain teams required.
- Demonstrated success negotiating and managing strategic relationships with logistics providers, transportation partners, and outsourced service providers.
- Experience establishing operational governance, performance metrics, and accountability across geographically dispersed operations.
Any equivalent combination of experience and education which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Executive leadership capability with a proven ability to build, develop, and inspire high-performing teams across multiple locations and organizational levels.
- Deep expertise in global distribution operations, fulfillment strategy, inventory management, warehouse operations, transportation, and third-party logistics management.
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate business strategy into scalable operational capabilities and measurable business results.
- Proven financial acumen, including operating budgets, capital planning, cost-to-serve analysis, and return-on-investment decision making.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across global organizations without direct authority while building strong partnerships across functions and regions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data and technology to improve operational performance and drive informed business decisions.
- Experience leading large-scale business transformation initiatives, including process standardization, organizational change, and technology adoption.
- Excellent communication and executive presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, regional teams, external partners, and frontline operations.
- Demonstrated commitment to building an inclusive, people-first culture focused on safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and leadership development.
- Strong alignment with KEEN's values, including sustainability, innovation, integrity, and creating an exceptional experience for every fan.
Travel Required: Yes, up to 5% of the time
Base Salary: $246,870.00 - $274,300.00
The salary range posted for this position represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Offers are made within this range based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, internal equity, and market considerations. This is the hiring range for the position; compensation above the posted maximum is not typically available at the time of hire.
Work Location: In-person
This role is based in the Shepherdsville, KY and follows an in-person work model. Employees are expected to reside within a reasonable commuting distance and generally work on-site five days per week, with flexibility based on business and team needs.
Why Work at KEEN: Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.
Fuerst Group, KEEN, and Chrome are equal opportunity employers. We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.
