Director of Transportation & Logistics

Role overview

The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) is a nonprofit created by the International Sleep Products Association to design, operate, and grow statewide mattress recycling programs. Since launching its first program in 2015, the organization has expanded into one of the world’s largest mattress recycling networks, recycling more than 2 million mattresses each year across four states. MRC works with collectors, haulers, and recyclers to run efficient, environmentally responsible recycling systems and is looking for an experienced transportation and logistics leader to guide the planning and optimization of statewide transportation networks.

The Director of Transportation & Logistics will provide strategic direction for transportation and reverse logistics supporting the California and Oregon mattress recycling programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this leader will shape how end-of-life mattresses move from collection points to contracted recyclers, while improving performance, cost efficiency, and service quality.

This role combines network design, vendor management, contract administration, analytics, and process improvement. It involves close partnership with transportation providers, recyclers, local governments, retailers, and internal teams, all in support of MRC’s environmental mission. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, analytical operator who enjoys solving complex logistics challenges and driving continuous improvement.

Primary responsibilities

• Build and execute transportation strategies for statewide operations in California and Oregon.
• Improve routing, scheduling, trailer use, and recycler capacity allocation to raise service levels and lower operating costs.
• Track transportation volumes and anticipate capacity needs for carriers and recyclers.
• Create backup plans to protect continuity of service during disruptions.
• Oversee the full movement of materials from collection through recycling, end use, or disposal.
• Own procurement, negotiation, and day-to-day administration of transportation and recycling agreements.
• Maintain productive relationships with transportation vendors, recyclers, municipalities, and industry partners.
• Develop vendor scorecards and monitor performance through KPIs.
• Run regular vendor reviews and put corrective action plans in place when performance gaps appear.
• Study transportation cost patterns and trends to support strategic decisions.
• Create dashboards, reports, and KPI tracking using Salesforce and other reporting tools.
• Recommend and implement process improvements, update standard operating procedures, and introduce logistics solutions that improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Supervise logistics and program staff as assigned.
• Promote a team culture centered on accountability, collaboration, and customer service.
• Work closely with Operations, Finance, Compliance, Program Management, Communications, and Data Analytics teams.
• Represent MRC with providers, recyclers, retailers, public agencies, and other external stakeholders.
• Present operational updates and recommendations to senior leadership when needed.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Transportation Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of increasing responsibility in transportation, logistics, reverse logistics, environmental services, recycling, waste management, or similar operations.
• Hands-on experience managing transportation networks and third-party carriers.
• Background in negotiating and administering vendor contracts.
• Experience building operational KPIs, scorecards, and performance reports.
• Strong analytical, financial, and project management capabilities.
• Advanced skill with Salesforce CRM, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proven ability to build cooperative relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel regularly within California and Oregon.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred background

• Experience in recycling, municipal solid waste, environmental services, or product stewardship programs.
• Experience managing transportation operations across multiple states.
• Exposure to Transportation Management Systems, PowerBI, GIS routing tools, or logistics optimization platforms.
• Working knowledge of California and Oregon environmental regulations.
• Experience using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methods.

Key competencies

Success in this role calls for strong command of Salesforce CRM, transportation network optimization, vendor and contract management, capacity planning, business intelligence, budget oversight, continuous improvement, and cross-functional leadership.

Why this opportunity stands out

This position offers the chance to lead transportation and logistics for one of the country’s most successful Extended Producer Responsibility organizations. The role supports environmental sustainability and the circular economy while allowing you to influence strategy, introduce innovative solutions, and strengthen recycling outcomes across California and Oregon.

MRC provides competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, remote work flexibility, and the chance to make a meaningful environmental impact.

Equal opportunity

The Mattress Recycling Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace.