Vice President of Transportation

Overview

Instrumentum specializes in off-site sterilization, transportation, storage, and logistics of surgical instruments for health systems and ambulatory surgery centers, aiming to innovate a fragmented and under-digitized sterile processing industry. With expansion across the nation, we address the growing elective surgery demand and improve sterile processing services.

Significance

Sterilization Processing Departments (SPDs) are vital yet often overlooked in healthcare facilities. Challenges like staffing shortages, inadequate facilities, and regulatory non-compliance raise costs and jeopardize safety. SPD workforce morale and competency are declining, highlighting the critical need for quality sterilization processes. At Instrumentum, we value our SPD professionals highly and invest in facilities, equipment, and best practices to maintain excellence.

Role Summary

The Vice President of Transportation will oversee and steer the company’s nationwide transportation network strategy, operations, compliance, and vendor relationships. This executive role requires building a strong team and ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective movement of goods, aligning with corporate objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a national transportation strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on network design, capacity planning, and strategies for long-term expansion.
• Drive automation, technology integration, and process enhancements within transportation functions.
• Manage day-to-day transportation operations including fleet, brokerage, and third-party relationships across all regions.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators such as on-time delivery, cost efficiency, utilization, and service quality.
• Control transportation budgets covering fuel, maintenance, labor, and external service expenses.
• Recruit, develop, and supervise a team of regional transportation leaders and support personnel.
• Establish standards for performance, training programs, and succession plans within the department.
• Promote accountability, safety, and a culture committed to continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to DOT, FMCSA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Oversee safety programs including driver education, incident analysis, and risk reduction measures.
• Maintain readiness for audits related to regulations and insurance.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with carriers, brokers, and technology providers.
• Evaluate and onboard vendors and carriers to support scalable growth.
• Monitor partner performance and resolve issues promptly.
• Manage transportation financials, maximizing efficiency while maintaining service quality.
• Forecast capacity and costs responsive to seasonal and business fluctuations.
• Prepare performance and financial reports for executives and the board as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• At least 10 years of increasing responsibility in transportation/logistics, with a minimum of 5 years in senior leadership.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations and management of national fleet operations.
• Demonstrated success overseeing multi-regional or national transportation networks.
• Strong financial skills including budget ownership and profit & loss management.
• Excellent skills in negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience using Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and route optimization tools.
• Background in fast-growing or multi-location retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, or distribution sectors.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking capabilities.
• Operational excellence and ongoing process improvements.
• Leadership of dispersed, geographically varied teams.
• Expertise in regulatory and safety compliance.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management abilities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive annual base salary ranging $175,000 to $225,000 with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Paid time off including holidays.
• Assistance with relocation if necessary.