Director of Gateway & Ground Network Development

Director of Gateway & Ground Network Development

About Sciens Logistics

Sciens Logistics is a leader in the logistics industry, specializing in truck brokerage, freight forwarding, warehousing, and dedicated trucking services. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that optimize supply chain operations and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction. At Sciens, our people are the foundation of our success. We foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace where individuals can thrive, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

If you’re passionate about logistics and ready to drive success, we’d love to welcome you to our team.

Director of Gateway & Ground Network Development

Location: Chicago, IL
Department: Air Freight Operations

Position Summary

The Director of Gateway & Ground Network Development will be responsible for architecting and leading the development of a TSA‑compliant ground network across all major U.S. airport codes. This role will oversee gateway operations, pickup & delivery infrastructure, and TSA compliance programs, ensuring seamless integration between air and ground operations.

This individual will play a key role in building the foundation for Sciens’ long‑term air freight product strategy, while mentoring and developing a new generation of logistics leaders within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Gateway Development & Operations

• Design and establish gateway operational frameworks across key air hubs (ORD, MIA, DFW, ATL, LAX, etc.).
• Develop SOPs for imports, exports, and linehaul coordination ensuring on‑time, compliant freight movement.
• Implement gateway best practices for cargo security, consolidation, and interline routing.
• Partner with leadership to align gateway strategy with overall air freight growth goals.

TSA Ground Network Buildout

• Architect a nationwide TSA‑cleared ground network across all airport codes.
• Oversee carrier onboarding, vetting, and compliance under IAC and Known Shipper programs.
• Negotiate contracts with ground carriers and linehaul partners to optimize cost, capacity, and service quality.
• Establish standardized operational and safety procedures across the TSA network.

Pickup & Delivery (P&D) Infrastructure

• Build and manage a scalable pickup and delivery program supporting airport‑to‑door and door‑to‑airport services.
• Develop regional P&D routing models with balanced cost‑to‑service ratios.
• Implement dedicated and subcontractor models to support both high‑volume and on‑demand freight.
• Create visibility and tracking systems for real‑time shipment movement across all stages.

Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Recruit, mentor, and train gateway and ground operations staff across multiple locations.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Sales, Compliance, and Technology teams to align on product expansion.
• Serve as the subject‑matter expert for TSA compliance, ground operations, and air freight best practices.
• Develop reporting tools to measure on‑time performance, cost per move, and gateway efficiency.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in freight forwarding, airline, or integrated logistics operations.
• Proven experience in gateway management, air freight operations, and TSA compliance.
• Strong carrier negotiation and vendor management background.
• Demonstrated success in building or optimizing ground linehaul and P&D networks.
• Leadership experience managing multi‑site teams or projects.
• Deep knowledge of TSA, DOT, and CBP regulatory frameworks.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to execute tactically and build scalable processes.

Why Sciens

• Opportunity to build the national air freight infrastructure from the ground up.
• High‑autonomy role with executive visibility and direct impact on company growth.
• Collaborative leadership culture focused on innovation, mentorship, and operational excellence.
• Competitive compensation package and long‑term growth potential.