This role, specifically referred to as a Program Optimization Lead, is responsible for managing the OptiFreight Logistics program for a health system - focusing on supplier compliance, program utilization, training and educating shippers in an effort to maximize savings and efficiencies. This position will support a large health system and will require an onsite presence up to three days per week, as well as conducting site visits with customer departments and locations. Experience with inbound and outbound shipping, data analytics and project management are ideal qualifications for this role.
Location Targeting candidates in Houston, Texas - candidate will be required to be onsite at customer location up to three days per week.
Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with internal and external teams to manage the OptiFreight Logistics program, driving program compliance, increasing package volume and generating savings for a large health system
- Strong communication skills, comfortable presenting to and interacting with customers from the warehouse to the C-Suite on a regular basis including facilitation of meetings.
- Possess strong work ethic, self-motivated and able to operate independently with limited direct supervision, while also comfortable working with a multi-disciplinary team.
- Capable of adapting to change and able to successfully perform in an evolving environment
- Results oriented, ensuring we deliver on commitments while also working to continuously improve processes.
- Strong project management skills for creating and leading implementation plans for projects and initiatives and on-going administration of efficiency and savings.
- Strong listening and problem-solving skills and ability to develop plans to improve process efficiency.
- Ability to learn and understand technical details and act as a subject matter expert for hospital transportation and supply chain.
- Able to regularly be onsite up to three days per week for meetings, project support and engagement with customer stakeholders
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in related field, or equivalent work experience, preferred
- Ability to travel 10% of the time which includes regular regional travel to remote-sites (day trips) and occasional overnight stay
- 5+ years of transportation, shipping or logistics experience preferred
- Strong written, verbal and presentation skills to all levels of an organization
- Experience in Transportation, familiar with small parcel, large freight, carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL, Courier/Same Day, LTL and TL) preferred
- Manage and report performance data to all levels within client organization
- Data and analytics experience identifying and addressing cost-savings and volume-driving opportunities with a proven record of achieving goals
- Proficient working within large amounts of data with Microsoft Excel and Access (PivotTables, Identify Trends, Estimate Savings, Basic Report Creation, Drill Down to Location/Department)
- Experience in change management, project management, or Lean Six Sigma background preferred
- Customer/Vendor credentialing is required (this may include vaccinations). More details will be provided if you are selected for an interview.
What is expected of you and others at this level
- Applies comprehensive knowledge and a thorough understanding of concepts, principles, and technical capabilities to perform varied tasks and projects
- May contribute to the development of policies and procedures
- Works on complex projects of large scope
- Completes work independently receives general guidance on new projects
- May act as a mentor to less experienced colleagues
Anticipated salary range: $67,500 - $105,930
Bonus eligible: No
Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Paid time off plan
- Health savings account (HSA)
- 401k savings plan
- Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
- Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Work-Life resources
- Paid parental leave
- Healthy lifestyle programs
Application window anticipated to close: 8/8/2026 *if interested in opportunity, please submit application as soon as possible.
The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.
Candidates who are back-to-work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
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Skills Required
- Ability to travel 10% of the time (regional day trips and occasional overnight stays)
- Strong written, verbal and presentation skills to all organizational levels
- Manage and report performance data to all levels within client organization
- Data and analytics experience identifying and addressing cost-savings and volume-driving opportunities
- Proficient with large amounts of data using Microsoft Excel and Access (PivotTables, trend identification, basic report creation, drill-down)
- Strong project management skills for creating and leading implementation plans and ongoing administration
- Ability to learn technical details and act as subject matter expert for hospital transportation and supply chain
- Strong listening and problem-solving skills and ability to develop plans to improve process efficiency
- Bachelors degree in related field or equivalent work experience
- 5+ years transportation, shipping or logistics experience
- Experience in transportation/carriers (small parcel, large freight, FedEx, UPS, DHL, Courier/Same Day, LTL, TL)
- Experience in change management, project management, or Lean Six Sigma background
- Ability to be onsite up to three days per week and conduct site visits with customer departments and locations
Cardinal Health Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cardinal Health and has not been reviewed or approved by Cardinal Health.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is frequently described as generous, including examples like multiple weeks of vacation, additional sick days, and in some roles even “unlimited” or untracked time off. Parental leave, paid holidays, and volunteer time further broaden the overall leave offering.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is positioned as comprehensive, with added supports such as preventive care, telehealth/clinic access, mental health resources, and EAP counseling. Wellness programs and incentives (e.g., premium discounts tied to checkups or healthy lifestyle actions) add to the perceived breadth of healthcare-related support.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match, along with programs like stock purchase/equity participation and charitable matching, contribute to a stronger total rewards picture beyond base pay. Additional financial supports such as disability coverage and early wage access also enhance the overall package.
Cardinal Health Insights
What We Do
Cardinal Health is a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of performance and data solutions for healthcare facilities. With 50 years in business, operations in more than 35 countries and approximately 44,000 employees globally, Cardinal Health is essential to care. We are navigating the complexities of healthcare and providing scaled solutions to help our customers thrive in a changing world. We strive to be a trusted healthcare partner by driving growth in evolving areas of healthcare, while building upon our distribution, products, and solutions to meet customer needs.
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