84 84

Strategic 3PL Partnerships: A Guide to Distribution Excellence in 2025

The success of modern distribution operations hinges on the strength of 3PL distribution partnerships. As supply chains become more complex, organizations must focus on building relationships that go beyond traditional service agreements. These partnerships require careful consideration of talent, technology, and strategic alignment to deliver measurable results. 

Recent industry data shows that successful 3PL partnerships increase efficiency by 25% and reduce operational costs by up to 30%. However, achieving these results requires more than selecting the right partner – it demands building teams with the expertise to manage these relationships effectively.  

Foundation of Strategic Partnerships 

Successful 3PL partnerships begin with clear objectives and mutual understanding. Organizations must assess their distribution needs, evaluate potential partners, and establish frameworks for success. This process starts with identifying the specific capabilities required to meet business goals. 

Partnership success depends on alignment across multiple areas. Financials matter, but so do cultural fit, operational alignment, and a shared vision for growth. Companies should choose partners who can meet their needs today and support their future expansion. 

 The talent component of partnership evaluation often determines long-term success. Companies must assess not only their internal teams but also their potential partner's workforce capabilities. This includes evaluating expertise in key areas such as: 

  • Technical proficiency in relevant systems and processes 
  •  Experience managing similar distribution operations 
  •  Problem-solving capabilities and adaptability 
  •  Communication skills and cultural alignment 
86

Technical Proficiency Technology serves as the backbone of efficient distribution operations. Successful partnerships require seamless integration of systems, processes, and data flows. This integration demands professionals who understand both technical requirements and operational implications. 

Modern distribution technology encompasses warehouse management systems, transportation management platforms, and analytics tools. However, the value of these systems depends entirely on the teams implementing and managing them. Organizations must ensure their workforce can effectively utilize these tools to drive operational improvements. 

The complexity of technology integration requires specialized expertise. Teams must understand: 

  • System architecture and integration requirements 
  •  Data management and analytics capabilities 
  •  Security protocols and compliance requirements 
  •  Performance optimization techniques 

Successful technology integration relies on having the right people in place. Companies need experts who can connect technical capabilities with real-world applications, understanding both the strengths and limitations of different technologies to ensure smooth implementation across the partnership. 

Building the Right Team Structure 

Strong 3PL distribution partnerships start with well-structured teams that have clear roles and responsibilities. Successful organizations bring together operational expertise and strategic vision, ensuring team members understand both the technical side of distribution and the dynamics of partnership management. 

Key roles require a blend of skills: 

Account directors must balance operational know-how with strong relationship management.  

Project managers need both technical expertise and coordination abilities. 

Analytics specialists must turn data into actionable insights while effectively communicating across teams. 

85

 Building a high-performing team takes intentional effort. Companies that invest in both technical and soft skills—through certifications, leadership development, and cross-functional training—see the best results. Beyond mastering their own roles, teams must also understand how their contributions drive the overall success of the partnership. 

Key positions within partnership management teams require specific skill combinations. Account directors must possess both operational knowledge and relationship management capabilities. Project managers need technical understanding paired with strong coordination abilities. Analytics specialists must translate data into actionable insights while communicating effectively with stakeholders across organizations. 

Team development requires intentional focus on both technical and soft skills. Organizations find success when they invest in training programs that address both aspects. This includes technical certification support, leadership development initiatives, and cross-functional training opportunities. Teams must understand not only their specific roles but also how their work impacts the broader partnership goals.

Measuring Partnership Success 

Successful partnerships require both data-driven insights and an understanding of human dynamics. Organizations need clear performance metrics that align with business goals while also evaluating the effectiveness of collaboration. 

 Traditional KPIs like on-time delivery rates and cost per unit are essential, but they don’t tell the whole story. High-performing organizations also track: 

Team effectiveness – How well partners collaborate and problem-solve 

Issue resolution time – The speed and efficiency of addressing challenges 

Innovation adoption – How quickly new solutions are implemented  

Service consistency – Maintaining quality and reliability over time 

Regularly reviewing these metrics helps teams pinpoint areas for improvement while recognizing successes. A data-driven approach enables smarter decisions on resource allocation and strategy. 

Future-Proofing Partnerships 

Sustained success in 3PL partnerships requires balancing short-term performance with long-term planning. Companies must continuously invest in: 

Talent development – Creating clear career growth pathways

Technology adoption – Staying ahead with evolving tools and platforms 

Process improvements – Enhancing efficiency and adaptability 

Building strong teams is key. Organizations that provide training, expose employees to new technologies, and involve them in strategic planning create a workforce equipped to navigate industry shifts. 

Conclusion 

The best 3PL distribution partnerships thrive on a combination of talent, technology, and strategy. Companies that invest in building and developing the right teams position themselves for long-term distribution success. 

Want to strengthen your distribution partnerships? Connect with Protis Global to discover how our expertise in talent strategy can help you build high-performing teams. 

Our Impact

In 1995, our founders embarked on a journey that would disrupt the status quo of the executive recruiting industry. We have been transforming companies and lives ever since.

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-16-32-9170-PM

9,395

First Round Interviews

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-17-23-0672-PM

3,000+

Total Placements

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-18-06-3937-PM

47%

Diversity Placements

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-18-38-1485-PM

$700M

Economic Impact

zz-logo

Brent Albertson

CEO, Zing Zang LLC

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“ Our experience with Protis Global has been very positive. They have strong multi-industry CPG experience and understand our business model and standards. They know the difference between an “A-player” and a “B-player” in several functions, and the honesty around that standard helps us move faster. Mike and team set up a great process, especially in early canvassing and vetting that helps our leaders engage at the right time and make decisions fast. ”

mark-anthony-brewing-1-1

Colin Nolan

Executive Vice President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc.

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“Protis Global’s approach to talent acquisition is marked by diligence, transparency, and a genuine dedication to client satisfaction. Their strategic insights and personalized service have made a substantial impact on our organization, ensuring that we always have the best professionals driving our initiatives forward. The team at Protis Global demonstrates a keen ability to identify individuals who not only possess the requisite skills but also align seamlessly with our company culture.”

Glass_House_Brands_Inc__Glass_House_Brands_Reports_Record_Second

Hilal Tabsh

Chief Revenue Officer, Glass House Brands

Cannabis
Cannabis

“Over the last 10+ years my experience with Michael Bitar and the Protis Global team has been exceptional across multiple industries. Michael and his team work to get to the true needs of my hiring plan and partner with us throughout the process. They understand our business, company culture, what success looks like, and then propose candidates that will produce results while also fitting into our team dynamic. Overall it’s a great team and experience and I would recommend to anyone looking to hire top-notch quality candidates reach out to Protis Global and Michael Bitar.”

bespoke-logo

Peter Iglesias

Chief Executive Officer, Bespoken Spirits

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

“I highly recommend Protis Global as a top-notch recruiting agency. I have had the pleasure of working with them for the past 15 years, both as a candidate and employer in the Spirits and Wine industry. In my 25 years of experience, I have found Protis Global to be the most efficient and effective recruiting agency I have ever dealt with. Protis Global has consistently come through for me in the clutch, providing exceptional professionalism and execution in job searches and placements. Their dedication to finding the right fit for both candidates and employers sets them apart from other agencies. I have always been impressed by their ability to understand the needs of both parties and successfully connect them in a timely manner.”

Zevia new logo

Soley Van Lokeren

SVP, People

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“I have been in the field of human resources for over thirty years, in executive level roles both in-house and in outsourced positions. Michael Bitar is my favorite talent acquisition professional with which I have ever worked. He cares deeply about building a relationship with his clients, learning their business, culture, challenges, and truly understanding the needs of a role requisition. His approach is mirrored by the rest of the Protis team, who are courteous, thorough, and who make you feel like you are their only client. Protis successfully delivered hires for our Chief Commercial Officer role and for three key challenging roles (in both Marketing and Sales). They are simply – the best!”

vitamin_logo-4

Brian Kuz

Chief Sales Officer

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“Protis is unique in their go-to-market strategy in that they not only find the right candidate for the role, but they find the right opportunity and company for the candidate. Protis Global looks for people who are ready to make a change...I will continue to recommend Protis Global as one of the best placement agencies in the World, as I have worked on every continent and have dealt with the big executive placement firms and the boutique ones. Protis shines above all, and as long as I am hiring, I will continue to go to Protis Global first, if not exclusively.”

poppi-testimonial

Chris Hall

CEO, poppi

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Partnering with Protis Global has been a game-changer for poppi. They understood our vision and the unique challenges we faced as a rapidly growing brand. Their expertise in executive search helped us find the right leaders who not only fit our culture but also brought the skills and passion needed to drive accelerated growth. The Protis Global team actively took our feedback and adapted the search so that we could focus on what we do best – creating innovative, healthy beverages that our customers love. They’ve truly become an extension of our team, and we couldn’t imagine achieving our success without the team members they helped us to bring aboard.”

spindrift-logo

Chad Palma

President of Sales, Spindrift

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Michael Bitar and the Protis team have been such a pleasure to work with over the years. Not only do they do amazing work with recruiting but we have also developed a partnership between our two companies. Michael and his team provide a crucial role in reviewing my hiring needs at the beginning of each year. Once the review is complete, Michael begins searching for quality candidates that fit the role and culture for Spindrift. He and his team do an outstanding job of finding the right candidates for the position in need. I highly recommend Michael and the Protis team for your hiring needs.”

mark-anthony-brewing-1-1

John Sacksteder

President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“From the start, the relationship with Protis Global was different than other recruiting firms.  The team had a deeper level of commitment and desire to learn about our business than I had experienced with other firms. Our company was experiencing a time of exponential growth and our staffing needs were complex. We needed very experienced people across every possible function in the Operation and Supply Chain Teams and we needed them in a hurry. The Protis Global Team mobilized quickly and established a methodology to identify strong candidates and work them through the interview process in a professional and timely manner. Their grit, determination, understanding our needs and culture, sense of urgency and drive to exceed our expectations set them apart from the pack.”

ijw-testimonial

Thomas Frisch

Chief People Officer at IJW Whiskey

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“The team worked quickly and efficiently to find a unique position.”

lallemand-testimonial

Kim Nguyen

VP of Supply Chain at Lallemand

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

Everyone involved was extremely helpful - Gary, Michael, Ben - thank you!! The team didn't only search for candidates based on the job description, but also the qualities that I look for in candidates. 

poppi-testimonial

Shashank Gaur

VP of Product Technology & Innovation

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The interview process was smooth and extremely professional. Ben and team represented me as much as they represented the company. 

arla-testimonial

Jeremy Schulman

Regional Business Manager - Foodservice

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

Consistent communication, updates, and detailed knowledge of the client. The whole experience was top notch!

coppali-testimonail

Blake T. Bermingham

Supply Chain Manager

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

Very simplistic process finding the right role for the right candidate...keep up the great work! 

arla-logo

Don Stohrer Jr.

CEO, Arla Foods USA

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“We’ve been a Protis Global client for eight years, and during this time have always appreciated the thoroughness of the recruitment process, as the candidates brought to us have been well-vetted, not only from a competency perspective, but more importantly from a [cultural] fit dynamic. Mike and the team have always been highly engaged to ensure they bring us candidates that match our culture. That’s been critical to the success of the candidates that have landed here by way of our relationship with Protis.”

Need Top CPG Talent?

Whether you're hiring or job-seeking, we've got you covered.