Sr. Logistics Planner

Manage and coordinate day-to-day inbound and outbound logistical operations, including the planning/consolidating, scheduling, sourcing, settlement, warehousing, and transportation of products to internal/external customers in a specific geographic region or for a specific product(s). Ensure products are delivered at maximum efficiency, quality, and customer service. Determine economical and efficient routes and address challenges associated with the movement/transportation of the product. Ensure all transactions are tracked and accurately recorded in the appropriate systems. Work independently applying prior experiences and judgment to analyze and resolve complex problems or atypical situations. Serve as a resource to less experienced team members.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of a transportation network between $30M and $60M in annual spend. Areas of focus include on-time pickup and delivery of product balancing customer needs while effectively keeping costs low through proper mode choice, carrier choice and load factor optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously:
  
  
  
  • Manage multiple complex projects
  • Effectively manage and develop a team.
  • Achieve daily, monthly, and annual goals.
  
  
  
  
• Cultivate professional relationships across all levels of the organization and with 50+ carrier partners to effectively manage the day-to-day operations.
• The ability to strategically manage goals and information to plan and achieve cost and service targets.
• Demonstrated ability to think both critically and creatively to quickly resolve operational issues.
• Demonstrate and facilitate clear and effective communication with all levels within the organization as well as with vendors/carriers
• Plan and prepare schedules that balance all customer's needs with planned load efficiency and profitability
• Assist in the development, monitoring, and reporting of Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) for third-party carriers and other logistics teams, including but not limited to lane compliance, route guide compliance, and assessorial management
• Function as the subject matter expert for the transportation management system (TMS), providing training and recommendations for leveraging technology to improve performance
• Facilitate effective communication with 3^rd party carriers; provide daily carrier support through the automated tendering process and ensure all loads are picked up and delivered in a timely manner
• Communicate with plant personnel and 3^rd party carriers, and warehouse/shipping locations to resolve shipment and/or service issues, special deliveries, and order adjustments; keep everyone informed of critical changes
• Lead and support on-time delivery problem solving and performance improvements with customers; actively communicate with all impacted parties to discover solutions to various issues, such as the shipment of wrong product, excess or deficit of product, missed delivery time or date, etc.
• Work closely with internal contacts to maintain vendor, carrier, and customer data, such as delivery location, frequency, etc.; use this information to support efficient and economical transportation of customer deliveries or shipments
• Assist in planning and implementing solutions for network changes
• Negotiate contract terms and rates with carrier base following defined internal parameters; ensure contracts are current; understand timing of renewals and allow enough time to adequately review options as relates to potential changes and or extensions
• Manage the claims process with carriers, including filing, tracking, and securing payment for approved claims.
• Serve as the primary contact for Accounts Payable (AP), handling inquiries, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring accurate and timely payment processing for carrier invoices.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Benefits:

• Health and Welfare benefits begin 1^st of the month after start date
• 401(k) with company contribution - 100% vested at day one of eligibility
• Competitive pay ($90,000) annually
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career growth opportunities - we promote from within!
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Work for dairy farm families

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in business, logistics, supply chain, distribution management, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 5 to 8 years of business operations or transportation, distribution, supply chain, or related experience, applying knowledge of the motor carrier industry; 2+ years of experience with transportation management systems (TMS)
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a high-performance team.
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to problem solve, multi-task and prioritize work activities
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to make independent decisions
• Basic negotiation skills
• Analytical skills; able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Reporting to this Position:

• Multiple Transportation Planners

Backup Support to Position(s):

• N/A

Travel:

10%-20% (1-3 times per year)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans