Summary: Direct, manage and coordinate all aspects of the company's domestic and international transportation strategies as this relates to the distribution of goods. This includes oversight of carrier relations, equipment and personnel required to handle shipments into or out of the various facilities associated with the company. Implementation and oversight of the multi-location distribution system and global logistic strategic plan.
Manage ongoing distribution functions and appropriate interfaces both internally and externally of inbound and outbound distribution networks capable of achieving organizational objectives of inventory levels and customer service expectations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Lane Automotive handbook.
- Design, develop and implement both domestic and international distribution strategies.
- Identify hardware and software requirements to support distribution in a multiple facility, multi-modal distribution environment. Implement programming and maintain application currency.
- Develop and implement transportation policies and procedures to support market delivery requirements.
- Through attentiveness in administration of assigned duties and utilization of leadership skills, assures timely and efficient preparation and shipment of company products within a safe and secure workplace.
- Work cross-functionally with Sales And Marketing Manager(s), DC Operations Manager, and other department heads within the organization to manage the corporate domestic and international traffic functions.
- Negotiate freight rates, communicate shipping and packaging requirements associated with the various delivery systems.
- Prepare freight cost analysis to measure and track the level of effectiveness and service performance of the carriers utilized.
- Demonstrate expertise in domestic and international regulations that impact the transportation and logistics function, including NAFTA, CAFTA, National Motor Freight Classification Tariff (NMFC), hazardous shipping requirements, carrier contracts, freight claim filings and motor carrier cargo insurance and others.
- Direct internal fleet operations and manage routes based on analysis of route efficiencies, customer sales in coordination with the Sales Manager, including maintenance of routes based on DOT/State regulations and hours of service.
- Supervise and train drivers on company policies/procedures and governmental regulations.
- Effectively manage staff within the Traffic Department, including development of objectives and necessary training, DOT requirements, staff performance reviews with recommendation of salary adjustments, promotions, transfers, hiring and disciplinary action.
- Identify and develop improved methods of preparing small packages and LTL shipments to reduce freight costs and damages, while maintaining highest level of service to the customer.
- Facilitate the continued development of all current and potential carriers to meet customer requirements on service while meeting corporate objectives on pricing and performance on agreed to standards for all modes of transportation in all operating companies.
- Effectively represent the company in the area of carrier claims mitigation.
- Develop and communicate shipping guidelines, policies and procedures to other departments within the organization to ensure consistency of understanding and knowledge.
- Research, implement, monitor and maintain fleet based GPS and electronic logbook hardware/software.
- Manage and monitor freight bill auditing and payment processing.
- Maintain currency in shipping software and integration opportunities along with common business software/technologies.
- Negotiate and manage the company vehicle lease program, in addition work closely with the Facilities Manager and Transportation Specialist role on maintenance schedules and necessary repairs.
- Manage the scheduling of freight carriers (inbound and outbound) including LTL, Small Parcel (pick-up, linehauls etc.) and FTL.
- Develop and monitor carrier performance scorecards utilizing defined organizational KPI's.
- Keep current in Transportation and Logistics trends, methods and regulations through continuing education, seminars and conferences.
- Work directly and communicate with internal departments and external customers, vendors or carrier partners to resolve challenges related to transportation and logistics.
- Establish department budget and implement controls necessary to keep expenditures within budgetary limitations.
- Other special projects and duties as assigned.
Education/Skills: Undergraduate college degree in Transportation, Supply Chain, Logistics or related field along with currency in developing/planning for future trends. Minimum 5 years of progressive Transportation and or Logistics management responsibilities in a distribution environment with multiple sites including international distribution experience.
Demonstrated experience in freight negotiations, transportation cost savings and quality management. Familiarity with and application of new technologies towards logistics and the physical transportation operations.
Other Skills And Abilities:
- Communicate effectively through speaking, listening, and writing
- Strong interpersonal, presentation, meeting management skills
- Work in a team-oriented fashion as well as independently
- Delegate work assignments as appropriate
- Keep manager abreast of activity
- Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret data
- Produce reports, correspondence clearly and concisely
- Facilitate groups in the use of data for decision making
- Exhibit a high degree of quality and performance standards
- Use problem solving skills and sound judgment in the dispatch of duties
- Adapt to frequent changes in the work environment
- Use equipment and materials properly
- Practice safe work habits
Physical Demands:
The employee is frequently required to reach with arms and hands, stand, twist, bend, walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.