Logistics Manager

Job Description

SUMMARY: The Logistics Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all logistics activities to ensure timely, efficient, and cost-effective movement of materials and finished goods throughout the organization. This role plays a key part in fulfilling our brand promise to “Make it right, Ship when promised” by driving operational excellence in shipping, receiving, warehousing, and transportation. The Logistics Manager leads the logistics team, develops and implements transportation strategies, negotiates freight contracts, and ensures full compliance with applicable shipping laws and regulations.

As a faith-based organization rooted in biblical principles, we strive to reflect these values in our work, relationships, and decision-making. We expect all associates to learn, embrace, and actively model our core values through their actions, choices, and collaboration with others. This commitment is essential to sustaining our culture and achieving shared success.

This job description does not describe all the activities, duties, responsibilities, or physical demands that are required of the employee for this job. Likewise, the work environment described is merely representative. Duties, responsibilities, activities, physical demands, and work environment may change at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee daily logistics operations including:

Oversight of the logistics team, brokerage, receiving, shipping, inventory management, returns, and restocking.

Supervise end-to-end logistics functions, ensuring each area runs efficiently and safely.

Coordinate daily workflows and communication across logistics functions.

Monitor accuracy and timeliness in inventory control, restocking, and reverse logistics.

Identify bottlenecks and resolve operational issues in real time.

Manage inbound and outbound shipments to ensure timely delivery and cost efficiency.

Plan, schedule, and track incoming (supplier) and outgoing (customer) shipments.

Select carriers and routes that optimize speed, service, and cost.

Proactively address delays or disruptions in delivery schedules.

Ensure shipping methods align with customer expectations and budget constraints.

Audit freight invoices and track freight spend to support cost control.

Support the Director of Logistics in negotiating freight contracts for LTL, hotshot, flatbed, small package, and international shipments.

Analyze freight cost structures, including accessorial charges and service levels.

Benchmark current rates against industry standards.

Provide data and insight to support contract negotiations and renewals.

Develop and track logistics KPIs to measure performance and identify areas for improvement.

Set measurable goals for key metrics (e.g., on-time delivery, cost per shipment, carrier performance).

Create and maintain reports or dashboards to monitor trends.

Investigate root causes of service failures or exceptions and recommend corrective actions.

Use performance data to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Ensure packaging compliance for all outbound shipments.

Standardize packaging processes based on customer and carrier requirements.

Train staff on correct labeling, pallet configurations, and weight distribution.

Review shipments to prevent chargebacks or delivery refusals.

Stay current with customer-specific packaging guidelines and expectations.

Partner with internal departments to streamline workflows and support automation.

Collaborate with IT to implement or refine shipping automation tools (e.g., Load Planning, auto-generated BOLs).

Work with Production to align inventory and shipping schedules.

Coordinate with Customer Service to ensure accurate order status and tracking updates.

Optimize usage of software tools including TMS, WMS, and broker boards.

Drive continuous improvement across logistics processes.

Identify inefficiencies, delays, or cost drivers and recommend improvements.

Lead or support Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, and other CI projects.

Test new processes, tools, or technologies and measure their impact.

Foster a culture of innovation and operational excellence within the team.

Manage logistics personnel and foster team development.

Hire, train, schedule, and evaluate logistics team members.

Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and customer focus.

Conduct performance reviews and coach for growth and development.

Ensure alignment with company policies, procedures, and performance expectations.

Participate in production meetings and contribute to cross-functional planning.

Provide input on shipping capacity and fulfillment constraints.

Report logistics KPIs and shipping performance to inform scheduling decisions.

Collaborate with production planners to align output with shipping windows.

Resolve freight-related issues and maintain strong relationships with carriers and brokers.

Respond promptly to delivery exceptions, damages, or missed pickups.

Serve as a point of contact for logistics escalations and carrier performance discussions.

Maintain a preferred carrier list based on performance, cost, and service quality.

Perform additional duties as required by leadership.

Step in to support other departments during peak periods or emergencies.

Lead or contribute to special projects or business initiatives.

Stay flexible and responsive to evolving business needs.

All associates are expected to learn, understand, embrace, and model our core values through actions, decisions, and collaboration with others. This is key to maintaining our culture and achieving shared success.

EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, AND PROFICIENCIES:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).

5+ years of logistics experience in a manufacturing environment, including team leadership.

Working knowledge of freight negotiations, inventory control, and materials handling.

Proficiency in logistics-related systems (ERP, TMS).

Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

Familiarity with DOT, OSHA, and hazardous materials shipping regulations.

Working Conditions:

Primarily warehouse and office environment.

May require occasional travel to carrier facilities or partner locations.

Physical demands include walking, standing, and occasional lifting of materials.

Full-time