Logistics Specialist

$30-$38 per hour

Bessemer, AL

Contract

Birmingham Metro Area, AL

6-12 Months Contract to Hire

The Position: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technician to join our facility in Bessemer, AL. This individual will play a critical role with the ramp up of a new factory. This individual will own inbound outbound flow operations including logistics coordination, truck driver management, material handling equipment operation, trailer fleet management, and factory-to-onsite synchronization. This pivotal role ensures seamless movement of products from manufacturing through delivery to onsite, combining warehouse operations expertise with transportation coordination and hands-on material handling capabilities. The ideal candidate brings versatility in logistics operations with strong organizational skills and certified equipment operation proficiency

Responsibilities:

•Prepare and manage shipping documents including bills of lading, packing lists, shipping manifests, and commercial invoices to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely product shipments

•Coordinate and supervise truck drivers including scheduling pickups and deliveries, route planning, load assignments, and driver safety compliance

•Operate and provide training on cranes and forklifts including counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, and overhead cranes for loading and material handling operations

•Serve as certified trainer for powered industrial truck operations, conducting operator evaluations, skills assessments, and recertification training in accordance with OSHA requirements

•Manage trailer fleet including scheduling preventive maintenance, coordinating repairs, tracking trailer locations, and ensuring DOT compliance for all transportation equipment

•Optimize loadability by planning load configurations, calculating weight distributions, and maximizing trailer capacity while ensuring load security and product protection

•Synchronize factory production schedules with onsite delivery requirements, coordinating with production planning, customer service, and transportation providers to meet customer delivery windows

•Maintain inventory accuracy for finished goods through cycle counting, stock rotation (FIFO), and warehouse management system (WMS) transactions

•Coordinate with carriers and freight forwarders for outbound shipments

•Ensure compliance with shipping regulations including weight and size restrictions, and transportation safety standards

•Support internal material handling and manufacturing material flow implementation, as well as warehouse and inventory control setup

Candidate Qualifications:

•Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage simultaneous logistics activities including shipping, receiving, driver coordination, and inventory management

•Demonstrated experience in warehouse operations with emphasis on shipping, material handling, and transportation coordination

•Proficiency in operating material handling equipment including forklifts, cranes, and other powered industrial trucks safely and efficiently

•Excellent communication skills to coordinate effectively with drivers, carriers, production teams, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders

•Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in shipping documentation, inventory records, and regulatory compliance

•Problem-solving skills to address logistics challenges including shipment delays, equipment breakdowns, and urgent customer delivery requirements

•Physical ability to perform warehouse duties including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and working in varied environmental conditions

•Commitment to safety in all logistics operations including proper use of PPE, adherence to material handling procedures, and vehicle safety protocols

•Background in manufacturing process is a plus.

•Demonstrated experience contributing to innovation-focused projects, including development of new products, systems, workflows, or construction methodologies.

•Proven ability to generate and implement innovative ideas, improving design efficiency, constructability, automation, or manufacturing integration.

•Background working in new project development, pilot programs, or early stage project environments where requirements evolve rapidly.

•Comfortable operating in a startup-like or entrepreneurial environment, characterized by fast decision-making, limited precedent, and high ownership.

•Strong collaborator with the ability to communicate and work with cross-functional disciplines, including Engineering, Manufacturing, and Innovation.

•High attention to detail, balanced with a solution-oriented and forward-thinking mindset.

•Self-starter, hands-on and collaborative in achieving results

•Process and goal-oriented while comfortable with complexity and ambiguity

Education:

•High school diploma or GED equivalent required

Key Required Competencies and Experience:

•2-4 years of experience in logistics, warehouse operations, or distribution center environments

•Current forklift certification with hands-on experience operating multiple types of powered industrial trucks

•Crane operator certification or demonstrated ability to obtain certification for overhead crane and mobile crane operations

•Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) or Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certification is advantageous

•Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems, or ERP systems for logistics operations

•Knowledge of DOT transportation regulations, OSHA material handling requirements, shipping documentation standards and state special permits request

•Experience training and evaluating forklift operators in accordance with OSHA standards

•Familiarity with steel or heavy manufacturing logistics including specialized handling requirements for structural steel, coils, and fabricated products

•Valid commercial driver's license (CDL) is beneficial but not required

•Strong understanding of workplace safety requirements and ability to integrate safety considerations into process design and improvement initiatives

•Be able to operate and assemble components, including the use of screwdrivers, sawers, skilsaws

•Hands-on attitude and willingness to learn new things.

•Open-minded and willing to teach others.

•Strong communication skills.

•Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

•Manufacturing experience, including knowledge of 5S, lean manufacturing, and process flow optimization.

•50lb lifting is required

oDirect involvement in innovation-driven projects

oExperience working in startup, scaleup, or innovation-led environments, including exposure to:

Ambiguous or evolving project requirements

Rapid iteration and design optimization

Cross-functional collaboration beyond traditional engineering roles

oExperience supporting projects from conceptual design through fabrication and manufacturing.

oPrior involvement in multidisciplinary project teams

oExcellent spoken and written communication skills