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