Associate Manager, Customer Transportation Excellence

Background & Purpose of the Role
Unilever is seeking a highly motivated Associate Manager, Customer Transportation Excellence to drive transportation performance, excellence, and cost optimization across the US distribution network. The scope of responsibility spans across our outbound transportation network – including stock transfer orders (STOs) and customer shipments from US Distribution Centers.
Unlike traditional transportation operations roles focused primarily on daily shipment execution, in time this position will serve as a strategic business partner responsible for driving key transportation performance indicators, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and developing programs that improve speed, reliability, and freight cost efficiency across the DC network.
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Key Responsibilities

Transportation Performance Management
• Own and manage critical transportation KPIs, including:
o On-Time Delivery (OTD)
o Logistics Cost per Tonne (CpT) & Savings
o Carrier Contract Compliance
o Left of Dock
• Analyze performance trends and root causes to identify service and cost improvement opportunities.
• Lead regular performance reviews with internal stakeholders and external transportation providers.
• Drive accountability for transportation service and cost targets.

Strategic Transportation Programs
• Lead transportation optimization initiatives that improve service levels while reducing freight spend.
• Identify opportunities to:
o Increase truckload utilization
o Improve network efficiency
o Expand mode optimization opportunities (truckload, intermodal, dedicated, etc.)
o Improve transportation planning effectiveness
• Support annual transportation savings programs.
• Develop business cases and implementation plans for network improvements.

Carrier & Partner Management
• Manage carrier performance governance for outbound shipments from the US Distribution Center network.
• Conduct regular carrier business reviews focused on service, capacity, compliance, and cost.
• Partner with Procurement on carrier sourcing, negotiations, and contract management activities to support RFPs.
• Ensure carrier adherence to contractual service requirements and operational commitments.
• Manage third-party transportation providers in alignment with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), including KPI governance, performance tracking, issue resolution, and accountability for service and cost commitments.
• Support contingency planning and transportation risk mitigation programs.

Network & Cross-Functional Leadership
• Serve as the primary transportation partner for US Distribution Centers, stock transfer operations, customer operations teams, and outbound transportation providers.
• Support transportation strategy across outbound shipments from US Distribution Centers, including:
o Stock transfer orders (STOs) from US Distribution Centers
o Outbound customer shipments from US Distribution Centers
• Collaborate closely with Customer Service, Procurement, Logistics Finance, Warehousing, and Carrier Partners to identify opportunities, influence decision-making, and deliver sustainable transportation improvements.
• Lead cross-functional problem solving and continuous improvement workshops.

Continuous Improvement & Analytics
• Utilize transportation data and analytics to identify opportunities and drive action plans.
• Develop recommendations through scenario analysis, transportation modeling, and performance reviews.
• Support transportation technology adoption and process standardization initiatives.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to explore and implement technology and automation enhancements to operations and reporting.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement.
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Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, or related field
• 3–5 years of experience in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Operations, Carrier Management, Customer Service, and/or Transportation Analytics
• Experience managing transportation KPIs and performance reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working cross-functionally and influencing stakeholders.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Power BI proficiency.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Preferred
• Experience with transportation management systems (OTM, SAP TM, Oracle Transportation Management, or similar).
• Knowledge of US transportation regulations and domestic outbound logistics.
• Experience leading transportation savings or network optimization initiatives.
• Experience with carrier sourcing, procurement, or contract management.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $88,600 to $133,000. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

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At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do . We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.

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