Logistics Manager

Logistics Manager

The Logistics Manager is responsible for overseeing all logistics, transportation, warehousing, and distribution activities within a manufacturing operation. This role ensures the efficient movement of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods to support production schedules and customer requirements. The Logistics Manager develops strategies to optimize transportation costs, inventory flow, warehouse operations, and delivery performance while maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

This position collaborates closely with Production, Supply Chain, Procurement, Customer Service, Planning, and Sales teams to ensure seamless material flow throughout the organization and achieve operational excellence.

Logistics and Transportation Management

• Develop and execute logistics strategies that support operational and customer service objectives.
• Manage inbound and outbound transportation activities, including carrier selection and performance management.
• Ensure timely delivery of raw materials and finished goods to meet production and customer requirements.
• Monitor freight costs and implement cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining service levels.
• Negotiate transportation contracts and service agreements with carriers and logistics providers.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate transportation disruptions and supply chain risks.

Warehouse and Distribution Operations

• Oversee daily warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, inventory management, shipping, and order fulfillment.
• Ensure efficient use of warehouse space and resources.
• Establish and maintain procedures for material handling, shipping accuracy, and inventory control.
• Monitor warehouse productivity and implement process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with company standards regarding inventory accuracy and material traceability.
• Lead physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.

Inventory Management

• Partner with Planning, Procurement, and Operations teams to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Monitor inventory performance and identify opportunities to reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
• Ensure inventory accuracy through effective controls and auditing procedures.
• Analyze inventory trends, turnover rates, and demand forecasts.
• Develop strategies to improve inventory utilization and working capital performance.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and develop warehouse, shipping, receiving, and logistics personnel.
• Establish departmental goals and performance expectations.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching, training, and development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce planning and staffing requirements.

Customer Service and Delivery Performance

• Ensure customer orders are shipped accurately and delivered on time.
• Monitor order fulfillment performance and address service issues proactively.
• Collaborate with Customer Service and Sales teams to resolve delivery concerns.
• Implement systems and procedures that improve customer satisfaction and delivery reliability.
• Support customer audits and logistics performance reviews.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities within logistics and warehouse operations.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and monitor logistics performance metrics.
• Lead projects focused on reducing costs, improving throughput, and enhancing service performance.
• Support overall supply chain optimization efforts.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA, environmental, and applicable transportation regulations.
• Maintain safe warehouse and transportation operations.
• Conduct regular safety audits and promote safe work practices.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and quality standards.
• Support incident investigations and corrective action programs.
• Maintain required documentation and regulatory records.

Systems and Reporting

• Utilize ERP, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to monitor operations.
• Prepare and analyze logistics and transportation reports.
• Monitor key performance indicators and provide regular updates to leadership.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning activities.
• Leverage data analytics to improve performance and drive decision-making.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field required.

Experience

• 510 years of logistics, transportation, warehouse, or supply chain experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environment strongly preferred.
• Experience managing transportation providers and warehouse operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of logistics, transportation, warehousing, and inventory management principles.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and supply chain processes.
• Knowledge of DOT, OSHA, and transportation regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Proficiency with ERP, WMS, TMS, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using logistics and operational data to drive business decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, or similar supply chain certification.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, JD Edwards, or other ERP systems.
• Experience managing multi-site logistics operations.
• Knowledge of international shipping and customs processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and warehouse/manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout warehouse and production areas for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel periodically to distribution centers, customer locations, or carrier facilities.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, warehouse, and manufacturing floor environments.
• Regular interaction with warehouse personnel, production teams, transportation providers, customers, and suppliers.
• May require occasional after-hours availability to address transportation or operational issues.
• Periodic travel may be required based on business needs.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Chattanooga, TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of