Logistics Planner

Logistics Planner - Elyria, OH / The Woodlands, TX

About United Initiators

United Initiators is a global leader in the production of peroxide‑based initiators and specialty chemicals. We take pride in our commitment to safety , quality , and innovation - and in creating a workplace where employees can thrive. Learn more at .

We Offer a Competitive Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting Day 1
• 48 hours of sick time per year (rollover up to 96 hours)
• 2 floating holidays + 24 hours of unavoidable absence leave

Paid vacation begins after 90 days of service, with additional vacation consideration available based on relevant experience.

• 401(k) with match, Safe Harbor contribution, and profit sharing
• Wellness Program (earn up to $350/year for routine care)
• Health Advocate program for additional support

Position Summary

United Initiators is seeking a Logistics Planner to coordinate and execute domestic and international freight shipments supporting our manufacturing and distribution operations. This role serves as a key liaison between carriers, warehouses, customer service, shipping personnel, and internal stakeholders to ensure products are delivered safely, accurately, and on time.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on transportation and freight management experience, strong problem‑solving abilities, excellent time‑management skills, and the ability to prioritize multiple competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate and execute domestic and international shipments, including FTL, LTL, bulk, parcel, and export shipments.
• Book freight with approved carriers and transportation providers.
• Monitor shipments from origin through delivery and proactively resolve delays or service issues.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between carriers, warehouses, customer service teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Manage transportation exceptions, including shipment delays, damages, delivery discrepancies, and carrier performance concerns.
• Evaluate transportation options and help optimize freight routing while maintaining service requirements.

Shipping Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare and review shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, Packing Lists, Commercial Invoices, Certificates of Analysis, Safety Data Sheets, Dangerous Goods Declarations, and other required shipping documents.
• Ensure domestic and international shipping paperwork is accurate, complete, and compliant with applicable regulations.
• Support compliance with DOT, IMDG, customs, and other transportation requirements.
• Create, update, and distribute customer‑specific export documentation as required.

Transportation Systems & Reporting

• Process and post freight transactions through SAP and other transportation systems.
• Review freight charges and support freight cost reconciliation activities.
• Investigate and resolve freight billing discrepancies.
• Support month‑end logistics reporting and transportation‑related analytics.

Safety, Environmental & Quality Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety procedures and policies.
• Support compliance with environmental regulations and transportation requirements.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Responsible Care programs.
• Demonstrate commitment to safe and environmentally responsible business practices.

Requirements & Qualifications

Required

• 3-5+ years of transportation, freight coordination, logistics execution, shipping operations, or related experience.
• Experience managing domestic freight movements, including FTL and LTL shipments.
• Experience coordinating directly with carriers, freight providers, or transportation partners.
• Working knowledge of shipping documentation and transportation processes.
• Experience utilizing SAP, TMS systems, or similar transportation/shipping software.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred

• International transportation and export experience.
• Hazardous materials logistics experience.
• Knowledge of customs compliance and international trade regulations.
• Experience reconciling freight costs and transportation invoices.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field.

Success in This Role

Successful candidates will:

• Thrive in a fast‑paced environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Possess strong time‑management and prioritization skills.
• Demonstrate sound judgment when determining urgency and resolving transportation issues.
• Take ownership of problems and drive issues through resolution.
• Communicate effectively with carriers, internal customers, and cross‑functional teams.
• Show a desire to learn, grow, and develop within the organization.
• Professional office environment with occasional walking, standing, bending, and light lifting.
• Frequent interaction with transportation providers, customer service personnel, warehouse operations, and internal business partners.
• Fast‑paced logistics environment requiring flexibility, responsiveness, and attention to detail.

Equal Opportunity Employer

United Initiators is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.