Transportation Specialist

Transportation Specialist As a key member of the Lindt & Sprngli (North America) Inc. (LSNA) Transportation team, the Transportation Specialist plays a vital role in supporting Lindt US, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover Chocolate brands. This position involves meticulous analysis and approval of transportation freight invoices for payment to all LSNA transportation carriers and resolution of OS&D and Freight Claims (Overages, Shortages, and Damages, Returns and QA inspections). The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in managing a high volume of invoices and/or OS&D incidents, resolving financial intricacies, providing guidance to other analysis, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role requires a detail-oriented professional who is proficient in utilizing a Transportation Management System (TMS), excels in independent problem-solving, and possesses strong collaboration skills to build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Essential Functions Audit carrier invoices, across all modes of transportation, validating charges to ensure strict compliance with transportation agreements, carrier guides, and payment terms. Conduct thorough reviews of billing data and supporting documentation, meticulously identifying any discrepancies, and promptly taking necessary steps to rectify them, ensuring accurate and compliant invoice processing. Monitor carrier submitted accessorial charges within TMS platform against supporting documentation to validate legitimacy of charges before approving or payment. Collaborate with finance and operations departments to ensure consistency and integrity of financial practices through reporting and/or analysis. Provide OS&D resolution by evaluating product value and transportation costs, to align with the organization's objectives, financial considerations, and standard operating procedures. Maintain proactive communication with internal and external parties to ensure final resolution is completed timely while protecting the integrity of our premium chocolate. Display a continuous improvement mindset by identifying opportunities to reduce spend, aligning with transportation budgets and improving service. Schedule and monitor completion of third-party inspections where required. Review and determine supporting documentation required for a successful OS&D and claim submission, continually improving documentation offerings to increase claim success. Gather/ report OS&D metrics (i.e. response/ resolution/ disposition time, carrier trends, etc) Serve as a customer service representative to address carrier invoice or OS&D inquiries, providing prompt and effective resolution to any concerns raised. Troubleshoot TMS (Transportation Management System) issues with carriers, offering technical support and training as necessary to ensure smooth processing of invoices and adherence to system requirements. Effectively communicate unresolved carrier issues to management for timely resolution. Support after-hour and weekend coverage on a rotating basis or as needed Take on special projects and additional responsibilities as assigned by management, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute to team objectives and organizational goals. Basic Qualifications High school diploma or a GED required Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel Attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams Customer service skills to address inquiries from internal and external stakeholders Minimum of 2 years of experience in accounts payable (AP) functions, transportation, logistics, supply chain, or accounting Support after-hour and weekend coverage on a rotating basis or as needed Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration/supply chain management or related field Proven ability to identify and solve complex issues related to freight billing/payment, QA inspections or freight claims Experience in refrigerated, intermodal and less-than-truckload transportation Experience in food & beverage or consumer-packaged goods Working knowledge of Transportation Management System (TMS) and specifically with e2open (BluJay) Proven track record of identifying opportunities for process improvements and implementing changes to enhance efficiency. Company Description Lindt and Sprngli (North America) Inc. is the Supply Chain and Business Shared Services Company supporting the Lindt & Sprngli family of brands (Lindt USA, Ghirardelli Chocolates and Russell Stover Chocolates), headquartered in Kansas City, MO. Employment by Lindt & Sprngli (North America) Inc. is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, and satisfactory employment and background checks. Lindt & Sprngli (North America) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Principals only, please.