Operations Specialist

Employment Type Exempt (Occasional long working hours, evening, and weekend work may be required.) Location Houston, Texas Office Hours Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CST) Product Approximately 200,000 metric tons of methanol annually (approximately USD $70 million in sales) Target Market Formaldehyde Acetic Acid Other downstream chemical manufacturers Sales Territory North America, with potential expansion into South America Qualifications Team-oriented mindset with a positive attitude toward open communication, sharing ideas, and contributing to business strategy. Creative thinker with the ability to work independently to achieve business objectives. Minimum of three (3) years of logistics experience, preferably in the chemical industry. Experience managing chemical product logistics throughout the U.S., including terminals, chemical tankers, barges, railcars, trucks, and overseas transportation. Working knowledge of Incoterms® 2020. Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint). Eagerness to learn and quickly assume ownership of responsibilities. Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills. Essential Responsibilities Logistics Coordination Schedule and coordinate transportation plans for domestic and international shipments, including vessels and barges. Monitor and maintain appropriate inventory levels at U.S. storage terminals by coordinating transportation schedules and collecting sales forecasts. Resolve operational issues including delays, demurrage, contamination, product damage, and other logistics-related matters through effective communication with customers, suppliers, and logistics vendors. Build and maintain strong working relationships with logistics providers to ensure smooth daily operations. Logistics Analysis & Cost Optimization Develop a thorough understanding of logistics agreements and contracts involving terminals, vessels, barges, railcars, railroads, and other transportation providers. Understand logistics-related terms and obligations within sales and purchase agreements. Continuously improve logistics efficiency and reduce transportation costs through optimized planning and execution. Analyze sales pricing, purchase pricing, logistics costs, and their impact on profitability, and provide recommendations for operational improvements. Maintain a database of logistics agreements and contracts with transportation vendors and participate in strategic contract negotiations. Sales Support Provide logistics cost analysis and operational support to the sales and marketing team. Communicate proactively with customers to understand logistics requirements and anticipate operational needs. Resolve customer issues related to transportation, demurrage, contamination, and other logistics matters. Advise the sales team regarding logistics-related provisions in sales contracts during both negotiation and implementation. Business Travel Travel with sales team members to visit customers and logistics vendors as needed (approximately five or more days per month, with occasional weekend travel). Prepare meeting agendas, discussion topics, questions, and presentations in advance. Follow up on action items after meetings. Occasionally participate in global meetings held in Japan. Routine Responsibilities Prepare business reports, including business trip reports, monthly reports, sales forecasts, and operational updates. Manage regulatory compliance matters, including FDA and TSCA requirements. Support the customer service team during monthly account closing activities. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Compensation & Benefits Base Salary: $66,000 – $80,000 annually (Houston, TX) Attractive performance-based bonus program Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) retirement savings plan Paid vacation and company holidays #J-18808-Ljbffr