Logistics/Materials Specialist

Title: Logistics/Materials Specialist
Location: Birmingham-Bessemer AL
Duration: 12+ Months
Pay Rate: $35-38/hr. on w2
Client: Manufacturing Industry

Job Description:
• Prepare and manage shipping documents including bills of lading, packing lists, shipping manifests, and commercial invoices to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely product shipments
• Coordinate and supervise truck drivers including scheduling pickups and deliveries, route planning, load assignments, and driver safety compliance
• Operate and provide training on cranes and forklifts including counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, and overhead cranes for loading and material handling operations
• Serve as certified trainer for powered industrial truck operations, conducting operator evaluations, skills assessments, and recertification training in accordance with OSHA requirements
• Manage trailer fleet including scheduling preventive maintenance, coordinating repairs, tracking trailer locations, and ensuring DOT compliance for all transportation equipment
• Optimize loadability by planning load configurations, calculating weight distributions, and maximizing trailer capacity while ensuring load security and product protection
• Synchronize factory production schedules with onsite delivery requirements, coordinating with production planning, customer service, and transportation providers to meet customer delivery windows
• Maintain inventory accuracy for finished goods through cycle counting, stock rotation (FIFO), and warehouse management system (WMS) transactions
• Coordinate with carriers and freight forwarders for outbound shipments
• Ensure compliance with shipping regulations including weight and size restrictions, and transportation safety standards
• Support internal material handling and manufacturing material flow implementation, as well as warehouse and inventory control setup



Candidate Qualifications:
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage simultaneous logistics activities including shipping, receiving, driver coordination, and inventory management
• Demonstrated experience in warehouse operations with emphasis on shipping, material handling, and transportation coordination
• Proficiency in operating material handling equipment including forklifts, cranes, and other powered industrial trucks safely and efficiently
• Excellent communication skills to coordinate effectively with drivers, carriers, production teams, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in shipping documentation, inventory records, and regulatory compliance
• Problem-solving skills to address logistics challenges including shipment delays, equipment breakdowns, and urgent customer delivery requirements
• Physical ability to perform warehouse duties including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and working in varied environmental conditions
• Commitment to safety in all logistics operations including proper use of PPE, adherence to material handling procedures, and vehicle safety protocols
• Background in manufacturing process is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to innovation-focused projects, including development of new products, systems, workflows, or construction methodologies.
• Proven ability to generate and implement innovative ideas, improving design efficiency, constructability, automation, or manufacturing integration.
• Background working in new project development, pilot programs, or early stage project environments where requirements evolve rapidly.
• Comfortable operating in a startup-like or entrepreneurial environment, characterized by fast decision-making, limited precedent, and high ownership.
• Strong collaborator with the ability to communicate and work with cross-functional disciplines, including Engineering, Manufacturing, and Innovation.
• High attention to detail, balanced with a solution-oriented and forward-thinking mindset.
• Self-starter, hands-on and collaborative in achieving results
• Process and goal-oriented while comfortable with complexity and ambiguity



Key Required Competencies and Experience:
• 2-4 years of experience in logistics, warehouse operations, or distribution center environments
• Current forklift certification with hands-on experience operating multiple types of powered industrial trucks
• Crane operator certification or demonstrated ability to obtain certification for overhead crane and mobile crane operations
• Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) or Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certification is advantageous
• Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems, or ERP systems for logistics operations
• Knowledge of DOT transportation regulations, OSHA material handling requirements, shipping documentation standards and state special permits request
• Experience training and evaluating forklift operators in accordance with OSHA standards
• Familiarity with steel or heavy manufacturing logistics including specialized handling requirements for structural steel, coils, and fabricated products
• Valid commercial driver's license (CDL) is beneficial but not required
• Strong understanding of workplace safety requirements and ability to integrate safety considerations into process design and improvement initiatives
• Be able to operate and assemble components, including the use of screwdrivers, sawers, skilsaws
• Hands-on attitude and willingness to learn new things.
• Open-minded and willing to teach others.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Manufacturing experience, including knowledge of 5S, lean manufacturing, and process flow optimization.
• 50lb lifting is required