Head of Supply Chain Logistics & Distribution Procurement

The Shipping & Logistics Manager will oversee end-to-end shipping, receiving, logistics, warehousing, material handling, distribution, and related systems/tools within a manufacturing environment. This role will manage inbound and outbound logistics operations, carrier selection, shipment planning, third‑party warehousing, import/export coordination, inventory accuracy, logistics KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position will work closely with the Purchasing, Planning, Manufacturing, Sales, Finance, Product Development, Corporate Transportation, and Import/Export Trade Compliance teams to ensure timely, cost‑effective, compliant, and customer‑focused logistics operations.

Direct inbound and outbound logistics operations, including transportation, inventory control, warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.

Assess and recommend optimal shipping methods, carriers, routing, equipment, and shipment frequency to meet delivery timelines, transportation requirements, and cost targets.

Recommend carrier base, negotiate competitive rates, and support logistics service agreements and transportation contracts.

Review shipping notices, bills of lading, invoices, orders, and other records to determine shipping priorities, work assignments, and shipping methods.

Determine shipment space requirements, truckload planning, routing, and legal load limits based on established schedules and weight limits.

Maintain logistics metrics, customer service logs, process documentation, safety training records, and operational reporting.

Monitor import and export processes to support legal, regulatory, and trade compliance requirements.

Oversee worldwide distribution center operations to ensure cost, productivity, accuracy, and on‑time delivery targets are achieved.

Collaborate with Sales, Order Management, Accounting, Planning, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Product Development teams to align logistics with business systems and processes.

Conduct and review audits for storage, distribution, transportation, inventory, and logistics activities.

Develop and implement methods to maintain accurate inventory levels, including timely and effective cycle count completion.

Manage logistics RFPs, carrier/service provider reviews, international transportation agreements, and freight forwarder relationships.

Perform total landed cost analysis and provide regular updates to internal stakeholders.

Develop and maintain international transportation SOPs with freight forwarders and logistics service providers.

Drive continuous improvement, good distribution practices, risk mitigation, and contingency planning for critical shipping lanes.

Evaluate and implement supply chain improvement tools related to cost savings, shipment tracking, visibility, market analysis, and communication processes.

Monitor logistics provider performance through KPIs, service reviews, and quarterly business reviews.

Coordinate the claims process for international shipments with freight forwarders and risk management.

Support global logistics integration projects, including shipping validation, IT systems enablement, trade compliance, and regulatory implementation.

Directly supervise 4–7 employees within Shipping and Receiving.

Support interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, work assignment, performance appraisal, coaching, corrective action, and employee issue resolution.

Ensure team productivity, process discipline, safety compliance, and customer‑focused execution.

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

10+ years of experience in shipping, logistics, warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing logistics operations.

Prior supervisory experience managing shipping, receiving, warehouse, or logistics team members.

Strong understanding of inbound and outbound transportation, carrier management, warehousing, inventory control, and shipment documentation.

Experience working with bills of lading, invoices, shipping notices, customer orders, freight documentation, and logistics records.

Knowledge of import/export processes, transportation compliance, routing, load planning, and shipment risk management.

Ability to develop, monitor, and interpret logistics KPIs related to productivity, overtime, cost, accuracy, service levels, and on‑time delivery.

Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Strong problem‑solving ability and sound judgment in standardized and time‑sensitive logistics situations.

Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact with internal teams, vendors, customers, and management.

Experience with Microsoft AX, Microsoft SharePoint, database tools, and payroll/operations systems.

Compliance, traffic, transportation, or trade compliance certification/training is a plus.

Experience with freight forwarders, 3PL providers, international shipping, landed cost analysis, and logistics RFPs.

Customer‑focused mindset

Compliance and risk awareness

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