Logistics Lead

Graco•Dayton, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. The Logistics Lead provides functional leadership, operational oversight, and subject matter expertise for daily logistics and transportation activities. This position supports the execution and continuous improvement of domestic and international transportation processes and programs, ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods. The position also analyzes logistics performance - including cost, service levels, carrier performance, and operational trends - to optimize service, mitigate risk, and drive process improvements that enhance the customer experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business or related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience
5+ years logistics experience in a freight forwarding, manufacturing, or distribution environment
Working knowledge of export processes including documentation, ITN filings, and hazmat regulations
Demonstrated ability to lead projects, provide guidance to team members, and apply complex logistics knowledge
Strong knowledge of domestic and international transportation (parcel, LTL, air, ocean); pricing, accessorials, and carrier service models
Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills
Experience with carrier management, freight payment/audit, and logistics reporting
Oracle, TMS, or related systems experience
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).

Nice To Haves

Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge
MBA or Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Provide support to the Logistics team, ensuring daily objectives are met and service excellence is maintained.
Serve as back-up to Logistics and Trade Compliance leader, as needed, and provide some daily work direction as needed.
Monitor, coach, and mentor Logistics team on communication, problem-solving and service excellence.
Onboard new hires, ensuring familiarity with systems, policies and best practices.
Communicate updates & process changes and provide some daily work direction based on priorities.
Champion change by leading the adoption of new processes and system updates.
Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and service standards - addressing issues directly when needed and escalating as appropriate.
Provide training on departmental systems, transportation processes, and export execution.
Support the day-to-day logistics operations, including domestic and international transportation, carrier management, freight payment/audit, and performance monitoring.
Serve as a key resource in monitoring service provider performance, analyzing operational results, reporting monthly performance insights to leadership, and supporting quarterly business reviews.
Assist in maintaining freight payment and audit processes to ensure accurate transportation spend and financial transparency.
Serve as escalation point of contact for carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers.
Monitor carrier performance across all modes (parcel, LTL, truckload, air, ocean) and support issue resolution.
Track and report logistics KPIs (cost, service, claims, on-time performance), identifying trends and cost drivers such as fuel, accessorials, and routing.
Support carrier sourcing, rate analysis, and implementation of transportation strategies.
Act as a key resource for logistics processes, systems, and transportation activities.
Conduct complex internal and external assessments of logistics operations including cost, service levels, and process effectiveness.
Research and make logistics and transportation recommendations to reduce cost, improve service, and mitigate operational and compliance risks.
Ensure export shipment compliance in coordination with Trade Compliance, including documentation, ITN filings, hazmat regulations, ECCN awareness, and restricted party screening, and proper execution of international shipments, and proper recordkeeping.
Perform other duties as assigned.