Logistics Manager, Freight & Systems (TMS)

Readerlink Distribution Services•Oak Brook, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Logistics Manager, Freight & Systems (TMS) will lead and oversee transportation systems and freight analytics functions, serving as the primary owner of Blue Yonder TMS while managing freight cost analysis and reporting. This role ensures efficient and reliable transportation execution by aligning system capabilities with business strategy, service improvements, driving cost efficiencies, and overall logistics operational excellence. The position acts as a key liaison across Transportation, IT, Finance, Distribution Centers, and external partners, while providing leadership and direction to the Logistics Analyst, Freight & Systems role(s).

Requirements

High school diploma or general educational development (GED) diploma or certificate is required.
Minimum one year of experience with Blue Yonder TMS configuration experience is required.
Strong to advanced experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to speak with all levels of the organization and outside partners.
Ability to translate technical system concepts into clear business terms for non-technical stakeholders.
Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally across Transportation, IT, Finance, and external partners.
Interpersonal skills and relationship building.
Must be proficient in basic mathematics: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Ability to do algebra, calculate figures and amounts and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Proficiency in data analysis, system outputs, and performance metrics.
Understanding of business processes such as transportation planning logic, cost drivers, and system-calculated outputs.
Ability to validate system-generated calculations, including rating, routing, and load optimization outputs.
Ability to interpret data across multiple systems, including TMS, ERP, and Power BI tools.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
A methodical and organized approach to problem-solving.
Ability to apply structured problem-solving to transportation system and integration challenges.
Ability to troubleshoot system issues involving multiple variables across platforms (TMS, ERP, WMS, carrier systems).
Ability to analyze root causes of system or data discrepancies and implement corrective solutions.
Ability to interpret business requirements and translate them into system configurations and process improvements.
Ability to manage competing priorities and system dependencies in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Seven (7) plus years’ experience in logistics systems or transportation technology is preferred.
Experience leading or supporting TMS implementations or major system enhancements is preferred.
Strong experience with system integrations (ERP, WMS, APIs, EDI) is preferred.
Advanced experience in Power BI, SQL, or other data tools is preferred.
Experience managing or mentoring analysts or cross-functional team members.
Strong understanding of transportation operations (routing, tendering, freight audit, and payment).
Demonstrated ability to balance systems strategy with operational execution in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary subject matter expert (SME) for Blue Yonder TMS, including system configuration, continuous optimization, and day-to-day operational support to system stability, accuracy, and consistent performance.
Own and manage all transportation system integrations between TMS, ERP, WMS, and carrier platforms, ensuring accurate data flow, timely transaction processing, and alignment across all systems supporting transportation execution.
Provide supervision and mentorship to Logistics Analyst, Freight & Systems role(s), including setting priorities, providing guidance, and supporting performance management & ongoing professional development.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Transportation, IT, Finance, Distribution Centers and external partners to drive system adoption, improve user experience, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of system standard operating procedures (SOPs); proactively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to load planning, rating, and tendering to minimize disruptions and ensure accurate invoice processing.
Translate business requirements into workable, sustainable system configurations and solutions by partnering with stakeholders to design and implement enhancements that align operational and strategic objectives.
Ensure system data integrity across TMS and all platforms to support accurate financial reporting, freight audit processes, and operational decision-making.
Support system upgrades and enhancements by participating in testing activities including QA and UAT validations, ensuring successful deployment into production environments.
Drive automation initiatives across transportation planning, tendering, and execution processes to reduce manual effort, improve efficiency, and increase system utilization.
Review and validate reporting outputs including performance dashboards, cost analyses, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to support budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and operational decision-making.
Other duties may be assigned, directed, or requested.