Logistics Manager

Van Andel Institute

10d

About The Position

Van Andel Institute’s Materials Management group is seeking a Logistics Manager to lead a team of three and oversee the Institute’s logistics operations. The role covers domestic and international shipping and receiving, internal distribution, compliance, systems, staffing, vendor performance, and continuous improvement. The Logistics Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for logistics activities, ensuring shipments—including regulated and hazardous materials—meet institutional policies, trade regulations, and safety requirements. The position administers logistics systems, establishes departmental goals and performance standards, develops staff and procedures, and serves as the primary expert and contact for complex international shipments and regulatory matters. The role also monitors performance, compliance, and costs; manages vendor relationships; and provides operational support during peak demand or staffing gaps.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, or related experience.
Five to ten years of progressive experience in logistics, supply chain, or a related field, with direct responsibility for domestic and international shipping and compliance.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, trade regulations, and safety requirements.
Proficiency with ERP systems and shipping/logistics management software, including reporting and operational tracking tools.
Ability to manage projects independently, maintain attention to detail while understanding the broader context, lead and develop teams, and drive process design and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Customs brokerage experience.
Experience in an academic, nonprofit, or research environment.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for domestic and international shipping and receiving.
Ensure shipments and receipts, including regulated and hazardous materials, comply with institutional policies, trade regulations, and safety requirements.
Administer Workday, SCLogic, and eShipGlobal, including configuration, user support, and system performance.
Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance standards aligned with institutional objectives.
Lead, mentor, and develop logistics staff, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Design and monitor workflow plans for efficient and timely shipment handling.
Lead import/export operations in accordance with trade regulations, export controls, and institutional compliance standards.
Serve as the primary expert and contact for complex shipments and regulatory matters, working with transportation providers, customs brokers, and government agencies.
Develop and maintain procedures, compliance documentation, and operational tools to standardize processes.
Analyze and monitor vendor performance, negotiate service agreements, and resolve service issues.
Approve and balance staffing coverage to meet operational demands.
Address personnel issues and lead performance management, including evaluations and corrective action when necessary.
Prepare and analyze management reports to monitor performance, compliance, and cost efficiency.
Provide high-level operational support during peak demand, staffing gaps, or institutional priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.