Manager, Bulk Distribution Services

Morton Salt•,

47d•$95,000 - $165,000

About The Position

The Manager, Bulk Distribution Services has end-to-end responsibility for Morton Salt’s regional stockpile and barge distribution programs and strategy. The role oversees the supply chain from mine and supply-source relationships through barge supply planning, transportation and terminal operations, stockpile management, and final delivery to customers. It develops and optimizes the barge supply plan and distribution network, manages shipments and stockpile operations, and negotiates and manages relationships and contracts with barge providers, terminal operators, carriers, and other partners. The manager also identifies and evaluates potential stockpile opportunities and develops plans to expand the network. The position is accountable for service and operational execution, environmental requirements at stockpiles, and KPIs supporting network performance and customer service. It serves as the primary Supply Chain point of contact for stockpile and barge operations and works with Supply Chain, Operations, Sales & Marketing, and Finance to resolve service issues and improve cost, efficiency, and customer service. The role manages approved budgets of approximately $12 million for Bulk Distribution Services and $34 million for Barge Freight. The manager coordinates daily order, shipment, inventory, carrier, and freight activities; oversees stockpile capacity, compliance, and performance; and supports cost analysis, forecasting, budgeting, invoicing, and continuous improvement. The position interfaces with internal and external customers at all levels, including senior leadership, and develops strategic relationships with current and prospective partners.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in Supply Chain Logistics, preferably in distribution directly associated with the bulk industry.
Experience with internet-based load management (track-and-trace) software.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to prioritize and multitask.
Ability to work well under pressure.
Superior interpersonal skills to communicate internally and externally at all levels.
Ability to work independently and across functional or matrix team structures.
Strong analysis, problem-solving, and independent decision-making skills, with a commitment to resolution.
Dependability, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.
Strong record of execution and follow-through when managing critical deadlines.
Ability to fairly represent the needs of the business.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or Logistics.
At least 3 years of experience working with barges or waterways.
Environmental management experience.
Project management experience.
Previous SAP experience and knowledge.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage the company’s overall regional barge bulk program and strategy.
Manage day-to-day barge shipment execution, including orders, barge management, tracking, and invoicing.
Track barge loading and unloading to improve efficiency and manage demurrage.
Identify and analyze new barge stockpile opportunities.
Coordinate with mines to meet production and barge-loading targets.
Develop barge supply plans for stockpiles and direct customer shipments, aligning supply with customer needs, mine loading capabilities, environmental considerations, and cost objectives.
Monitor daily and forecasted orders and inventory levels to ensure barge plans meet business needs.
Coordinate with mines and Sales & Marketing to respond to forecast changes, sales spikes, volumes, and trends; optimize barge plans and secure trucking capacity.
Ensure safe, secure storage and appropriate care and maintenance of storage facilities, including site inspections, inventory management, and compliance with environmental requirements.
Deliver the approved Bulk Distribution Services and Barge Freight budgets.
Negotiate barge freight and carrier rates, mitigate price increases, and ensure required carrier capacity.
Investigate and resolve product quality and service issues.
Monitor and report transactional and contractual expenses; develop cost data and identify savings and efficiency opportunities for review with Finance and management.
Align logistics services with Morton Salt’s business goals and objectives.
Coordinate special handling, activities, performance monitoring, and projects for bulk distribution services.
Ensure stockpiles comply with the Morton Salt Stockpile Operations Manual and that operational documents and control procedures are current.
Manage stockpile environmental compliance, including air quality, waste, clean water, and pollution requirements.
Manage stockpile capacity planning, systems, rate negotiations, agreements, service levels, and performance reporting.
Collect monthly 3PL metrics and evaluate performance against KPIs; facilitate annual business reviews with 3PL and barge partners.
Review freight bills and discrepancies against expected costs, make corrections, approve payment, and perform root-cause analysis.
Monitor and report supplier performance, car efficiency, and cost performance using operational and cost metrics.
Assist with accurate, timely entry of rates into TMS and SAP systems.
Conduct annual optimization with Sales & Marketing to identify cost-efficient sourcing and carriers, considering carrier capacity and performance history and customer delivery requirements.
Monitor customer open orders, correct shipment errors, create route guides, and dispatch carriers at sites as needed.
Resolve daily transportation and logistics issues with carriers and internal and external personnel to support on-time delivery and meet performance expectations.
Validate that carriers can meet agreed capacity and customer delivery requirements.
Obtain signed Bills of Lading for proof-of-delivery inquiries and assist with freight invoice discrepancies and claims.
Analyze actual costs against budget and perform forecasting; prepare stockpile and inbound and outbound freight budgets based on negotiated rates and terms.
Manage stockpile receipts and intercompany invoicing.
Interface independently with internal and external customers at all levels, including senior leadership.
Drive continuous improvement in cost, service, communication, and best practices among Morton Salt, stockpiles, and barge carriers; build strategic partner relationships.
Collaborate across internal functions to create flexible, cost-effective supply plans, including seasonal inventory builds and outbound activity.
Continue developing business skills, knowledge, and industry expertise as a Supply Chain and Logistics leader.