Manager, Logistics Planning

Dairy Farmers of America•Greeley, CO

About The Position

Manage daily logistics operations and lead a team of logistics planners coordinating inbound and outbound product movement for a specific geographic region or product group. The role oversees planning, consolidation, scheduling, sourcing, settlement, warehousing, and transportation to distributors and internal or external customers. It focuses on economical and efficient routes, cost reductions, loading efficiencies, carrier on-time delivery performance, and resolving transportation challenges. The manager works with internal and external stakeholders across logistics, operations, production, distribution, warehouses, and carriers to lead the logistics planning department. The position also manages staff, develops operational policies and procedures, supports carrier and supplier performance reviews, handles transportation bids and contracts, and leads implementation planning for network changes. Travel is 25%.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in business, logistics, supply chain, distribution management, or a related curriculum, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
5 to 8 years of transportation, distribution, supply chain, or related experience, applying knowledge of the motor carrier industry.
At least 2 years of experience with transportation management systems (TMS).
Demonstrated leadership attributes or team leadership experience.
Strong knowledge of the principles, practices, and economics of distribution and logistics.
Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, rules, and regulations, including DOT, GMP, USDA, OSHA, and HACCP.
Knowledge of supervision, training, and personnel management principles and practices.
Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
Ability to promote a team environment, collaborate across departments, and build consensus around initiatives.
Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to problem-solve, multitask, and prioritize work activities.
Ability to adapt to and manage change effectively.
Sound business judgment and decision-making skills.
Ability to analyze and interpret data and consider strategic and practical implications of proposed actions.
Negotiation skills.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Willingness to travel 25%.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee customer needs and orders for load planning, using software and relevant factors to optimize loads and truckloads.
Ensure schedules balance member and customer needs with load efficiency and profitability.
Study market trends, communicate with suppliers, assess external impacts on business and product delivery, and forecast demand for peak delivery periods.
Participate in developing, monitoring, and reporting KPIs for third-party carriers and logistics teams, including lane compliance, route guide compliance, and assessorial management.
Lead or oversee regular business reviews with key carriers to drive service and performance improvements, and develop or approve review presentations.
Ensure effective communication and completion of daily activities between logistics planning staff, haulers, drivers, and for-hire carriers.
Serve as an escalation point for plant personnel, carriers, drivers, and warehouse or shipping locations to resolve shipment and service issues, special deliveries, and order adjustments, while communicating critical changes.
Manage on-time delivery problem-solving and performance improvements with customers, coordinating solutions to shipment and delivery issues.
Manage the RFP process.
Lead planning and implementation of solutions for network changes.
Analyze and document interplant and inbound carrier and rate structures; negotiate carrier contract terms and rates within internal parameters; maintain current contracts and plan for renewals, reviews, extensions, or changes.
Establish policy and develop Standard Operating Procedures for logistics activities.
Promote collaboration, consistency, and process standardization within the logistics planning function.
Manage employees through supervision, scheduling, development, and performance management; partner with Human Resources to recruit and hire, identify training needs, and train and mentor staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.