Manager, Logistics Planning

Dairy Farmers of America•Greeley, CO

About The Position

Manage daily operational activities and a team of logistics planners coordinating inbound and outbound logistics, including planning and consolidating shipments, scheduling, sourcing, settlement, warehousing, and transportation of products to distributors or internal and external customers. Oversee transportation planning and execution, focusing on economical and efficient routes, cost reductions, loading efficiencies, and carrier on-time delivery performance. Address challenges associated with product movement and coordinate with internal and external partners to lead a successful logistics planning department. The role includes 25% travel.

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 distribution and logistics principles, practices, and economics.
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 and collaborate across departments to build consensus around key initiatives.
Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to problem solve, multitask, and prioritize work activities.
Ability to adapt 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.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or management experience preferred.
Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Responsibilities

Oversee customer needs and orders for load planning using software tools and factors such as geography, delivery dates, and product quantities 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 factors affecting routes to market and 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.
Oversee or lead regular business reviews with key carriers to drive continuous improvement in service and performance; develop or approve supplier and carrier review presentations.
Ensure effective communication and completion of daily activities between logistics planning staff and 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 improvement with customers, coordinating solutions to issues such as incorrect, excess, or deficient product and missed delivery times or dates.
Manage the RFP process.
Lead planning and implementation of solutions for network changes.
Analyze and document interplant and inbound carrier arrangements and rate structures; negotiate carrier contract terms and rates within internal parameters; maintain current contracts and plan for renewals, changes, or extensions.
Establish policies and develop Standard Operating Procedures for logistics activities.
Foster collaboration, consistency, and process standardization within the logistics planning function.
Manage employees, including supervision, scheduling, development, and performance management; partner with Human Resources on recruiting, hiring, training needs, and employee development.