Program Manager, Returnable Container Operations & Logistics

Rivian•Normal, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Rivian is seeking a highly motivated, floor-focused, and data-driven Program Manager, Returnable Container Operations & Logistics to lead the end-to-end physical lifecycle, strategy, and execution of our reusable packaging and container fleet. This is not a traditional, desk-bound corporate PM role. You will be the critical, hands-on link bridging shop floor reality with external partner accountability, ensuring our manufacturing facilities have 100% container availability to support production. You will have direct operational and financial accountability over our 3rd-Party Logistics (3PL) container management vendor, while acting as the primary liaison between component suppliers, the 3PL, and internal Rivian teams. Your mission is to optimize fleet utilization, establish strict maintenance and cleaning protocols, minimize loss through rigorous asset counts, and champion circular economy practices across our supply chain. This role will be onsite in Normal, IL.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field.
4+ years of experience specifically focused on returnable asset management, container fleet logistics, or industrial packaging operations—ideally within the automotive, EV, or heavy manufacturing industries. (General project/program management experience without specific container/returnable asset management experience will not be considered).
Proven track record of managing 3PL vendors, contract enforcement, and holding external partners accountable to physical maintenance, cleaning, and sorting KPIs.
Proficiency with ERP/WMS systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), Asset Tracking software (RFID/GPS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Excel/data analytics tools (Tableau, PowerBI).

Nice To Haves

Experience establishing preventative maintenance (PM) or quality control loops for industrial dunnage and returnable racks.
Deep understanding of automotive dunnage, returnable racks, and standard AIAG packaging guidelines.
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills; ability to influence cross-functional floor teams and external suppliers alike.

Responsibilities

Define, implement, and lead the standardized process for the cleaning of returnable packaging, including specific steps, quality standards, and cleaning cadences.
Define and implement preventative maintenance schedules for all existing and new returnable packaging assets. Lead this initiative from the front with a strict, scheduled cadence to maximize asset lifecycle.
Coordinate and execute comprehensive internal and external (parts suppliers) physical asset counts at designated intervals (quarterly or semi-annual basis) to maintain absolute inventory integrity and eliminate fleet shrinkage.
Maintain a strong daily presence on the production and warehouse floor to directly observe container utilization, identify bottlenecks, and collaborate face-to-face with Plant Operations and Material Supply teams.
Leverage data analytics to transition container management from a reactive "shortage response" model to a predictive, proactive planning model, auditing physical container flows to back up the data.
Own operational and cost accountability for the 3rd-party container operations vendor (3PL), tracking performance against strict SLAs regarding container sorting, cleaning, maintenance, and dispatching.
Root cause supply chain issues, support prompt resolution of escalations, and establish chargeback mechanisms for component suppliers regarding lost, damaged, or misused assets.
Audit 3PL billing, dwell times, and inventory accuracy to optimize total cost of ownership (TCO). Drive improvements in CapEx/OpEx budgets via loop optimization.
Partner with Packaging Engineering during new product introductions (NPI) to ensure packaging designs translate seamlessly into efficient, repeatable logistical loops.
Partner with Material Planning and Plant Operations to align container return loops with production schedules, ensuring zero downtime.