Senior Logistics Specialist Merchant & Vendor, Inbound Logistics

Five Below•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Five Below, our growth is fueled by associates who embrace our purpose: 'We know life is way better when you are free to Let Go & Have Fun in an amazing experience, filled with unlimited possibilities, priced so low, you can always say yes to the newest, coolest stuff!' This is a place that inspires with big ideas, super energy, passion, and the ability to make the workplace a WOWplace. Reporting to the Manager, Inbound Logistics, the Sr. Logistics Specialist, Domestic Inbound Merchant & Vendor Management is responsible for coordinating and optimizing the flow of inbound merchandise from domestic vendors to distribution centers. This role serves as the primary liaison between Merchandising, Vendors, Transportation Providers, and Supply Chain Operations, ensuring inventory is delivered on time, at the lowest total landed cost, and in compliance with company transportation, routing, and vendor standards. The Sr. Logistics Specialist manages vendor relationships, oversees inbound transportation execution, monitors service and compliance performance, and proactively resolves supply chain disruptions. This position aligns transportation strategies with merchandising priorities by partnering closely with Merchants, Inventory Planning, Distribution Center Operations, Carriers, and third-party logistics providers. The successful candidate will leverage strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to drive operational excellence, improve vendor compliance, enhance transportation visibility, identify cost-saving opportunities, and support continuous improvement initiatives. In a fast-paced retail environment, this role is instrumental in ensuring inventory flows efficiently through the network to support seasonal programs, promotional events, and overall business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, Transportation, Business, (or equivalent experience)
5–8+ years of experience in domestic transportation or logistics operations
Strong knowledge of U.S. domestic freight modes and carrier operations
Hands‑on experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret freight data and KPIs
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills
Proficient in using transportation management systems (Manhattan TMS preferred) and related software.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Problem-solving skills to address issues related to shipments and transportation.
Negotiation skills for contract management with carriers and service providers.
Microsoft Office products (i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, etc.)

Responsibilities

Act as the primary transportation contact for assigned Merchandising categories and business units.
Collaborate with Merchants, Inventory Planning, Replenishment, and Sourcing teams to understand inventory needs, promotional events, seasonal builds, and product launch timelines.
Ensure transportation capacity and execution plans align with forecasted inventory requirements.
Communicate transportation risks, delays, and inventory impacts to business partners in a timely manner.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with domestic vendors and suppliers.
Educate vendors on transportation programs, routing guides, shipping standards, and compliance requirements.
Monitor vendor shipping performance and compliance metrics.
Resolve vendor-related transportation issues that impact inventory flow, delivery schedules, or supply chain costs.
Conduct recurring business reviews with strategic vendors to drive continuous improvement.
Manage inbound freight movements from vendors to distribution centers through company-managed transportation programs.
Coordinate shipment scheduling, tendering, load building, appointment management, and carrier communication.
Track freight movement from origin to destination and proactively resolve exceptions.
Support capacity planning during seasonal peaks, promotional events, and supply chain disruptions.
Maintain and enforce vendor routing compliance standards.
Analyze chargeback and compliance trends to identify opportunities for improved vendor performance.
Partner with vendors to reduce routing violations, scheduling issues, and shipment errors.
Support implementation and communication of vendor compliance program enhancements.
Monitor key transportation and vendor performance metrics.
Develop scorecards and performance dashboards for merchants, vendors, and transportation providers.
Analyze transportation costs, freight trends, vendor compliance performance, and service metrics.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend process improvements.
Partner with Distribution Center Operations, Transportation, Inventory Planning, Merchandising, Finance, Procurement, and IT teams.
Support new vendor onboarding, product launches, distribution center shifts, and network changes.
Participate in strategic supply chain initiatives focused on improving service, efficiency, and cost performance.
Identify opportunities to improve inbound transportation efficiency and inventory flow.
Support transportation automation, process standardization, and technology enhancements.
Create and maintain SOPs, training materials, and best-practice documentation.
Lead projects that improve vendor compliance, transportation visibility, and operational performance.
Serve as a subject matter expert for inbound transportation and vendor operations.
Lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts involving merchants, vendors, and carriers.
Present operational performance, risks, and recommendations to leadership teams.
Drive accountability among internal stakeholders and external partners to achieve service and cost objectives.