SHIPPING OPERATIONS MANAGER

SMALLEY STEEL RING COMPANY • Lake Zurich, IL

9d • $95,000 - $12,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Smalley is currently hiring a Shipping Operations Manager! The Shipping Operations Manager leads day-to-day shipping and logistics operations and supervises the Shipping & Logistics team. This role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient movement of goods for domestic and international shipments while driving continuous improvement across processes, systems, and carrier performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience managing logistics, transportation, shipping operations, or a related function.
• Experience with both domestic and international shipping and trade documentation.
• Working knowledge of export regulations, customs procedures, and international trade compliance.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and logistics/transportation software; ability to learn and use ERP/TMS tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Professional certification (e.g., APICS/ASCM, CSCMP, or similar).
• Experience driving lean/continuous improvement in a distribution, manufacturing, or warehouse environment.
• Experience with ERP systems and transportation management software (TMS).

Responsibilities

• Manage the Shipping & Logistics department, including team performance, coaching, onboarding, and training.
• Plan and coordinate daily shipping activities to meet customer promised ship dates and service commitments.
• Partner with internal teams (Customer Service, Quality, Manufacturing, Distribution) and external carriers to ensure the smooth movement of goods and timely issue resolution.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of freight carriers and transportation modes (LTL, parcel, freight forwarders) and manage carrier relationships both operationally and strategically.
• Ensure accurate shipping documentation and material flow from job creation through final shipment; establish standards to support quality and consistency.
• With organizational support, ensure compliance with export regulations, tariff classifications, licensing requirements, and applicable trade agreements; help mitigate customs/export-control and security-related risks.
• Analyze data, trends, and feedback to guide departmental planning, proactively identify risks, and implement preventative measures.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives (including lean activities) across the department, engaging employees and aligning efforts to company goals.
• Optimize team structure, tools, and workflows; address root causes of inefficiency and remove barriers to execution.
• Communicate priorities clearly and translate leadership direction into actionable expectations for the team.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k match, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, PTO, and more!
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth
• Ongoing learning and training and development opportunities
• Company and department led team-building activities and events
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• medical, dental vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, paid holidays, paid time off and 401(k).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager