Supplier Operations Coordinator - Transportation

Backroads • Berkeley, CA

1d

About The Position

The Supplier Operations Transportation Coordinator plays a critical role within the Supplier Operations team. This position is responsible for securing all scheduled transportation services and negotiating rates with transportation partners worldwide. This role effectively owns all transportation contracts and supplier relationships—including buses, boats, and luggage transfers—and also books all non-contracted transportation such as flights and ferries. Transportation vendors tend to be high-volume and detail-sensitive, often requiring more personalized attention and frequent negotiation. This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong organization, confidence in navigating complex logistics, and the ability to work effectively with multiple teams. The Transportation Coordinator works closely with stakeholders across Trip Development and in the Field to ensure flawless execution and alignment.

Requirements

• Strong Communicator. You will have extensive correspondence and must be fluent in our systems, timelines, guidelines, and terminology.
• Phone Confident. You're comfortable picking up the phone to clarify contract details, confirm logistics, and keep things moving—especially when email won't suffice.
• Organized & Detail-Oriented. With high volumes and complex vendor arrangements, success hinges on your ability to track the details while managing tight timelines.
• Independent and Collaborative. You’re confident working autonomously, but also actively contribute to cross-functional team discussions and shared goals.
• Problem-Solver. You anticipate roadblocks and proactively develop solutions to logistical, contractual, or operational challenges.
• Relationship Builder. You cultivate trust with internal partners and vendors, ensuring smooth collaboration even under pressure.
• Credible. You quickly gain subject-matter knowledge and establish yourself as a dependable resource across the organization.
• Persuasive & Analytical. You blend negotiation savvy with data-backed decision-making to get the best results for Backroads.
• Excel Pro. You’re highly comfortable working with complex spreadsheets, detailed cost breakdowns, and large data sets.

Responsibilities

• Secure transportation dates and negotiate competitive rates with global transportation suppliers (buses, boats, luggage transfers, etc.).
• Maintain full ownership of all transportation contracts and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with Field Staff to ensure systems are accurately updated by the Pre-Season Update deadline.
• Partner with Regional Directors to define and maintain regional low-enrollment parameters across all European regions.
• Generate, review, and send weekly TVR (Transportation Vendor Report) communications to all European transport partners.
• Collaborate with the Supplier Operations Assistant to ensure all COIs are collected on time; escalate gaps or risks as needed.
• Serve as the point of contact for new trip launches and private trip requests related to transportation availability.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on timelines, contract details, and service expectations.
• Adapt and respond to assortment or itinerary changes, ensuring transportation needs are re-secured quickly and accurately.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed