Transportation Manager - Third Party Logistics (3PL) Carriers

Grocery Outlet Corp.•Emeryville, CA

54d•$110,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Supply Chain Central Services, the Transportation Manager - 3rd Party Carriers oversees and optimizes the transportation of goods, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and timely delivery of our third party carriers. This role involves managing carrier relationships, negotiating rates and contracts, and monitoring performance to ensure reliability and alignment with company and customer expectations. Lastly, the Transportation Manager partners with all internal stakeholders with open communication while providing outstanding customer service to meet our department and company objectives.

Requirements

Industry Knowledge: 7-10+ years of experience with strong understanding of logistics, carrier networks, and transportation
Negotiation & Communication: Proven ability to negotiate and communicate effectively with stakeholders
Analytical Thinking: Skilled in data analysis and performance optimization
Problem Solving: Capable of resolving transportation and carrier-related issues
Organizational Skills: Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship-building abilities
Technical Proficiency: Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and RFP platforms
Behavior Skills: Proactive and a self-starter, possessing a strong sense of urgency
Experience with MS Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Responsibilities

3rd Party Carrier Management - Build and maintain core carrier base and create strong relationships with carriers, vendors, and internal teams. Includes onboarding and training new carriers.
Negotiation and Contract Management - Negotiate rates and contractual terms with carriers to support financial and operational goals. Maintain current rate amendments within the contracts with all carriers including database for certificates of insurance.
Compliance and Safety - Ensure adherence to transportation regulations and safety standards according to company contract.
Procurement Events - Heavy participation with annual (or as needed) RFP events with carrier meetings, analytics, award assignment, and implementation of all bids. Includes conducting mini-bids as applicable.
Performance Monitoring and Optimization - Using key metrics, track carrier performance for routing guide compliance, tender acceptance and on time delivery to identify gaps and implement action plans/strategies to improve service and reduce costs. Collaborate with senior management and internal partners to continuously improve metrics as needed.
Strategic Planning - Work with Sr. Director to develop and execute long-term carrier management strategies aligned with business objectives for both inbound and outbound 3rd party freight. Collaborate with Last Mile transportation team to ensure private fleet is optimized in conjunction with 3rd party carriers.
Reporting and Analysis - Prepare performance reports and carrier scorecards to conduct carrier review meetings and align on continuous improvement measures with key partners.
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work closely with supply chain, technology, and cross functional partners to maintain clear communication with carriers and customers. Create transportation SOPs as appropriate.
TMS Oversight - Support Sr. Director in managing TMS providers, maintaining the systems, identifying enhancements to ensure system(s) is meeting Grocery Outlet and our transportation requirements.
Transportation Invoicing - Audit and approve necessary transportation invoices on a regular basis.
Perform other duties as assigned