Transportation Supervisor

Hempel A/S•Northlake, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Hempel, founded in Denmark in 1915, is a world-leading supplier of trusted coating solutions for Marine, Energy, Infrastructure and Decorative industries through its brands Hempel, Neogard, Crown Paints, Wattyl and Farrow & Ball. The company's products protect and beautify buildings, infrastructure and other assets, helping minimize maintenance costs, improve aesthetics, and increase energy efficiency. The Transportation Supervisor will oversee the North American transportation operation, including contract carriers, LTL common carriers, ratings and tariffs, compliance and regulations, and international shipments. This role may have direct reports such as Shipping Coordinators and requires establishing and maintaining strong partnerships with logistics service providers. The supervisor will manage a substantial annual budget across various transportation modes, ensuring timely and efficient movement of goods, and will lead and foster the growth of the Transportation and Shipping team. The role involves continuous data analysis, benchmarking, and network optimization to identify efficiency improvements and cost savings, as well as driving automation initiatives. Key responsibilities also include managing department KPIs, implementing updates in the Freight Management System, and overseeing the carrier freight pay and invoice audit process.

Requirements

Four-year college degree or related work experience.
Must have strong knowledge of Transportation regulations/standards both domestic and international.
Must be able to read, write, and understand English with strong communication skills.
Must be willing and able to work extended hours, different shifts, as well as occasional weekends to meet customer requirements.
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex transportation data and trends.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for vendor relations and cross-functional collaboration.
Detail-oriented and highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.

Responsibilities

Managing day-to-day operations covering a substantial annual budget across LTL, Small Parcel, and Truckload, and air/ocean export transportation modes, ensuring timely and efficient movement of goods.
Lead and foster growth of the Transportation and Shipping team.
Assist in negotiations for pricing agreements and contracts with carriers and transportation service providers to achieve cost-effective solutions.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide solutions for transportation needs.
Analyze and compare rates and services to determine potential savings and benefits across contractual and spot market environments.
Own carrier performance and relations through regular logistics service provider (LSP) meetings.
Continuously analyze transportation data and conduct benchmarking to optimize transportation routes, modes, and carrier performance.
Perform in-depth data analysis, utilizing benchmarking and modelling techniques across all modes of transport to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost savings.
Drive automation initiatives within the logistics department to enhance operational and cost efficiency.
Manage department company Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including On-Time Delivery, safety, and variable sales cost management.
Monitor KPIs regularly and implement corrective actions to ensure targets are met or exceeded.
Conduct monthly/quarterly reviews of current carrier performance, identifying areas for improvement and acknowledging successful partnerships.
Implement updates and improvements in the company's Freight Management System (FMS), including setting up new carriers, locations, users, and customized business intelligence reports.
Ensure all transportation documentation is organized, accurate, and accessible for reference and audits.
Manage a robust carrier freight pay and invoice audit process to ensure accurate billing and payment reconciliation.
Verify invoices against agreed-upon rates, services, and terms, resolving discrepancies and issues as needed.
Collaborate with Finance and AP teams to ensure timely and accurate payment processing.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance coverage options that begin on your first day of employment.
Flexible HSA and FSA options to manage healthcare and dependent care expenses.
12 paid holidays.
15 vacation days to start.
6 personal days.
Paid leave for jury duty and bereavement.
401(k) plan options with immediate company match and full vesting from day one.
Basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage for the unexpected.
16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave or 4 weeks of paid paternity leave, supporting you during life’s most important moments.
A strong flexibility policy making you thrive both in your job and privately.