Senior Logistics Specialist Carrier Management, Final Mile

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager Inbound Logistics, this position is responsible for managing and optimizing end-to-end domestic transportation activities across multiple modes (truckload, LTL, intermodal, parcel, and dedicated fleets). This role serves as a senior subject-matter expert, ensuring freight moves efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with service, safety, and regulatory requirements. The position works cross-functionally with operations, procurement, customer service, and carriers to drive performance, resolve complex issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Logistics, Transportation, Business, (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ 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.)

Job Responsibilities

Inbound Transportation Management

• Coordinate and manage domestic inbound freight movements from suppliers, vendors, and transload facilities to distribution centers.
• Plan and optimize transportation capacity across truckload (TL), less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, and rail networks.
• Monitor shipment status and proactively address transit delays, service disruptions, and exceptions.
• Ensure timely delivery of inventory to support distribution center and store replenishment requirements.

Carrier Management

• Build and maintain relationships with transportation providers and third-party logistics (3PL) partners.
• Monitor carrier performance through KPIs including on-time pickup, on-time delivery, tender acceptance, and claims ratios.
• Participate in carrier sourcing events, RFPs, and rate negotiations.
• Support carrier compliance with routing guides, service requirements, and operational expectations.
• Primary contact for carrier onboarding/operational readiness

Vendor Compliance & Collaboration

• Partner with suppliers to ensure compliance with routing instructions, shipping requirements, and appointment scheduling processes.
• Resolve vendor shipping issues impacting inventory flow or transportation costs.
• Drive improvements in supplier shipping performance and compliance metrics.

Capacity Planning & Network Optimization

• Analyze freight forecasts and inventory flow to secure transportation capacity during peak and seasonal periods.
• Collaborate with merchants, inventory planning, replenishment, and distribution center teams to align transportation resources with business demand.
• Identify opportunities to improve load utilization, reduce empty miles, and increase transportation efficiency.

Operational Execution

• Manage daily transportation execution activities, including freight tendering, load planning, appointment scheduling, and shipment tracking.
• Coordinate inbound delivery appointments with distribution centers and terminals.
• Escalate and resolve service failures affecting inventory availability or distribution center operations.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Develop and maintain transportation performance dashboards and scorecards.
• Analyze transportation spend, service metrics, freight trends, and network performance.
• Communicate operational performance, risks, and opportunities to leadership.
• Utilize TMS, and reporting tools to support decision-making.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify cost-saving and productivity improvement opportunities across the inbound transportation network.
• Lead and support transportation initiatives related to process standardization, automation, and network optimization.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and best practices for inbound transportation operations.
• Participate in cross-functional projects supporting supply chain and logistics transformation initiatives.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Distribution Center Operations, Inventory Planning, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Finance, IT, and Procurement teams.
• Coordinate transportation support for new store openings, DC transitions, seasonal sets, and network changes.
• Ensure alignment between transportation execution and broader supply chain objectives.

Typical KPIs

• On-Time Pickup %
• On-Time Delivery %
• Carrier Tender Acceptance %
• Transportation Cost per Unit/Case
• Load Fill/Density Utilization
• Vendor Compliance %
• Transit Time Performance
• Claims and Damage Rates
• Inbound Appointment Compliance
• Freight Cost Savings and Avoidance

Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for inbound transportation operations.
• Mentor and train logistics specialists and coordinators.
• Lead issue resolution efforts during transportation disruptions and peak shipping periods.
• Present transportation performance, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership.

Additional information

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