Distribution and Planning Supervisor

Summary

This position will manage US imports/exports and partner with global trade compliance, sales, customer service and other distribution and planning groups both locally and abroad. The Distribution and Planning Supervisor is responsible for on-time delivery of product to customers at the lowest possible delivered cost using truck, rail, and ocean carriers in compliance with laws and regulations. Responsibilities also include fluid on-time payment to logistics vendors and disputing invoices where warranted in an effort to keep costs controlled. The Distribution and Planning Supervisor will additionally oversee import/export documentation and serve as the subject matter expert for international shipments and processes. The Distribution and Planning Supervisor must liaise with various service providers including sales agents, warehouses, customs brokers, freight forwarders and carriers. This position reports to the Sr. OTD Manager for the Americas with a strong dotted line to the VP, Order to Delivery.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Maintain and promote an environment of safety in all regards.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve international logistics strategies which best serve customers while balancing costs.
• Be an advocate for accurate data, spearheading system, and SOP gaps, understanding where in the life cycle of imports/exports solutions are best applied.
• Share a cradle to grave understanding of international shipments and all processes and touchpoints involved, including bookings, shipping instructions, documentation, drayage, ocean transit with some air transit, export filings and customs clearances.
• Ensure the timeliness of payments for logistics invoices covered by the team’s scope.
• Interact professionally with internal and external groups while maintaining a strong rapport.
• Possess a diverse understanding of SAP and how to best utilize and apply towards distribution and planning processes and deliverables.
• Interpret ocean contracts to include costs and free time, integrating those details into the day-to-day logistics strategy. Understand and obtain spot rates when necessary.
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills with an emphasis on cost analysis which enables clear and concise decision making, especially when time is of the essence.
• Maintain a presentable methodology for tracking shipments and communicating delays/issues until orders are in possession of customers.
• Troubleshoot logistics issues, develop corrective action, and adjust strategy when needed to prevent future occurrences.
• Empower the distribution and planning team to achieve these deliverables with LEAN process tactics as the common denominator.
• Liaise with the Global Trade Compliance Manager as elements relate to international logistics.
• Be a pillar for remaining calm, collected, and decisive, especially under high pressure situations and timetables.
• Promote a culture of group collaboration to fully realize best results and alignment.
• Advocate individual and team goals, coaching for success and serving as a strong voice FOR the team.
• Be a source of energy for the team and overall culture. Remain flexible to change and new ideas.
• Carry the confidence to call out issues professionally and constructively both internally and externally, with the desire to be part of the solution.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain, or 4 years’ experience managing a team involved in international logistics, is required. Working knowledge of SAP or other advanced planning and scheduling systems is required. The position will require strong analytical and quantitative skills to interpret and solve problems to avoid customer impact and stay within logistics spend thresholds. Effective communication skills and the ability to develop and lead teams are required.

Key Qualities

1. 1. Leadership Skills - Collaborative, Respected, Communication, Empowering
   2. Customer Focused
   3. Transportation/Distribution/Customs Knowledge
   4. Analytical Skills