Planning & Logistics Manager

Description:

The Planning & Logistics Manager oversees end-to-end logistics operations, including production scheduling, expediting, order fulfillment, transportation coordination in a Manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for proactively planning and optimizing workflow to pull product through the Plant, ensuring that quality and safety standards, customer satisfaction and company goals are achieved. The Planning & Logistics Manager’s focus will be on improvement and maintenance of on-time delivery performance, accurate order fulfillment, and cost-effective transportation coordination with strong communication and teamwork across departments.

Key Responsibilities

- Manage daily logistics operations, including production scheduling, expediting, order fulfillment, transportation. Develop and maintain daily/weekly/monthly production schedules based on customer orders.

- Oversee order flow from receipt through delivery, ensuring accuracy and on-time performance.

- Work with Production Departments to manage material flow and maintain optimal production levels. Coordinate with Packing Department to ensure that product is properly and accurately prepared for shipment.

- Expedite critical orders and resolve delays by coordinating with Sales, Production and Customer Service Teams. Address and resolve shipping issues, claims, and customer delivery concerns. Adjust schedules in real-time to address downtime, material issues or urgent customer orders.

- Directly manage Company Drivers. Provide on-going training, coaching, and performance feedback. Oversee work schedules and timekeeping to maintain productivity. Ensure quality & safety standards, including compliance with DOT regulations and audit requirements.

- Optimize truck routing and load planning to improve delivery performance. Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

- Review and approve bills of lading and shipping documentation.

- Monitor shipping costs, delivery performance, and service levels; implement cost-saving initiatives.

- Select, manage, and negotiate with external freight carriers and logistics service providers, as needed.

- Prepare reports on delivery performance, order status, and operational efficiency.

- Ensure a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.

Working Conditions/Environment

- Office and plant interaction

- Occasional extended hours to support critical shipments

- Requires working near moving mechanical parts, often in uncomfortable temperatures (hot and cold), and occasionally outdoors.

- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, ear protection, and any other necessary equipment.

Physical Demands:

- Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 lbs. regularly.

- Ability to work in an industrial environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, and moving equipment.

Requirements:

Qualifications & Experience

- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred

- 3–5 years of experience in production planning, logistics, shipping, transportation – Manufacturing environment strongly preferred

- Previous supervisory or management experience strongly preferred

- Working knowledge of DOT regulations/compliance and driver management experience is a plus

Key Skills & Competencies

- Ability to read and interpret customer order and shipping documents

- Ability to develop cost control and process improvement metrics

- Proficient with computers and related software to perform data analysis and maintain performance tracking

- Strong knowledge of shipping and freight logistics management

- Strong communication, problem solving and leadership skills to maintain cross-functional collaboration

- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment