Logistics Planner

Dairy Farmers of America•Batavia, IL

2d•$90,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Coordinate day-to-day inbound and outbound logistical operations, including the planning/consolidating, scheduling, sourcing, settlement, warehousing, and transportation of products to distributors or internal/external customers in a specific geographic region or for a specific product(s). Ensure products are delivered at maximum efficiency, quality, and customer service. Determine economical and efficient routes and address challenges associated with the movement/transportation of the product. Ensure all transactions are tracked and accurately recorded in the appropriate systems. Use prescribed guidelines or policies as well as prior experiences and judgment to analyze and resolve moderately complex problems. Receive a moderate level of guidance and direction.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in business, logistics, supply chain, distribution management, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
2 to 5 years of logistics planning, transportation, distribution, supply chain, or related experience, applying knowledge of the motor carrier industry; experience with transportation management systems (TMS)
Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and economics of distribution and logistics
General knowledge of regulatory requirements, rules, and regulations (DOT, GMP, USDA, OSHA, HACCP)
Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Able to problem solve, multi-task and prioritize work activities
Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
Able to make independent decisions
Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Responsibilities

Manage customer needs and/or orders for load planning using software tools and considering various factors (geographical areas, delivery dates, amount of product, etc.) to optimize loads/truckloads
Plan and prepare schedules that balance all parties’ (member, customer) needs with planned load efficiency and profitability
Facilitate effective communication with haulers/drivers and for-hire carriers; provide daily hauler/carrier support through the automated tendering process and ensure all loads are picked up and delivered in a timely manner
Communicate with plant personnel, haulers/drivers, for-hire carriers, and warehouse/shipping locations to resolve shipment and/or service issues, special deliveries, and order adjustments; keep everyone informed of critical changes
Support on-time delivery problem solving and performance improvements with customers; actively communicate with all impacted parties to discover solutions to various issues, such as the shipment of wrong product, excess or deficit of product, missed delivery time or date, etc.
Work closely with internal contacts to maintain vendor, carrier, and customer data, such as delivery location, frequency, etc.; use this information to support efficient and economical transportation of customer deliveries or shipments
Ensure all transactions are tracked and accurately recorded in the appropriate systems. Reconcile assigned transactions (pickups/receipts) with customers, haulers, members, etc., daily
Ensure plant managers/staff, suppliers, customers, and haulers have properly documented, reported, and or entered all product and freight data required in the systems
Review with management the status of current week’s activities and transactions; provide an estimate of current month’s performance, if appropriate
Assist with or perform demand forecasts for peak delivery periods
May negotiate contract terms and rates with carrier base, understanding current contracts and defined internal parameters to work within
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.