Job title: Logistics Planner/Inventory Control I
Location: Laurel, MD 20723
Duration: 6 Months
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Weekend duty is required every third weekend, beginning the second weekend of January.
Interview Process: In-Person Interviews
Job Summary:
The Logistics Planner plays a critical role in supporting Client's site operations and Inbound Supply Chain objectives by coordinating the efficient movement of products from supplier locations to Client facilities. This position is responsible for planning, optimizing, and executing inbound transportation strategies that reduce freight costs, maximize transportation profitability, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
The Logistics Planner collaborates with cross-functional teams, suppliers, carriers, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely product flow, maintain service levels, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires strong analytical skills, operational awareness, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced logistics environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Inbound Logistics Planning & Transportation Management
- Utilize the Transportation Management System (TMS) to plan, optimize, and tender freight to contracted carriers within 24 hours of Purchase Order (PO) creation for assigned sites and regions.
- Review and manage loads and purchase orders to ensure accurate scheduling, lead times, and carrier assignments.
- Monitor transportation activity to support logistics earned income (LEI), service performance, and optimal ordering patterns.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain Inventory Management, Operations, suppliers, and third-party carriers to resolve inbound freight issues.
- Resolve recalled or rejected freight tenders within two business hours of notification.
- Negotiate spot market rates with carrier partners when additional capacity is required.
- Review, approve, and resolve accessorial charges and work-in-progress (WIP) items to ensure timely carrier payments.
Supply Chain Optimization
- Identify trends and opportunities to reduce excess costs and improve service levels, including:
- Detention charges
- Underutilized equipment
- Unprofitable transportation lanes
- Service failures
Load-fill opportunities
- Analyze vendor-delivered supplier programs for potential CPU conversions to improve transportation efficiency and generate logistics revenue.
- Support the implementation of supply chain best practices and standardization initiatives across the network.
Claims Resolution Support
- Investigate overage, shortage, and damage (OS&D) reports for assigned locations.
- Determine claim responsibility and process claims against suppliers or carriers as appropriate.
- Collect and maintain required documentation, including photographs, reports, and correspondence.
- Prepare and submit claims documentation through Client's Claims Management System.
- Monitor claims through resolution and maintain accurate records within the TMS.
- Provide guidance to operational teams regarding claim mitigation and documentation best practices.
Inbound Command Center Support
- Analyze inbound demand and dock capacity utilization to optimize inbound scheduling and service performance.
- Partner with operational sites through regular business reviews and monthly meetings.
- Identify and implement process improvements to address capacity constraints and operational challenges.
- Provide support and recommendations regarding inbound planning and dock utilization strategies.
- Serve as backup support for team members and specialized planning roles when needed.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of supplier freight programs, product categories, distribution networks, and assigned site operations.
- Ensure data accuracy and system integrity across transportation and claims management platforms.
- Assist team members and provide cross-functional support as business needs require.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, service levels, and cost performance.
Qualifications:
Required Education
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field.
Required Experience
- Minimum of three (3) years of logistics, transportation, or supply chain experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of:
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
- Hours of Service (HOS) requirements
- Weight and transportation limitations
- U.S. geography and transportation networks
- Freight claims laws and regulations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Required Skills & Competencies:
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.
- Strong attention to detail and sense of urgency.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external business partners.
- Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement mindset.
Physical Requirements:
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Frequently sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
- Regular use of computers, keyboards, telephones, and related office equipment.
- Frequent reaching, handling, and manual dexterity.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to maintain focus and productivity in a fast-paced operational environment.
Working Conditions:
- Standard Monday through Friday schedule with occasional work outside normal business hours during peak operational periods.
- Weekend duty rotation required every third weekend.
- Operational support responsibilities span multiple U.S. time zones.
- Primarily office-based environment with extensive computer and systems usage.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without current or future employer sponsorship.
Key Success Indicators:
- Timely freight tendering and carrier assignment.
- Reduction in transportation costs and accessorial charges.
- Achievement of service level and delivery performance targets.
- Effective resolution of transportation issues and freight claims.
- Improved inbound logistics efficiency and capacity utilization.
- High levels of data accuracy and system compliance.
- Strong collaboration with suppliers, carriers, and internal stakeholders.
|