Shipping & Logistics Specialist

Spearhead; Nelson; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended Health and Dental benefits

Weekly Indemnity Insurance

Group RRSP

Job summary

Spearhead in Nelson, BC, is seeking a Shipping & Logistics Specialist to manage domestic and international transportation, coordinating with carriers, brokers, and internal teams to ensure efficient and compliant movement of goods.

The role partners with Supply Chain, planning, manufacturing and fabrication teams to oversee shipments from planning through delivery, while developing SOPs and driving continuous improvement in logistics and customs processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, freight coordination, or related role.
• Experience coordinating domestic and international freight movements including cross-border shipments Canada-US.
• Working knowledge of customs regulations, tariff classifications, and free trade agreements such as CUSMA.
• Strong communication and relationship-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain inbound/outbound truck schedules with carriers and stakeholders.
• Track active shipments and proactively escalate delays.
• Optimize load consolidation to reduce freight cost per unit.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, manufacturing, and project teams for shipment readiness.
• Manage spot freight bookings when regular carriers can't cover capacity.
• Prepare and review cross-border documentation: invoices, bills of lading, origin certificates, packing lists.
• Coordinate with customs brokers on entry filing and classifications.
• Maintain a document retention system compliant with customs audits.
• Stay current on Canada-US regulations, CUSMA rules, and applicable tariff changes.
• Monitor regulatory changes and brief internal stakeholders on impacts.
• Identify duty minimization opportunities and maintain carrier lists with performance reviews.
• Negotiate rates and service terms with carriers and brokers.
• Serve as primary day-to-day carrier contact; resolve freight claims.
• Three-way match: PO, service confirmation, and invoice before payment.
• Identify and dispute billing errors or rate discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate freight cost data for budgeting and reporting.
• Track KPIs and flag cost overruns or service failures; support vendor changes.

Skills

Logistics coordination

Freight management

Cross-border shipments

Communication

Problem solving

Documentation

Time management

Education

Post-secondary education in SCM or related field

Job description

Spearhead is a multi-faceted, innovation-based manufacturing Company specializing in the fabrication of architecture. From our humble beginnings 35 years ago, we have grown into an industry leading, internationally recognized organization - known for our innovative approach, our strategic use of technology, and our deep appreciation of craft and design. We strive to continually improve upon everything that we do, and we feel fortunate to engage with exceptional industry partners who share ourvision and contribute to our relentless pursuit of excellence.

Harnessing the expertise and knowledge of our entire organization, we add value to our projects through global efficiencies and masterful execution. As industry leaders in design for manufacturing and assembly(DfMA), we have built strong and enduring relationships with esteemed architects, engineers, educationalinstitutions, and industry partners – relationships that now generate the bulk of our work and allow us to build momentum across consecutive projects. Resultingly, Spearhead’s industry presence continues toexpand and diversify as we collectively address unique and exciting challenges.

We take pride in our positive work environment, value the expertise and contributions of each employee, and celebrate the success of our efforts. Our growing portfolio of work continues to speak to the tremendous momentum that Spearhead has created – a testament to the remarkable ingenuity, dedication, and progressiveness of the entire Spearhead team.

Role: Shipping & Logistics Specialist

Location: Nelson, BC

Reports To: Supply Chain Manager

Direct Reports: N/A

Role Status: Full-time, Permanent

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Date of Last Review: July 2026

Role Overview

The Shipping & Logistics Specialist is responsible for managing domestic and international transportation activities to support production, project execution, and client delivery requirements. The role acts as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight brokers, customs brokers, and internal teams, ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods.

Working closely with Supply Chain, digital planning, manufacturing and fabrication teams, the Shipping & Logistics Specialist oversees shipments from planning through to delivery, including documentation accuracy, carrier coordination, and issue resolution. The role also plays a key part in developing and maintaining logistics and customs processes, with a focus on standardization, SOP development, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Build and maintain inbound/outbound truck schedules, coordinating pickup and delivery windows with carriers and internal stakeholders
• Track active shipments and elevate delays proactively
• Optimize load consolidation to reduce per-unit freight cost
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, manufacturing and fabrication, and project teams to align shipment readiness with carrier availability
• Manage spot freight bookings when regular carriers can't cover capacity or destination
• Prepare and review all cross-border documentation: commercial invoices, bills of lading, CUSMA certificates of origin, packing lists, shipper's export declarations
• Coordinate with customs brokers on entry filing, classification questions, and any holds or examinations
• Maintain a document retention system compliant with customs audit requirements
• Maintain current working knowledge of Canada-US customs regulations, including CUSMA rules of origin, tariff classifications, Section 232 on steel and metal contents, and duty rates
• Monitor regulatory changes (CBP, CBSA, CFIA where applicable) and brief internal stakeholders on impacts
• Identify duty minimization opportunities: tariff classification, first sale valuation, free trade agreement eligibility
• Maintain the approved carrier list and conduct periodic performance reviews (on-time, damage rate, responsiveness)
• Negotiate rates and service terms with carriers, brokers, etc.
• Serve as primary point of contact for day-to-day carrier communication
• Escalate and resolve freight claims (damage, delay, etc.)
• Issue purchase requests for freight and logistics services
• Three-way match: PO, service confirmation, and invoice before approving payment
• Identify and dispute billing errors, accessorial charges, or rate discrepancies
• Maintain accurate freight cost data to support budget tracking and reporting

Reporting, Process Improvement & Continuous Development

• Track KPIs including freight cost per shipment, on-time delivery rate, claims frequency and carrier scorecards
• Flag cost overruns or service failures and recommend corrective action
• Support supply chain team with data for contract renewals or carrier changes
• Contribute to the development and documentation of SOPs for all logistics and customs processes

Core Competencies

• Innovation & Problem-Solving - applies creative thinking to solve work challenges by combining traditional methods with new approaches. Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes and outcomes within their area of expertise
• Technical Excellence & Craft Mastery - maintains high standards of technical skill and craftsmanship in their specialized area. Continuously develops expertise whether in design, fabrication, finishing, operations, supply chain or finance
• Collaborative Partnership & Communication - works effectively with others through clear communication and knowledge sharing. Builds strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners based on trust and mutual support
• Long-term Stewardship & Responsibility - prioritizes safety and invests in developing future capabilities and relationships
• Ownership & Continuous Growth - takes responsibility for work outcomes and commitments while maintaining focus on growth and improvement. Demonstrates reliability and proactive communication while seeking opportunities

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Attributes

• Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, freight coordination, supply chain operations, or a related role
• Experience coordinating domestic and international freight movements across multiple transportation modes, including extensive cross-border shipments between Canada and the United States
• Working knowledge of customs regulations, tariff classifications, trade compliance requirements, and free trade agreements such as CUSMA
• Strong understanding of transportation documentation, freight procurement, and shipment execution processes
• Experience working with freight carriers, customs brokers, and third-party logistics providers
• Excellent communication, and relationship-management skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Schedule and Working Conditions

• Ability to work 08:30-17:00 Monday to Friday with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break
• Ability to work on-site at Spearhead headquarters
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other common office equipment on a daily basis
• Ability to work sitting or standing at a desk for work shifts

Compensation

• Pay range is $75k-$85k commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Extended Health and Dental benefits
• Weekly Indemnity Insurance
• Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

Statement of Inclusion

Spearhead is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The unique experiences, talents, and perspectives of our employees drive our success and contribute to both our culture and reputation. We believe that embracing diversity and inclusion is essential to attracting, developing, and retaining a talented workforce. By prioritizing these principles, we enhance innovation, improve problem-solving, and strengthen company performance. Our commitment to diversity ensures that every individual’s contributions are valued, empowering us to achieve sustainable success and continued growth.