Logistics Operations Specialist

Socket.dev; Michigan; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Logistics Operations Specialist in Michigan to coordinate inbound and outbound supply chain activities supporting production schedules. You will work with suppliers, carriers, and internal teams to ensure on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, and regulatory compliance including hazmat and EDI & TMS systems.

The role emphasizes supplier coordination, freight cost optimization, and continuous improvement with KPIs like OTIF and carrier performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1–3 years of logistics or supply chain experience in an automotive manufacturing environment (Tier 1 or Tier 2 preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP).
• Understanding of incoterms 2020.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate inbound logistics and supplier coordination to support production schedules.
• Coordinate and manage expediting activities for at-risk parts and communicate urgency to suppliers and freight forwarders.
• Monitor supplier shipment confirmations, ASNs, and carrier tracking to validate on-time delivery.
• Request, analyze and award quotes for air, ocean and truck modes; include knowledge of dimensional weight and surcharges.
• Resolve invoice and billing issues with freight audit & pay providers.

Skills

Communication skills

Prioritization under pressure

Microsoft Office

Incoterms 2020

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Logistics

Tools

Excel

TMS/ERP systems

Job description

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Logistics Operations Specialist is responsible for coordinating and optimizing inbound and outbound supply chain activities to support production schedules in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This role serves as a critical link between suppliers, carriers and internal production teams to ensure on-time delivery performance, inventory accuracy, and compliance with customer-specific logistics requirements including hazmat & EDI & TMS systems.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

Inbound Logistics & Supplier Coordination

• Manage inbound freight from domestic and international suppliers, ensuring adherence to production schedules, all applicable regulations & safety stock targets. This includes coordination with carriers, logistics service providers and customs brokers.

• Coordinate and manage expediting activities (premium move) for at-risk parts and communicate urgency to suppliers and freight forwarders.

• Monitor supplier shipment confirmations, ASNs (Advance Shipping Notices), and carrier tracking to validate on-time delivery.

• Request, analyze and award quotes for air, ocean and truck modes; to include knowledge of dimensional weight, surcharges, etc.

• Resolve invoice and billing issues with our freight audit & pay company, our carriers and other logistics service providers.

Outbound Logistics & Customer Shipping

• Ensure all required shipping documentation including BOLs, packing slips, labels, and customs paperwork for domestic and international shipments.

• Manage daily carrier dispatching and resolve service failures in coordination with 3PL and freight broker partners.

Inventory & Warehouse Operations Support

• Collaborate with warehouse and production teams to manage dock scheduling, space constraints, and material flow.

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report key logistics KPIs including OTIF (On-Time In-Full), freight cost per unit, and carrier scorecard metrics.

• Through analysis of shipment data, identify opportunities to reduce transportation spend through mode optimization, consolidation, and carrier negotiation. This includes assisting with the data analysis of logistics-related RFQs (truckload, LTL, int’l ocean and air freight).

• Participate in Kaizen events and other lean/continuous improvement activities.

• Support data integrity of Transportation Management System (TMS)

• Assist with forecasting and annual budgeting process.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and import/export regulations.

• Maintain accurate records for internal logistics requirements.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 1–3 years of logistics or supply chain experience in an automotive manufacturing environment (Tier 1 or Tier 2 preferred).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP).

• Understanding of incoterms 2020.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with global logistics including ocean/air freight, customs brokerage, and incoterms.
• Familiarity with ASN compliance requirements and automotive customer chargebacks.

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.

• Safety First

• Delight Customers

• One Team

• Relentless Improvement

• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy

• Respectful Collaboration

• Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff…

Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at

[e-mail].