Logistics Planner

Dairy Challenge; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Challenge is seeking a logistics professional to coordinate inbound/outbound operations for a defined region. You will plan loads, schedule activities, and ensure efficient, timely deliveries while maintaining accurate records.

The role emphasizes coordination with haulers, plant personnel, and customers, with a focus on problem solving, data integrity, and process improvements. Strong communication and English proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Manage customer needs and/or orders for load planning using software tools and considering various factors to optimize loads/truckloads
• Plan and prepare schedules that balance all parties’ 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 loads are picked up and delivered timely
• Communicate with plant personnel, haulers/drivers, carriers, and warehouse/shipping locations to resolve shipment and/or service issues; keep everyone informed of critical changes
• Support on-time delivery problem solving and performance improvements with customers; communicate with all impacted parties to find solutions to issues
• Maintain vendor, carrier, and customer data (delivery location, frequency, etc.) to support efficient transportation of deliveries
• Ensure all transactions are tracked and recorded in systems; reconcile pickups/receipts with customers, haulers, members daily
• Ensure plant managers/staff, suppliers, customers, and haulers have properly documented, reported data in systems
• Review weekly activity/status with management; provide monthly performance estimates when appropriate
• Assist with or perform demand forecasts for peak delivery periods
• May negotiate contract terms and rates with carrier base within internal parameters
• Additional duties as required

Skills

Load planning

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Education

Undergraduate degree in business/logistics/supply chain

2–5 years logistics planning/transportation experience

Certification/license may be required

Job description

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.

SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

JOB DUTIES AND 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

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 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, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 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

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

Pay Range

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