Logistics Planner

Davita Inc.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in health services is looking for a logistics coordinator in Kansas City. This role involves managing inbound and outbound logistical operations, ensuring efficient delivery and communication with all parties involved. The ideal candidate will have a background in logistics or supply chain management with strong problem-solving skills and the capability to adapt in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2 to 5 years of logistics planning and supply chain experience.
• Experience with TMS and knowledge of industry principles.
• Able to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day logistics operations including planning and scheduling.
• Manage customer needs for load planning and optimize deliveries.
• Facilitate communication with haulers and resolve shipment issues.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Undergraduate degree in business, logistics, supply chain, distribution management

Tools

Transportation management systems (TMS)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

General Purpose:

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.

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

Minimum 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

Travel:

5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans