Logistics Specialist

TRS Staffing Solutions; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

TRS Staffing Solutions seeks a results-driven Logistics Analyst, Ocean Freight to oversee global ocean freight operations, optimize costs, and analyze performance across international networks. The role teams with carriers, forwarders, brokers, and internal groups to ensure on-time delivery and supply chain reliability.

The ideal candidate has ocean freight and freight analytics experience within a manufacturing or chemical environment, plus ERP and Excel expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, International Trade, Transportation, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in ocean freight logistics, international transportation, supply chain operations, or freight management.
• Advanced analytical and reporting skills with experience interpreting transportation and freight data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, Power Query, and advanced analysis capabilities.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate ocean freight shipments supporting domestic and international business operations.
• Monitor vessel schedules, shipment milestones, and container movements to ensure timely delivery and supply continuity.
• Analyze ocean freight performance, transportation costs, transit times, detention and demurrage expenses, and carrier service levels.
• Collaborate with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, terminals, and customs brokers to resolve transportation issues and improve service reliability.
• Develop and maintain transportation KPI dashboards, including on-time delivery, freight spend, transit performance, and container utilization metrics.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives through freight optimization, carrier strategy, consolidation opportunities, and network improvements.
• Support ocean carrier procurement activities, including rate analysis, bid evaluations, contract management, and service reviews.
• Evaluate transportation routes, port selections, and shipping strategies to improve efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
• Partner with supply chain, procurement, customer service, warehouse operations, and manufacturing teams to support business objectives.
• Manage exception reporting and proactively address disruptions caused by port congestion, weather events, geopolitical issues, or capacity constraints.
• Support inventory management initiatives by improving shipment visibility and transportation planning accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, hazardous materials standards, and company policies.
• Generate data-driven recommendations for leadership to support strategic transportation decisions.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on supply chain resilience, sustainability, and operational performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

SAP

TMS

Job description

We are seeking a results-driven Logistics Analyst, Ocean Freight to support the global transportation and distribution of raw materials and finished products. This role is responsible for managing international ocean freight operations, analyzing transportation performance, optimizing shipping costs, and ensuring efficient movement of goods through global supply chain networks.

The ideal candidate will have experience in ocean transportation, carrier management, import/export logistics, and freight analytics within a complex manufacturing or chemical industry environment. This individual will work closely with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, production planning teams, and customers to drive operational excellence and supply chain reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate ocean freight shipments supporting domestic and international business operations.
• Monitor vessel schedules, shipment milestones, and container movements to ensure timely delivery and supply continuity.
• Analyze ocean freight performance, transportation costs, transit times, detention and demurrage expenses, and carrier service levels.
• Collaborate with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, terminals, and customs brokers to resolve transportation issues and improve service reliability.
• Develop and maintain transportation KPI dashboards, including on-time delivery, freight spend, transit performance, and container utilization metrics.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives through freight optimization, carrier strategy, consolidation opportunities, and network improvements.
• Support ocean carrier procurement activities, including rate analysis, bid evaluations, contract management, and service reviews.
• Evaluate transportation routes, port selections, and shipping strategies to improve efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
• Partner with supply chain, procurement, customer service, warehouse operations, and manufacturing teams to support business objectives.
• Manage exception reporting and proactively address disruptions caused by port congestion, weather events, geopolitical issues, or capacity constraints.
• Support inventory management initiatives by improving shipment visibility and transportation planning accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, hazardous materials standards, and company policies.
• Generate data-driven recommendations for leadership to support strategic transportation decisions.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on supply chain resilience, sustainability, and operational performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, International Trade, Transportation, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in ocean freight logistics, international transportation, supply chain operations, or freight management.
• Strong understanding of global ocean transportation networks, shipping practices, and container logistics.
• Experience working with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international logistics providers.
• Knowledge of import/export documentation, Incoterms, customs compliance, and international trade regulations.
• Advanced analytical and reporting skills with experience interpreting transportation and freight data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, Power Query, and advanced analysis capabilities.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the chemical, petrochemical, polymers, energy, or manufacturing industry.
• Familiarity with bulk liquid, ISO tank, breakbulk, or containerized chemical shipments.
• Experience with SAP Transportation Management (TM), SAP GTS, or S/4HANA.
• Knowledge of Gulf Coast port operations, including Houston and other major North American ports.
• Experience utilizing Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence platforms.
• APICS CLTD, CSCP, Six Sigma, or related supply chain certifications.
• Understanding of ocean freight contracts, carrier negotiations, detention and demurrage management, and freight procurement strategies.