Manager, Logistics Planning

Dairy Farmers of America; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America in Salt Lake City seeks a Logistics Planning Manager to lead daily operations and a team of planners coordinating inbound and outbound logistics, including planning, scheduling, sourcing, warehousing, and transportation for regional product movements. You will optimize routes for cost and loading efficiency, monitor carrier performance, run KPI reporting, and drive continuous improvement with suppliers, carriers, and internal partners.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business, logistics, supply chain, distribution management, or related field.
• 5–8 years in transportation, distribution, or supply chain roles; 2+ years leading teams.
• Experience with transportation management systems (TMS) preferred; supervisory experience desired.
• Certification and/or license may be required during course of employment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee load planning to optimize loads/truckloads.
• Balance schedules to meet needs and profitability.
• Study market trends; perform demand forecasts for peak periods.
• Develop and report KPIs for third-party carriers and logistics teams.
• Lead carrier business reviews to drive service improvements.
• Ensure clear communication between staff, haulers, and carriers.
• Escalate shipment issues and coordinate corrective actions.
• Manage the RFP process and negotiate terms.
• Lead network changes and implement solutions.
• Document interplant and carrier rate structures; review renewals.
• Establish SOPs and promote standardization in logistics.
• Supervise employees, scheduling, development, and performance.

Skills

Logistics planning

Team leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Problem solving

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

English proficiency

Education

Undergraduate degree in business, logistics, supply chain, distribution management, or related curriculum

Tools

TMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Manage daily operational activities and a team of logistics planners who are responsible for coordinating 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). Oversee the optimal planning and execution of transportation activities with a focus on economical and efficient routes, cost reductions, loading efficiencies, and carrier on time delivery performance. Manage challenges associated with the movement/transportation of the product. Coordinate efforts and interact with internal and external customers (logistics, operations, production, distribution/warehouse, haulers/carriers, etc.) in order to lead a successful logistics planning department.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and 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
• Ensure schedules balance all parties' (member, customer) needs with planned load efficiency and profitability
• Study markets trends, dialogue with suppliers, and understand what outside impacts could influence how the business goes to market or products get to their destination; perform demand forecasts for peak delivery periods
• Participate in the development, monitoring, and reporting of Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) for third-party carriers and other logistics teams, including but not limited to lane compliance, route guide compliance, and assessorial management
• Oversee and/or lead regular business reviews with key carriers to assure continuous improvement in service and performance; develop or approve presentations for supplier business reviews or carrier quarterly reviews
• Ensure effective communication is provided and daily activities are completed between logistics planning staff and haulers/drivers and for-hire carriers
• Liaise with and serve as an escalation point for 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
• Manage 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.
• Manage the RFP process
• Lead the planning and implementation of solutions for network changes
• Analyze and document existing interplant and inbound carrier and rate structure; negotiate contract terms and rates with carrier base following defined internal parameters; manage and ensure contracts are current; understand timing of renewals and allow enough time to adequately review options as relates to potential changes and or extensions
• Establish policy and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for logistics activities
• Foster collaboration, consistency, and process standardization within logistic planning work function
• Manage employees, including supervision, scheduling, employee development, and performance management. Work with Human Resources to recruit and hire new employees, identify training needs, and train/mentor to continually develop and improve the workforce
• 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

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in business, logistics, supply chain, distribution management, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 5 to 8 years of transportation, distribution, supply chain, or related experience, applying knowledge of the motor carrier industry; 2+ years of experience with transportation management systems (TMS)
• Demonstrated leadership attributes or team leadership experience
• Supervisory or management experience preferred
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of the principles, practices, and economics of distribution and logistics
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, rules, and regulations (DOT, GMP, USDA, OSHA, HACCP)
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to promote a team environment
• Able to work collaboratively with employees in a variety of departments and build consensus around key initiatives
• 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 demonstrate solid business judgment and decision-making skills
• Able to analyze and interpret data
• Able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action
• Negotiation skills
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel: 25% traveling

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans