Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Fulfillment)

Flexport; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global logistics company seeks a Sr. Manager, Strategic Initiatives in Chicago to design and lead the future of its fulfillment network. The ideal candidate has 7-10+ years in logistics, exceptional skills in SQL and BI tools, and a history of scalable process design. You will own initiatives from inception to execution while partnering across functions. Flexport offers a unique opportunity to shape how fulfillment operates globally.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of experience in fulfillment, logistics, or operations strategy.
• Proven record of designing and implementing scalable processes/products.
• Bonus: Experience with robotics or warehouse automation.

Responsibilities

• Design and standardize processes for fulfillment network.
• Own initiatives end-to-end from problem diagnosis to implementation.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to build solutions.

Skills

SQL

Excel/Google Sheets

BI Tools (Looker, Tableau, PowerBI)

Python or R for modeling and automation

Strong strategic thinking

Executive-level communication skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Job description

Join Flexport in Shaping the Future of Global Fulfillment

About Flexport:

At Flexport, we believe global trade can move the human race forward. That’s why it’s our mission to make global commerce so easy there will be more of it. We’re shaping the future of a $10T industry with solutions powered by innovative technology and exceptional people. Today, companies of all sizes—from emerging brands to Fortune 500s—use Flexport technology to move more than $19B of merchandise across 112 countries a year.

The recent global supply chain crisis has put Flexport center stage as we continue to play a pivotal role in how goods move around the world. We are proud to have the support of the best investors in the game who believe in our mission, solutions and people. Ready to tackle global challenges that impact business, society, and the environment? Come join us.

The Opportunity

Flexport is building the future of global fulfillment—and we’re looking for a Sr. Manager, Strategic Initiatives who wants to be at the center of that transformation. This is not a traditional management role. You will be the architect of tomorrow’s Flexport Fulfillment network: designing processes, building products, and creating the standards that will define how we operate at scale.

You’ll sit at the intersection of operations, product, and technology, working across all functions to identify gaps, design solutions, and bring them to life. We want someone who thrives in ambiguity, loves solving highly technical problems, and isn’t afraid to get hands-on—whether it’s building a new workflow in SQL, prototyping a tool, or architecting the next phase of our operating model.

If you want to make a lasting impact by building something from the ground up—and have the technical, operational, and strategic chops to do it—this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

Architect the Future of Fulfillment

• Design, standardize, and codify the processes, products, and tools that will power Flexport’s next generation fulfillment network.
• Define operating models that can scale globally, balancing efficiency, cost, speed, and customer experience.

Build, Not Just Manage

• Own initiatives end-to-end: from diagnosing the problem, designing the solution, building prototypes, and driving implementation.
• Develop tooling, dashboards, and models directly—leveraging SQL, Python, BI platforms, and workflow automation.

Leverage Data for Strategic Planning

• Use data to uncover bottlenecks, quantify opportunities, and make recommendations that drive millions in cost savings and unlock new service capabilities.
• Build forecasting and scenario planning models to guide long-term network design and capacity planning.

Be a Cross-Functional Force Multiplier

• Partner with engineering, product, operations, finance, and commercial teams to align on priorities, build solutions, and scale them across the network.
• Translate operational pain points into product requirements and ensure adoption of new tools and processes.

Standardize the Network

• Establish and roll out SOPs, reporting cadences, and KPIs that become the backbone of Fulfillment execution.
• Drive governance and accountability around execution, ensuring every site runs on the same playbook.

Drive Strategic Initiatives at Scale

• Lead high-impact, white-space projects (automation, robotics, B2B/Retail compliance, international expansion) that redefine the limits of what Flexport Fulfillment can deliver.
• Develop and execute multi-year roadmaps in partnership with senior leadership.

You Should Have

• 7–10+ years of experience in fulfillment, logistics, supply chain, or operations strategy—ideally with direct exposure to high-volume networks.
• Extremely strong technical skillset: SQL (expert), Excel/Google Sheets (advanced), BI tools (Looker, Tableau, PowerBI), and preferably Python or R for modeling and automation.
• A proven record of designing and implementing scalable processes/products that delivered measurable business impact.
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to connect day-to-day execution to P&L drivers and long-term vision.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: thrives in ambiguity, comfortable building from scratch, and naturally biased toward action.
• Executive-level communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Bonus: Experience working with robotics, warehouse automation, or building new fulfillment products (B2B, Prep, Returns, Retail compliance).

Why This Role is Different

This role is one of the most independent, entrepreneurial, and impactful within Flexport Fulfillment. You won’t just manage a process—you’ll design and build the future of how we fulfill, scale, and serve customers. Your fingerprints will be on everything from the technology we use to the services we offer.

You’ll have the mandate to experiment, prototype, and standardize at scale—and the support of a leadership team that knows the success of this role will shape the future of Flexport Fulfillment.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

At Flexport, our ability to fulfill our mission of making global commerce easy and accessible relies on having a diverse, dedicated and engaged workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, health status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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