SHIPPING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Smalley Steel Ring Company; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) match

Tuition Reimbursement

PTO

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Smalley Steel Ring Company is seeking a Shipping Operations Manager to oversee shipping and logistics operations. You will manage the Shipping & Logistics department, ensuring efficient and compliant movement of goods domestically and internationally.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in logistics, strong communication skills, and proficiency with logistics software. The role offers a competitive salary ranging from $95,000 to $120,000 along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing logistics or shipping operations.
• Strong knowledge of export regulations and international trade compliance.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day shipping and logistics operations and supervise the team.
• Plan and coordinate daily shipping activities to meet service commitments.
• Maintain knowledge of freight carriers and manage carrier relationships.

Skills

Logistics management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

ERP/TMS tools proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Logistics/transportation software

ERP systems

Job description

Job Summary

Smalley is currently hiring a Shipping Operations Manager! The Shipping Operations Manager leads day-to-day shipping and logistics operations and supervises the Shipping & Logistics team. This role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient movement of goods for domestic and international shipments while driving continuous improvement across processes, systems, and carrier performance.

• Manage the Shipping & Logistics department, including team performance, coaching, onboarding, and training.
• Plan and coordinate daily shipping activities to meet customer promised ship dates and service commitments.
• Partner with internal teams (Customer Service, Quality, Manufacturing, Distribution) and external carriers to ensure the smooth movement of goods and timely issue resolution.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of freight carriers and transportation modes (LTL, parcel, freight forwarders) and manage carrier relationships both operationally and strategically.
• Ensure accurate shipping documentation and material flow from job creation through final shipment; establish standards to support quality and consistency.
• With organizational support, ensure compliance with export regulations, tariff classifications, licensing requirements, and applicable trade agreements; help mitigate customs/export-control and security-related risks.
• Analyze data, trends, and feedback to guide departmental planning, proactively identify risks, and implement preventative measures.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives (including lean activities) across the department, engaging employees and aligning efforts to company goals.
• Optimize team structure, tools, and workflows; address root causes of inefficiency and remove barriers to execution.
• Communicate priorities clearly and translate leadership direction into actionable expectations for the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience managing logistics, transportation, shipping operations, or a related function.
• Experience with both domestic and international shipping and trade documentation.
• Working knowledge of export regulations, customs procedures, and international trade compliance.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and logistics/transportation software; ability to learn and use ERP/TMS tools.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification (e.g., APICS/ASCM, CSCMP, or similar).
• Experience driving lean/continuous improvement in a distribution, manufacturing, or warehouse environment.
• Experience with ERP systems and transportation management software (TMS).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with regular computer and phone use; may include time in a distribution/warehouse environment as needed.
• Prolonged sitting; occasional standing/walking.
• Frequent hand/arm use for typing and handling documents.
• Ability to read and interpret information on screens and paper documents.
• Occasional lifting/carrying of items up to 10–30 lbs.

Salary

A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $95,000 - $120,000. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. This role is bonus/and or incentive eligible.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) match, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, PTO, and more.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• Ongoing learning and training and development opportunities.
• Company and department‑led team‑building activities and events.

EEO / Aff Statement

Smalley is an equal opportunity employer and believes in equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Accordingly, all employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity. These decisions include recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, compensation, benefits, training, and other personnel actions involving persons in all job titles and shall occur without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, ancestry, marital status, or any other legally protected class as recognized by applicable law.