Transportation Manager

Kadant Black Clawson LLC; Lebanon (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

KADANT BLACK CLAWSON LLC (KBC) in Lebanon, OH is hiring a Transportation Manager to lead and optimize shipping/receiving, coordinate shipments to customers, suppliers, and Kadant locations. The role involves directing approximately 8 direct reports and setting SOPs to ensure efficient, compliant operations.

The candidate will negotiate contracts, monitor freight costs, and oversee import/export activities while maintaining on-time deliveries and cost-effective logistics.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; ERP familiarity is a plus.
• Must be a self-starter, decisive, and effective at negotiations.
• Knowledge of Lean Management principles preferred.
• Bachelor's or Associate degree in Business Administration or Logistics preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in distribution or transportation.

Responsibilities

• Leads Shipping/Receiving employees; hires, evaluates, approves time off and overtime, enforces policies.
• Sets and maintains standard operating procedures for shipping/receiving.
• Coordinates delivery of capital systems directly to customers.
• Negotiates transportation contracts and reviews freight charges.
• Monitors shipments, carrier usage, and incoterms for customer orders.
• Provides cost, lead time, and incoterms guidance to Sales staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

MS Office

ERP familiarity

Negotiation skills

Lean Management

Self-starter

Decision making

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Business Administration or Logistics

Tools

ERP system

Job description

Overview

KADANT BLACK CLAWSON LLC (KBC) is an established leader in equipment and systems for the international pulp and paper process industries. For 150 years, we've helped our customers reduce their input costs and improve efficiency through innovative products and technologies. Our sustainability efforts have been nationally recognized, and Kadant is also listed on the New York Stock Exchange (KAI). Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located in Lebanon, OH, where we design and manufacture our products for customers across the globe.

We currently seek to fill the position of Transportation Manager to lead and maintain KBC's transportation procedures and coordinate shipments to customers, suppliers, and other Kadant locations, all while advancing KBC's mission of being a forward-thinking, collaborative, and ethical business. This position will work standard office hours (M-F 8 AM to 5 PM), or similar schedule. This is an onsite role with approximately 8 direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Manages all Shipping/Receiving employees, which includes making hiring decisions, conducting performance appraisals, approving time off and overtime, and enforcing KBC policies.
• Sets and maintains standard operating procedures for shipping/receiving.
• Coordinates delivery of capital systems directly to customers.
• Negotiates transportation contracts.
• Reviews freight charges for correct rates, discounts, and class of shipments; ensures suppliers are using designated carriers.
• Communicates regularly with suppliers to maximize efficiencies in shipping. Expedites suppliers as necessary to ensure shipments are made on schedule and shipped in the most cost effective manner.
• Provides guidance to KBC Sales staff for costs, lead time, and incoterms required for shipments of customer orders.
• Mediates any billing disputes.
• Monitors freight payment agency for accuracy and weekly reports.
• Handles all import and export shipments through customs to ensure prompt clearing and proper duties and taxes paid.
• Monitors inbound shipments and reports status regularly to KBC manufacturing staff and management.
• Oversees the packing, containerization, and documentation of complete systems for all shipments.
• Oversees freight claims to ensure they are paid in a timely manner.
• Sets freight budgets for capital orders.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, or related software.
• Familiarity with ERP system a plus.
• Must be a self-starter and a decision maker.
• Must be effective at negotiations.
• Demonstrates KBC values of personal accountability, discipline, trust, and proactive action.
• An Associate's degree or Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• A minimum of five or more years of experience in the distribution or transportation industry is required.
• Knowledge of ICC/DOT regulations, import and export regulations, transportation pricing methods, and pre-audit services is mandatory.
• Prior management/supervisory experience and knowledge of Lean Management principles preferred.
• Office environment subject to occasional lifting, bending, standing, and/or stooping. Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities, including the production floor.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• All benefits effective upon hire, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k!