Category Specialist

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 - all while keeping the heart of "People Build Businesses" alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

Reporting to the Manager of Logistic Operations, as a Category Specialist, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of our transportation fleets across Sonoco's recycling plants. In this role, you will be responsible for managing vehicle scheduling, maintenance, compliance, and driver performance, ensuring that our fleet operates efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.

What you will be doing:

• Oversee Sonoco Recycling's private fleet, including Tractors (63) Van trailers (1,095) Drop deck trailers (26) Flatbed trailers (30) Drivers (59) and Switch tractors and other leased equipment.
• Manage the purchase, sale, and transfer of fleet assets, ensuring optimal utilization and cost-effectiveness.
• Decide on the type and location of recycling trucking and hauling equipment, coordinating with Regional and Plant Managers, as well as the Commercial team.
• Ensure all vehicle licensing, registration, titles, tags, and permits are current and compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
• Develop and implement fleet safety and training programs to ensure compliance with Federal and State Motor Carrier Regulations (FMCSR).
• Manage Driver Qualification and Hours of Service (HOS) controls and regulations.
• Oversee driver DOT training and drug testing processes, including Annual Defensive Driver Training and Pre-Trip Inspection training and Auto Brake Adjusting.
• Investigate all fleet accidents and Out-of-Service (OOS) violations, generating corrective control plans.
• Ensure compliance with DOT and CSA minimum requirements for operating a private fleet, including Interstate Highway Fuel Tax reporting, DOT Clearinghouse drug and alcohol screening and random tests, Managing UIIA and drayage database under Import/Export regulations, OW/OD permits for Flatbed and Drayage and SCAC code renewals.
• Identify and oversee training for new drivers, ensuring readiness and compliance.
• Develop trucking and hauling training courses for ongoing drivers and fleet education.
• Perform plant trucking safety audits and driver ride-along evaluations.
• Work closely with the Occupational Safety team to develop improvements in the division's safety performance.
• Provide directions to Plant Managers on equipment maintenance and audit requirements.
• Lead divisional DOT safety training, pre-trip training, and maintenance processes.
• Plan and implement logistics strategies, policies, and procedures to meet customer service requirements at the lowest total cost for all plants.
• Analyze data to identify opportunities to improve business operational efficiency and productivity.
• Determine cost-effective options for shipping finished products, picking up raw materials, or delivering them to ports.
• Identify and execute logistics cost reduction initiatives and productivity savings for Sonoco Recycling.
• Manage technology related to driver and asset utilization, fuel reporting, equipment tracking, and tracing.
• Monitor dashboards and reports to track fleet operations, costs, and safety performance.

This position could be located onsite in Hartsville, SC or in Charlotte, NC.

We'd love to hear from you if:

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Logistics, SC, Finance, or related field and have 5-7 years previous experience within transportation industry or logistics experience.
• Have strong analytical abilities, Experience with Microsoft suite highly preferred
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills
• Have proven experience in managing large vehicle fleets and coordinating transportation operations.
• Have a strong knowledge of industry regulations, including DOT, FMCSA, and OSHA standards.
• The ability to work flexible hours and travel as needed to oversee fleet operations. Travel will be 20% -25% to South East Recycling Plants.
• Can work day shift with some overtime. Must be reachable after hours for urgent matters.
• Have strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient fleet.

Compensation:
This is a progression position and level will be based on the candidate's experience and education, and current business needs. The annual base salary range for this role is:

Category Specialist - $84,640 - $95,220

Category Specialist - Senior $104,720 - $117,810, plus an annual target bonus of 7.5% of base salary.

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We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.