Freight Planner

Pay Transparency Statement:

The compensation philosophy reflects the Company's reasonable expectation at the time of posting. We consider a number of factors when making individual compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, and other business needs. This role may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary incentive program, subject to the rule governing the program.

Position Summary:

The Freight Planner role is responsible for freight management into international and domestic markets while playing a supportive role to the Freight Manager and Centralized purchasing team. Daily activities include, but are not limited to, consolidating and planning orders, day to day tracking and tracing of loads, managing carrier partner relationships, and working with customers to manage product. This position ensures high service levels to the customer while supporting the freight team's objectives. This individual is also responsible for training, assisting the team with job functions, working on assigned projects and providing after-hours escalation.

Position Responsibilities may include, but not limited to:

• Process orders, plan & optimize shipments into loads and tender freight to third-party carriers across multiple modes of transportation including Ocean, Truckload, LTL, and Parcel
• Analyze financial impact of requests from purchasing, operations, suppliers, and the transportation providers related to detention, unloading, and other accessorial charges and makes the decision on whether to approve or deny additional charges
• Analyze on-time service to divisions; identify issues, provide/implement resolution, track results to completion
• Trace and expedite shipments that are urgent for mitigating breaks in supply at the Distribution Centers
• Provide visibility to management and the customer by tracking, process over-sight, auditing, researching and troubleshooting operational issues or functions
• Work with Freight Team to organize & implement RFP with carrier partners
• Coordinates with carriers to ensure on-time delivery by tracking cargo for pick-up, estimating times of arrival and delivery, and recovering loads when necessary
• Handle rate negotiations with carriers on a spot rate basis
• Partner with Distribution Centers on resolving inventory issues. Arrange and coordinate branch transfers or contingency shipments as necessary
• Work with Distribution Centers to manage product flow based on space constraints and receiving schedules
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders (Distribution Centers, Suppliers, Carrier Partners)
• Become a primary source of contact for stakeholder supervisors and team members to resolve any issues or concerns within the team
• Maintain effective communication networks with Distribution Centers and all system partners
• Perform analysis on internal Freight and carrier KPI's (on time delivery, gross margin, tender acceptance, GPS tracking consistency, and more)
• Provide afterhours escalation
• Provide and assist in Vacation and Holiday coverage
• Provide support to Supervisors
• Other projects or duties as assigned

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree and minimum 2 years Transportation/Supply Chain experience with a working knowledge of freight/logistics OR High School Diploma and 4 years Transportation/Supply Chain experience with a working knowledge of freight/logistics
• Proven skills and competencies as an experienced and proficient Freight Planner
• Proven analytical, organization and time management skills
• Strong computer skills - including Outlook, Excel, Word, knowledge of Transportation Management System
• Proven ability to work independently and to lead a dynamic team, meet deadlines and multi-task
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment
• Strong team player
• Ability to nurture a team and provide assistance, answer questions and resolve issues and concerns
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize urgent matters
• Proven ability to be called upon as a representative for the team and speak to high level issues when necessary
• Demonstrates professionalism
• This position must pass a post-offer background and drug test

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• 2 years in Blujay / E2Open TMS
• Ocean freight or Freight Forwarding experience
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and solid knowledge of database software
• Strong knowledge of available data sources, strengths, and shortcomings
• Solid knowledge of business intelligence tools

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the nature of our business in regard to such things as delivery schedules, order inputs, selection, and Department of Transportation Hours of Service, overtime, attendance and punctuality are essential job functions. Should an individual in this classification not be able to adhere to this requirement due to a disability, they should contact their Human Resources department to see what, if any, reasonable accommodation may be made.