Logistics Manager

About Pioneer Athletics

Founded in 1905, Pioneer Athletics is the leading provider in Athletic Field Marking Paint and Field Equipment across the nation. We pride ourselves on innovation and a competitive spirit that drives the Sports Turf Industry, offering top-quality products for both natural and synthetic athletic fields and facilities. Serving more than 22,000 universities, high schools, parks, and professional sports teams worldwide, we focus on fostering a family-oriented culture committed to the growth and development of our team members.

Role Overview

The Logistics Manager will oversee and enhance supply chain operations to optimize product delivery, reduce costs, and align with organizational objectives. This position includes responsibilities such as invoice tracking, shipment monitoring, delivery route performance analysis, and management of invoicing, electronic billing, freight claims, exception reporting, and shipment tracking. Collaboration with shipping, production, and purchasing departments is vital to improving operational execution and minimizing logistics expenses.

Key Responsibilities

• Examine transportation, accessorial, and inventory data to identify cost-saving potentials and process enhancements.
• Create and maintain performance reports, including KPIs, dashboards, and exception reports to guide decision-making.
• Manage freight claims and resolve exceptions promptly to recover costs effectively.
• Evaluate carrier performance and shipment patterns to optimize routing strategies for cost and service efficiency.
• Coordinate with production planning and purchasing to synchronize material flow with demand and capacity.
• Diagnose causes of delays, errors, and expenses, implementing appropriate corrective measures.
• Develop and sustain systems for shipment tracking, exception management, and communication.
• Engage proactively with operations to identify challenges and boost day-to-day logistics execution.

Transportation and Carrier Oversight

• Responsible for selecting carriers and defining transportation strategies that ensure cost-effectiveness and reliability across all shipping routes.
• Lead contract negotiations, manage carrier agreements, and cultivate partnerships to reduce costs and enhance service levels.
• Continuously assess carrier performance and adjust carrier mixes to meet operational and financial goals.
• Oversee shipment concerns, including claims and service issues, to identify trends and establish long-term solutions.
• Remain informed on market dynamics, carrier rates, and route performances to adapt transportation tactics for cost control and service improvement.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity: Quickly recognize and address supply chain risks and issues.
• Analytical Reasoning: Utilize deductive and inductive reasoning to interpret data and detect trends.
• Communication: Effectively understand and convey complex information in written and oral forms.
• Decision Making: Assess alternatives and implement data-driven solutions.

Experience and Education

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred; however, candidates with 5+ years of relevant logistics or supply chain experience will also be considered.
• At least five years of experience in logistics, transportation, or supply chain fields, including expertise in managing freight bills and claims.
• Proficient in using Transportation Management Systems (TMS) with a deep understanding of their functionality and data analysis.
• Experience with international shipping processes, including compliance and documentation, is desirable.
• Familiarity with regulations such as DOT, Hazmat, NAFTA, and IATA.
• Knowledge of transportation tariffs, National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), and freight rating systems.
• Successful track record in carrier management, rate negotiations, and driving cost-saving initiatives.

Compensation

The salary for this position ranges from $90,000 to $125,000 per year, based in Cleveland, OH.