Job Summary:
The Freight Manager is responsible for overseeing the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods through various transportation channels. This role involves managing freight operations, negotiating contracts with freight carriers, optimizing transportation strategies, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The Freight Manager also plays a key role in overseeing the freight team, resolving issues related to shipments, and ensuring that logistics operations meet or exceed business objectives.
Key Responsibilities: (Other duties as assigned)
- Oversee the daily management of freight logistics, including both inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring timely and cost-efficient delivery.
- Coordinate freight movements across all transportation modes (air, sea, rail, road) to meet company and customer needs.
- Ensure optimal use of resources (fleet, carriers, warehouses) and effective route planning to minimize costs and improve efficiency.
- Negotiate rates, terms, and service levels with third-party carriers, freight forwarders, and other transportation providers.
- Evaluate and select suppliers based on cost, quality, reliability, and service performance.
- Manage and maintain relationships with logistics vendors to ensure the delivery of high-quality services and resolve any issues that arise.
- Develop and manage the freight budget, ensuring that operations are delivered within the approved financial parameters.
- Monitor and report on freight costs, identifying areas for improvement or cost reduction.
- Drive cost-saving initiatives, such as optimizing freight routes, consolidating shipments, and improving packaging.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the freight and logistics team, including freight coordinators and logistics associates.
- Provide training on best practices in freight management, safety regulations, and company-specific procedures.
- Conduct performance reviews and set clear goals for team members, ensuring that operational KPIs are met.
- Prepare regular reports on freight performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery rates, transportation costs, and freight utilization.
- Analyze freight data to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement in logistics operations.
- Provide senior management with insights and recommendations for improving freight processes and performance.
Required Education and Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in freight management, transportation, or logistics, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.
- Experience with freight management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), and other logistics software.
- Proven track record in managing complex freight operations and optimizing transportation costs.
Preferred Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Certifications such as Certified in Transportation and Logistics (CTL) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) are a plus
Skills:
- Strong understanding of freight forwarding, transportation modes, international trade, and customs compliance.
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to manage and develop a team.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for identifying operational inefficiencies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact with both internal and external stakeholders.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and logistics software.
- Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, TMS, WMS, and data analysis tools.
Core Competencies:
- Leadership: Ability to lead and inspire a team, providing clear direction and fostering a collaborative environment.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and plan for the long-term, while managing day-to-day operations.
- Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, cost control, and financial performance as it relates to freight operations.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to address operational challenges and develop solutions that minimize disruption.
- Customer Focus: Ensures that freight services meet or exceed customer expectations and aligns with broader business goals.
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy in freight documentation, tracking, and reporting.
- Adaptability: Ability to manage changes in the freight landscape, including technological advancements and regulatory changes.
