Domestic Ops Transportation Senior Specialist

Company Overview

Senior Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end duties of all domestic merchandise from vendor sourcing location to final U.S. Distribution Center. This includes tendering, tracking, resolving vendor, carrier and DC challenges, EDI management and all load-related challenges. Scope of responsibilities includes coordination with 3PLs, multi‑modal transportation providers and distribution providers to ensure timely and cost‑efficient flow of merchandise. Senior Specialist will be responsible for all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with inbound transportation vendor to DC freight including creation and management of the inbound operations budget, analysis of end‑to‑end costing alternatives for the domestic supply chain, freight rate comparative studies and operational service trends.

• Utilize robust TMS optimization engines to plan and optimize all domestic FOB merchandise and assign to proper modes and carriers on a daily basis.
• Identify and resolve on‑time flow exceptions using JDA and in‑house developed exception‑based software. Communicate appropriate information to internal and external customers.
• Ensure efficient flow through U.S. consolidation centers by providing timely and accurate tenders, vendor resolution, appropriate cut‑offs, disposition, and expedited support when needed.
• Work with DCs to resolve any unexpected issues such as appointment compliance, seal discrepancies, OS&D, mis‑routed merchandise, improper paperwork, etc.
• Review merchandise orders and determine proper execution based on cost, service, and future incoming flows.
• Track all domestic FOB PO flow from vendors, consolidation centers, and DC yards to ensure low levels of demurrage and detention.
• Manage carrier base, ensuring they know how they are measured, how they can succeed, and how they are doing against those measurements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for carriers on operational processes while acting as liaison between carriers and DG’s internal supply chain (demand chain) teams for customer service.
• Lead carrier business reviews both on site at DG HQ and carrier’s location.
• Work with transportation providers and freight payment team to ensure proper accessorial cost and flows.
• Work with dedicated backhaul operations to ensure proper modal assignment for optimal cost and service.

• Ensure timely and accurate vendor chargebacks are identified, calculated, and processed where appropriate.
• Research and process all carrier‑submitted accessorial charges on a timely basis.
• Research and process all damage and loss claims.
• Research and advise DCs on trailer seal and merchandise discrepancies.
• Work with vendor and merchant to ensure proper call‑in procedures are followed.

• Ensure all data utilized from JDA/TMS and other in‑house systems is accurate and provided timely.
• Work with providers & internal team to develop and implement operational efficiencies within the network to drive out costs and improve service levels to the DCs.
• Work directly with Manager to negotiate carrier procurement and pricing.
• Monitor service levels and exceptions of multi‑modal transportation providers, consolidation center operators, and all other 3rd‑party logistics providers to ensure adequate service levels on a consistent basis.

• In‑depth knowledge of transportation modes and regulations, with an emphasis on truckloads, intermodal, LTL and LTL consolidation operations and their primary cost drivers.
• Communicate across boundaries, both internal and external, with ease and clarity via verbal and written mediums and build strong relationships with business partners.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and intermediate knowledge of MS Office.
• Strong knowledge of merchandising, distribution, transportation, inventory management and supply chain concepts.
• Proficient in usage of transportation optimization software to perform routing, tendering, scheduling, and shipment tracking. Must apply that knowledge and proficiency to monitor transportation activities and identify/resolve issues.
• Strong…