Inventory and Freight Specialist

thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc. is a world-class manufacturer of suspension solutions headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio, USA. We supply products to a wide range of Original Equipment Automotive Manufacturers as well as Aftermarket and Motorsports customers.

About the role

The Inventory and Freight Specialist coordinates the transportation and delivery of goods to international and domestic customers using internal resources and external service providers while ensuring accurate inventory. This role ensures compliance with U.S. and foreign government regulations and improves the effectiveness of internal processes through service delivery and communication.

Responsibilities

• Manages and coordinates incoming and outgoing shipments of raw and finished product via all modes of transport.
• Tracks and traces shipments to meet required transit times and provides status updates to stakeholders.
• Monitors transportation performance for Bilstein-related shipments, ensuring carrier compliance with company requirements and standards.
• Provides freight rates to support new component, supplier, and business acquisitions.
• Consolidates and controls all shipping methods to drive down costs and simplify processes.
• Updates and maintains the Transportation Management System (SAP).
• Manages retention of packing slips, commercial invoices, logs, and files, including all relevant support documents for material movements and billing reconciliation.
• Analyzes, develops, and implements internal and external security controls to ensure compliance with federal and foreign regulations.
• Conducts periodic export and import compliance audits and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Performs analysis on various aspects of the import/export process, domestic carriers, and third-party logistics providers to ensure competitive cost and transit times.
• Ensures accuracy of shipping documentation through periodic audits and staff training.
• Reviews and approves freight charges processed by third-party freight audit/payment firms for reasonableness, accuracy, and completeness.
• Performs invoice audits to ensure third-party audits align with negotiated rates.
• Files freight claims to recover losses due to transit delays and damages.
• Creates country-specific export and commercial documents for outbound finished products; manages Denied Party Screening.
• Provides backup support to the Finished Goods Team Lead and Shipping and Receiving Supervisor.
• Establishes strong customer relationships by understanding their needs and communicating progress.
• Supports accurate inventory levels by assisting in the development of cycle counting schedules.
• Ensures investigation and correction of all inventory variances, including root cause analysis.
• Maintains a safe working environment by complying with all safety and environmental policies.
• Advocates for and promotes a safe work environment by reporting hazards and wearing required PPE.
• Exercises independent judgment and discretion in job duties.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management or Supply Chain preferred.
• Detailed knowledge of operational procedures regarding air, ocean, import/export business, and domestic transportation.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and international laws and regulations (e.g., DOT, customs, TSA, security, and other import/export agencies).
• Demonstrated knowledge of global trade rules, regulations, and standards for commodities moving in domestic and international commerce.
• Understanding of proper classification of commodities for domestic and international commerce.
• Knowledge of domestic and international freight rate construction and application.
• Full understanding of requirements for completing domestic and international shipments.
• Working knowledge of freight carriers and transport processes associated with customs brokerages, international freight forwarding, ocean shipping, truckloads, airfreight, and buyer’s consolidation programs.
• Experience working with large ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
• Understanding of hazardous materials, I.A.T.A., IMDG, and DOT Certification preferred.
• Excellent oral, written, problem-solving, customer service, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and make critical, time-sensitive decisions.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Highly organized with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Exhibits integrity through fair and ethical behavior; maintains accountability for performance.
• Strong attention to detail with well-developed organizational and communication skills.
• Proven experience developing work processes to improve outcomes for the team and customers.

Benefits

• State-of-the-art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness.
• Multiple competitive health, dental, and vision coverage options.
• 401K matching program.
• Paid time off + 13 paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Gym reimbursement.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Internal growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounted BILSTEIN products.