Logistics Operations Manager

About Kuraray America

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), Kuraray operates in 32 countries with more than 12,000 employees worldwide, including over 800 in the United States. The company is recognized as one of the Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work for and serves the dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer markets.

Why Kuraray

Kuraray’s team members share values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability while building a better tomorrow. Employees enjoy rapid responsibility growth, competitive salaries, incentive opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Position Summary

The Manager, Logistics Operations oversees inbound movement, warehousing, fulfillment, and distribution of dental products across the U.S. distribution network. This hands‑on leadership role manages relationships with third‑party logistics (3PL) providers, transportation partners, customs brokers, and other service providers to ensure efficient, accurate, and reliable product flow from receipt through final delivery. The manager develops and monitors key performance metrics, implements operational improvements, and partners with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high levels of customer service and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with 3PL providers and oversee warehouse, inventory, and fulfillment operations to ensure accurate and timely product flow.
• Monitor logistics and fulfillment performance and ensure service level expectations are achieved.
• Resolve operational issues and coordinate corrective actions with internal stakeholders and external logistics partners.
• Maintain effective operational controls and support reliable fulfillment service for dealers and direct customers.
• Monitor operational inventory accuracy, cycle count results, lot control, and inventory discrepancies in coordination with 3PL providers.
• Coordinate inbound logistics activities with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and receiving locations.
• Manage domestic and international transportation providers to ensure cost‑effective and reliable product delivery.
• Monitor transportation performance, shipment visibility, and delivery execution.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve transportation efficiency, service, and cost.
• Analyze logistics, fulfillment, inventory, and transportation performance to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting, and operational metrics.
• Lead continuous‑improvement initiatives related to logistics costs, service levels, process efficiency, and customer experience.
• Support logistics systems enhancements and process improvements that improve operational performance and scalability.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure logistics capabilities support business requirements and growth objectives.
• Travel up to 25 % of the time as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in logistics, distribution, warehousing, transportation, supply chain operations, or process management.
• Experience managing 3PL providers, warehouse operations, and transportation service providers.
• Working knowledge of inventory management, order fulfillment, inbound logistics, and transportation processes.
• Experience monitoring operational performance metrics and implementing process improvements.
• Experience with ERP and/or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, project management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence internal stakeholders and external service providers without direct supervisory authority.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Competencies

• Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.
• Business Insight – Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance organizational goals.
• Cultivates Innovation – Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Action Oriented – Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Collaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Communicates Effectively – Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of diverse audience needs.
• Courage – Stepping up to address difficult issues and saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust – Gaining confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability – Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match shifting demands.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive tied to individual, team, and corporate performance.
• Robust healthcare package with wellness reimbursements.
• Three weeks of paid time off plus ten company holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Education reimbursement.
• Matching 401(k) plan.
• Additional offerings as part of the overall benefits program.

Compensation

The expected base salary range for this position is $116,930 – $175,000 annually.