Warehouse Shipping & Export Logistics - Manager

Role Summary

The Shipping & Logistics Manager will oversee end-to-end shipping, receiving, logistics, warehousing, material handling, distribution, and related systems/tools within a manufacturing environment. This role will manage inbound and outbound logistics operations, carrier selection, shipment planning, third-party warehousing, import/export coordination, inventory accuracy, logistics KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position will work closely with the Purchasing, Planning, Manufacturing, Sales, Finance, Product Development, Corporate Transportation, and Import/Export Trade Compliance teams to ensure timely, cost-effective, compliant, and customer-focused logistics operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct inbound and outbound logistics operations, including transportation, inventory control, warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.
• Assess and recommend optimal shipping methods, carriers, routing, equipment, and shipment frequency to meet delivery timelines, transportation requirements, and cost targets.
• Recommend carrier base, negotiate competitive rates, and support logistics service agreements and transportation contracts.
• Review shipping notices, bills of lading, invoices, orders, and other records to determine shipping priorities, work assignments, and shipping methods.
• Determine shipment space requirements, truckload planning, routing, and legal load limits based on established schedules and weight limits.
• Maintain logistics metrics, customer service logs, process documentation, safety training records, and operational reporting.
• Monitor import and export processes to support legal, regulatory, and trade compliance requirements.
• Oversee worldwide distribution center operations to ensure cost, productivity, accuracy, and on-time delivery targets are achieved.
• Collaborate with Sales, Order Management, Accounting, Planning, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Product Development teams to align logistics with business systems and processes.
• Conduct and review audits for storage, distribution, transportation, inventory, and logistics activities.
• Develop and implement methods to maintain accurate inventory levels, including timely and effective cycle count completion.
• Manage logistics RFPs, carrier/service provider reviews, international transportation agreements, and freight forwarder relationships.
• Perform total landed cost analysis and provide regular updates to internal stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain international transportation SOPs with freight forwarders and logistics service providers.
• Drive continuous improvement, good distribution practices, risk mitigation, and contingency planning for critical shipping lanes.
• Evaluate and implement supply chain improvement tools related to cost savings, shipment tracking, visibility, market analysis, and communication processes.
• Monitor logistics provider performance through KPIs, service reviews, and quarterly business reviews.
• Cook claims process for international shipments with freight forwarders and risk management.
• Support global logistics integration projects, including shipping validation, IT systems enablement, trade compliance, and regulatory implementation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise 4–7 employees within Shipping and Receiving.
• Support interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, work assignment, performance appraisal, coaching, corrective action, and employee issue resolution.
• Ensure team productivity, process discipline, safety compliance, and customer-focused execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of experience in shipping, logistics, warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing logistics operations.
• Prior supervisory experience managing shipping, receiving, warehouse, or logistics team members.
• Strong understanding of inbound and outbound transportation, carrier management, warehousing, inventory control, and shipment documentation.
• Experience working with bills of lading, invoices, shipping notices, customer orders, freight documentation, and logistics records.
• Knowledge of import/export processes, transportation compliance, routing, load planning, and shipment risk management.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and interpret logistics KPIs related to productivity, overtime, cost, accuracy, service levels, and on-time delivery.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, procedures, and manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports, correspondence, SOPs, and operational updates.
• Strong numerical ability, including rate, ratio, percentage, basic cost calculations, and KPI interpretation.
• Strong problem-solving ability and sound judgment in standardized and time-sensitive logistics situations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact with internal teams, vendors, customers, and management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft AX, Microsoft SharePoint, database tools, and payroll/operations systems.
• APICS CPIM certification is preferred.
• Compliance, traffic, transportation, or trade compliance certification/training is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.
• Experience with freight forwarders, 3PL providers, international shipping, landed cost analysis, and logistics RFPs.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing, hardware, electronics, OEM/ODM, or technology infrastructure environment is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Customer-focused mindset
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Analytical thinking and KPI-driven decision-making
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Resilience and ownership
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Vendor and carrier management
• Compliance and risk awareness