TITLE: Operations Specialist

REPORTS TO: Department Manager

SUMMARY: Part of a team responsible for building, leading, and growing our Carrier capacity operations for the Company - whose primary objectives - are actioning all Carrier activities for Logistics Specialists, Carriers and Clients via compliance with our systems, SOP’s, KPI’s, policies and procedures to become first choice in every market we serve.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Carrier Acquisition & Development: Develop and nurture strong relationships with current and potential temperature-controlled and/or dry freight carriers.
• Rate Negotiation: Confidently negotiate rates with carriers, ensuring the most cost-effective and efficient solutions for our clients.
• Capacity Management: Monitor the availability of carriers, ensuring timely service for all shipments.
• Problem-Solving: Address and resolve any issues related to carrier performance or shipment disruptions.
• Collaboration: Work closely with our customer sales and operations teams to understand shipment requirements and source the best carrier solutions.
• Market Analysis: Stay abreast of industry trends, market rates, and capacity fluctuations, providing insights to the team to stay ahead of competition.
• Technology Use: Leverage our state-of-the-art transportation management system (TMS) to manage daily operations efficiently.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build / grow / maintain / nurture strong teams, long-term relationships with any level within internal or external customer’s
• Strong knowledge of Fresh Product Temperature-Controlled, Dry Freight, Nursery, Flat-bed, White-glove, and/or Drayage.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills – including the ability to listen effectively – and the ability to think / respond / react appropriately in fluid situations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to work across teams to develop solutions that create value for our customer & carrier partners
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to be proactive and work independently – as well as to be highly detailed in preparation and thorough in execution & follow-up
• Excellent proficiency in using Mercury Gate, Excel & PowerPoint

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• 2 years Freight brokerage or logistics experience in fresh and dry product preferred
• Background in supply chain, transportation and logistics preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Fast-paced

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee may occasionally need to lift and / or move up to 10 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly sits; uses hands to finger, and talks or hears
• The employee may frequently reach with hands and arms
• The employee may stand and walk occasionally

CORE COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIORS

Team Oriented

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others
• Is approachable and open to different opinions and feedback
• Earns the confidence, trust, and respect of others

Communication

• Communicates in an open and honest way
• Builds consensus – solicits input and discusses options with people affected before making decisions
• Keeps others informed, communicates expectations, and shares information
• Listens actively to external and internal customers, while understanding others’ views and needs

Values Driven

• Supports, promotes, and models the values of the L&M Family of Companies (Respect, Passion, Leadership, Excellence … always with Unyielding Integrity)
• Fully aligns with the enterprise and the Company’s Success Model
• Balances entrepreneurial spirit with the needs of others and the Vision of the Company
• Shows a strong work ethic and commitment to the Company
• Treats customers and carriers as business partners

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person