What are the responsibilities and job description for the Logistics Manager position at IPM Foods?
Title: Logistics Manager
Location: Janesville, WI
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Company Overview
NaturPak is a rapidly growing, vertically integrated food and ingredient manufacturer specializing in retort packaged meals and broths, pet nutrition, and functional food ingredients. The company operates two advanced manufacturing facilities in Janesville, Wisconsin, including a state-of-the-art Tetra Pak Recart platform and a growing ingredient and R&D operation.
Position Overview:
The Logistics Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all logistics, transportation, warehousing, inventory, and distribution activities for a food manufacturing operation. This role ensures the safe, timely, and cost-effective movement of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods while maintaining compliance with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. The Logistics Manager partners closely with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Sales teams to support operational excellence and service performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage all inbound and outbound logistics activities, including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution.
- Ensure the timely receipt of raw materials and packaging supplies to support production schedules.
- Coordinate the shipment and delivery of finished goods to customers, distribution centers, and third-party warehouses.
- Monitor logistics performance metrics, including on-time delivery, freight costs, inventory accuracy, and warehouse efficiency.
- Develop and implement strategies to optimize transportation routes, warehouse utilization, and distribution processes.
- Manage relationships with carriers, freight brokers, third-party logistics providers, and warehouse partners.
- Negotiate transportation rates and service agreements to control costs and improve service levels.
- Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, food safety requirements, GMPs, HACCP programs, and company policies.
- Support product traceability, recall readiness, and inventory control procedures.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Production teams to ensure proper handling and storage of food products.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste.
- Manage logistics budgets and monitor transportation and warehouse expenses.
- Lead, coach, and develop logistics and warehouse team members.
- Analyze logistics data and prepare reports for leadership regarding operational performance and improvement opportunities.
- Travel regularly between all three company facilities to oversee logistics operations, ensure consistency in processes and standards, support operational needs, and collaborate with site leadership teams to drive continuous improvement and service excellence.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of logistics, supply chain, warehouse, or distribution management experience.
- Experience within food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), beverage, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
- Previous leadership experience managing logistics or warehouse personnel.
- Experience with ERP, WMS, and transportation management systems.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing supply chains and distribution operations.
- Knowledge of FDA regulations, GMPs, HACCP principles, food safety requirements, and inventory control practices.
- Experience managing refrigerated, frozen, or temperature-controlled products preferred.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship management abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and supply chain management systems.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in office, warehouse, and production environments.
- Ability to stand, walk, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to work in varying temperatures, including refrigerated or cold-storage areas, when necessary.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Leads and manages warehouse, shipping, receiving, and logistics personnel.
- Responsible for hiring, training, coaching, scheduling, performance management, and employee development.
- Fosters a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
1st Shift