International Logistics Manager

Restaurant Depot is the nation's leading members-only, wholesale cash-and-carry supplier serving independent restaurants, caterers, delis, convenience stores, and other food service businesses across 165 locations in 35 states. Our stores offer bulk quantities of fresh meat, seafood, produce, dairy, frozen foods, grocery items, beverages, paper goods, cleaning supplies, restaurant equipment, and more. Open seven days a week, we are committed to delivering consistent quality and competitive pricing to support the success of small business owners. As we continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced logistics professional to optimize our international transportation network while driving cost savings, operational excellence, and supply chain efficiency.

Position Summary

The International Logistics Manager is responsible for managing the Company's international transportation operations, ensuring the efficient movement of imported food and non-food products from origin through final delivery. This role oversees ocean freight, drayage, customs compliance, and logistics service providers while driving freight optimization, vendor performance, and cost-saving initiatives.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and experienced in international logistics, carrier negotiations, and import compliance. This position partners closely with Procurement, Buying, Distribution, Finance, and international suppliers to improve transportation performance, reduce landed costs, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in international logistics, import transportation, or global supply chain management
• Experience managing ocean freight, drayage, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international transportation providers
• Working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, FDA, USDA, FSMA, FSVP, tariff classifications, and import/export compliance
• Strong negotiation and vendor management experience
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and transportation or ERP systems
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Key Responsibilities

International Logistics Management

• Manage the day-to-day movement of imported food and non-food products through ocean freight, drayage, customs clearance, and domestic transportation
• Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and internal teams to ensure timely, cost-effective product delivery
• Monitor shipment activity, proactively resolve transportation issues, and minimize delays, detention, demurrage, and accessorial charges
• Support continuous improvements in transportation processes, shipment visibility, and service performance

Carrier & Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and drayage providers
• Negotiate freight rates, service agreements, and transportation terms to achieve competitive pricing and reliable service
• Monitor carrier performance through established KPIs, including transit times, on-time delivery, fill rates, and service reliability
• Conduct regular freight benchmarking and market analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and maintain competitive transportation costs

Cost Analysis & Freight Optimization

• Analyze transportation expenses, landed costs, and freight trends to identify opportunities for cost reduction and operational efficiencies
• Prepare monthly reports on cost per container, freight savings, carrier performance, and transportation KPIs
• Evaluate freight costs by origin, destination, carrier, forwarder, and transportation mode to support strategic purchasing decisions
• Partner with Procurement and Buying teams to evaluate freight costs for new import vendors and optimize inbound transportation strategies

Trade Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable import regulations, including U.S. Customs, FDA, USDA, FSMA, FSVP, and other regulatory requirements
• Coordinate customs documentation, tariff classifications, customs audits, first-sale programs, and duty recovery initiatives
• Monitor changes in tariffs, duties, sanctions, and international trade regulations, communicating impacts and recommendations to leadership
• Support contingency planning to minimize disruptions resulting from port congestion, supply chain interruptions, or regulatory changes

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain logistics dashboards and performance metrics to measure transportation efficiency, service levels, and cost performance
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, improve carrier performance, and optimize transportation processes
• Recommend process improvements, technology enhancements, and operational efficiencies that support the Company's growth objectives
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Procurement, Distribution, Operations, and Finance to improve overall supply chain performance