Transportation Manager (Import / Export)

LAPP is a family-owned company headquartered in Stuttgart and a global leader in cable and connection technology. Founded in 1959, we are still fully family-owned today. With around 5,800 employees, we are operating in over 80 countries – globally connected and regionally rooted. Working at LAPP means more: this is where inventive spirit and a hands-on mentality meet cherished values and tradition. We offer all employees the freedom to develop and pursue new opportunities. Flexibility and personal responsibility are just as important to us as a family-friendly work environment. We value all our colleagues with their talents, ideas and perspectives.

Summary: The Transportation Manager oversees and manages the organization's import and export activities. This position is critical to ensure that goods move efficiently across international borders in full compliance with all applicable regulations. The Transportation Manager coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate smooth, timely transactions while optimizing costs and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Develop and implement import/export strategies that support the company's business goals and ensure compliance with international trade regulations

• Monitor and ensure compliance with customs laws, trade agreements, tariffs, and other international trade regulations

• Conduct regular audits to ensure adherence to compliance standards and identify areas for improvement

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in international trade laws, regulations, and best practices

• Manage relationships with customs officials and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth customs clearance

• Manage all import and export documentation, including customs declarations, commercial invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, packing lists, and other required shipping documents

• Analyze product details to assign correct Harmonized System (HS) codes, which determine applicable duties, taxes, and regulations

• Prepare and manage NAFTA/USMCA certificates of origin and other preferential trade agreement documentation

• Manage Letters of Credit, payment terms, and trade finance documentation to ensure timely payment and compliance with financial terms

• Ensure proper application of Incoterms to clarify responsibilities for shipping costs, insurance, and risk transfer

• Negotiate freight rates and contracts with carriers, freight forwarders, and other logistics service providers

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including sales, production, procurement, and finance departments, to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods

• Monitor and report on import/export activities, including shipment status, delivery performance, and key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Conduct freight lane analysis to prioritize traffic opportunities, considering factors such as customer locations, vendor locations, carrier capabilities, volumes, product considerations, and other relevant factors

• Conduct ongoing analysis and monitoring of KPIs to provide internal partners with clear metrics and accurate evaluations of carrier performance

• Work closely with warehouse and production managers to effectively forecast, plan, and prepare for ongoing transportation needs

• Manage import/export budgets and costs to optimize efficiency and profitability of international trade activities

• Develop, implement, and monitor processes to control shipment costs and minimize liability exposure

• Manage and mitigate risks associated with international logistics, including delays, regulatory changes, and supply chain disruptions

Supervisory Responsibilities: Has direct oversight of the Freight Claims Specialist and the Transportation Planner. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Work to identify and develop the team's core competencies to ensure success. 

Competencies

• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to work well and collaboratively with cross-functional teams at all levels focus on quality and service.

• Strong negotiation skills along with project management skills. Must possess high ethical standards and have the ability to work within the Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Policies.

• Excellent analytical and strategic planning skills to develop long-term plans for success. 

• Upholds all safety policies and procedures and OSHA guidelines.

• Demonstrates an ability to work calmly under pressure while maintaining accuracy and thoroughness.

• Prioritizes and plans work activities while using time efficiently.

• Pursues training and development opportunities to further the development of one’s skillset.

• Looks for ways to promote and improve quality and performance. 

• Adapts to changes in the work environment and supports change in a positive manner.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in international business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred

• Relevant certifications such as Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), Certified Customs Specialist, or similar credentials are a plus

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in import/export operations, international logistics, or supply chain management

• Proven experience managing international trade compliance and customs procedures

• Comprehensive knowledge of international trade regulations, including customs procedures, tariffs, trade agreements (NAFTA/USMCA, etc.), and Incoterms

• Experience with Harmonized System (HS) code classification and tariff determination

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to interpret complex regulations

• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems

• Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and logistics software

COMPUTER SKILLS: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, and experience working with SAP is desired.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: CGBP, Certified Customs Specialist or EIC Certification preferred

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: May be required to travel to other LAPP facilities domestically on an as needed basis. 

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. 

This position is located onsite in our Florham Park, NJ facility. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. This person will be required to work in both an office and a warehouse/production environment. 

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 is regularly required to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods. The employee must occasionally stand, walk, and visit the warehouse or production facilities. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision for computer work and document review.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Proficiency in the English language is required. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple and complex correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

COMPENSATION: After thorough market analysis, LAPP takes many factors into consideration when determining base salary such as geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, etc. of the candidate. The base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $130,000 plus participation in LAPP's bonus plan. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Vision, Dental, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401(k), HSA/FSA, Life Insurance, and more!

*LAPP is an Equal Opportunity Employer*

Salary : $120,000 - $130,000