What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Logistics Manager position at Welspun Tubular?
We are seeking a seasoned Logistics Manager to oversee and optimize all inbound and outbound logistics operations at our Little Rock steel pipe facility. This role is pivotal in coordinating transportation across barge, rail, and truck, managing freight providers, and ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and timely delivery of pipe products to domestic and international customers. Prior experience with barge logistics on inland waterways and railcar scheduling/coordination is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
• Transportation Management: Plan, schedule, and manage all transportation activities for finished pipes and raw materials, focusing on barge, railcar, and over-the-road (OTR) shipping.
• Carrier Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison with barge companies, railroads (e.g., Union Pacific, BNSF), and freight brokers.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate freight rates, manage contracts, and monitor carrier performance against KPIs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to DOT, FRA, and other relevant transportation regulations.
• Documentation Oversight: Manage shipment documentation, including bills of lading, customs paperwork, and barge/rail manifests.
• Facility Optimization: Utilize on-site rail spur, transloading facilities, and port access to reduce freight costs and improve cycle times.
• Inventory Management: Monitor and manage inventory movement between plants, warehouses, coating yards, and job sites.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives in logistics planning, cost control, and network optimization.
• Technology Utilization: Employ ERP and TMS systems to track shipments and provide accurate delivery updates.
Required Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of logistics experience, preferably in steel, pipe, heavy industrial, or construction materials.
• Barge Operations: Demonstrated experience with barge operations (e.g., inland river shipping, Mississippi/Arkansas River systems).
• Rail Logistics: Strong working knowledge of rail logistics, including car leasing, fleet management, and coordination with railroads or short lines.
• Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
• Skills: Strong negotiation and vendor management skills; excellent problem-solving and communication abilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Industry Experience: Experience working in a pipe mill, coating yard, or steel manufacturing environment.
• Port Operations: Familiarity with port authorities and intermodal operations in the southeastern U.S.
• Compliance Knowledge: Working knowledge of customs and export compliance for international shipments.
• Certifications: Lean supply chain or Six Sigma logistics certification.
Key Ports and Logistics Partners in Arkansas:
• Port of Little Rock: A central hub offering intermodal transportation services, connecting U.S. markets to deep-water ports of the Gulf of Mexico. The port encompasses an industrial park with over 40 businesses.
• Logistics Services Inc. (LSI): The terminal operator at the Port of Little Rock, handling bulk and breakbulk cargo on the Arkansas River.
• Simplified Rail Logistics: Experts in project logistics management, heavy haul, over-dimensional, ocean and river barge, rail operations, warehousing, OTR, and LTL.
• Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M): Provides freight services and serves the ports of Van Buren and Fort Smith for barge-to-rail or rail-to-barge shipping.
• U.S. Rail & Logistics: Specializes in operating rail, marine, and warehousing terminals, offering transloading services from railcars, barges, shipping vessels, and trucks.
• Consolidated Terminals and Logistics: Located in Van Buren, AR, this facility offers three barge docks with local fleeting and switching, and transfers between truck, barge, rail, and storage.
Working Conditions:
• Location: Based at the Little Rock plant with regular visits to yard, port, and shipping sites.
• Environment: Fast-paced industrial setting requiring close coordination with production and transportation teams.
• Travel: Occasional travel for vendor meetings, port site visits, or logistics audits.