Demand Chain Transportation Specialist II

At Yamaha Motor, we keep things moving, and we're looking for a Demand Chain Transportation Specialist to join our team in Kennesaw, GA. If you thrive in a fast-paced logistics environment and enjoy keeping operations running smoothly, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

In this role, you will manage the timely and efficient movement of auction products, dealer freight, expedited shipments, and other transportation needs. You'll oversee delivery schedules, monitor shipment progress, and ensure delivery commitments are met. Responsibilities also include managing hazmat documentation, supporting RFQs and spot quotes, and coordinating irregular transport requests. Additionally, you'll track key transportation KPIs such as on-time delivery, aging shipments, and carrier compliance, while providing accurate tracking updates to internal teams and customers to ensure smooth transportation operations.

What You'll Be Doing

• Coordinate with warehouse load planners at assigned facilities on load planning, routing and TMS issues. Responsible for ensuring balance with freight and multiple transportation options, maximizing utilization, optimizing routes, ensuring customer and sales requirements are entered correctly into system, and planning to achieve customer and company goals.
• Coordinate with carrier personnel to address transportation related problems as needed (i.e., load coverage, routing problems, systems issues, weight discrepancies, detention charges, spot quotes, etc.).
• Coordinate the movement of auction product from the origin DC to the respective dealerships. Monitor and manage the purchase of shipping supplies related to auction shipments and side by side shipments.
• Meet on time delivery (OTD) requirements and clearly communicate any possible delays to respective Sales Groups and Logistics Management to alleviate any miscommunications or delays with transportation updates.
• Arrange inbound & outbound parts shipments from suppliers to Unit warehouses and from Yamaha vendors to our dealer network.
• Provide transportation related information to other departments as needed, including quotes, transit times, special equipment requirements, specific handling requirements, and other shipment details.
• Prepare and distribute weekly Fuel Surcharge Report as well as updating the TMS with any changes to the Fuel Surcharge. Maintain carrier PRO #'s in TMS.
• Utilize various SAP platforms including SAP TM for reporting and monitoring transportation performance, cost, and trends. Assist with annual RFP, including carrier vetting/recruitment, negotiations, and contract entry in TMS.
• Support the domestic transportation objectives by evaluating carrier performance, strengthening relationships with top performers, and addressing deficiencies among underperforming carriers.
• Monitor and manage transportation performance metrics, including aging reports, on-time shipping, carrier performance, and delivery quality. Identify trends or issues affecting KPI performance and escalate or recommend solutions to management. Assist in carrier evaluations and continuous-improvement initiatives to enhance service levels.
  
  

Decision Making Responsibility

• Determines carriers and routes for specific loads
• Reviews loads for accuracy in maximum utilization, route, and departure date.
• Whether a load should be consolidated, split, or re-routed based on available freight.
• Which transportation mode (LTL, FTL, parcel, dedicated, etc.) is most efficient.
• How to balance competing priorities: utilization, cost, delivery windows, and warehouse capacity.
• Resolving routing or TMS issues with planners to prevent delays or rework.
• Determining when to escalate a system issue versus handling it with standard troubleshooting.
• Selecting the best carrier based on service level, cost, performance history, and lane coverage.
• Deciding whether to retain, reassign, or remove volume from underperforming carriers.
• Determining when a spot quote is necessary versus using contracted rates.
• Judging whether a carrier's issue (weight discrepancy, detention, late pickup) needs escalation to management.
  
  

What You Need To Be Successful

• High School diploma; BA / BS / AS or some college preferred.
• 3 years' experience in transportation required.
• Ability to get Hazmat Certified: 49CFR, IATA, IMDG; or current Hazmat certification a plus
• Must have a strong understanding of the transportation and logistics industry.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize time sensitive situations in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and good quantitative skills are required.
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.
• TMS knowledge and experience a plus.
• Ability to learn and regularly operate various computer systems across different platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  
  

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and underrepresented minorities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Yamaha, we understand that talent comes in various forms; as such, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!

What's In It For You

• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Fertility Benefits
• 37.5 hour work-week
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Short-Term Disability Coverage (for hourly roles)
• Long-Term Disability
• Student Debt Repayment Benefits
• Ability to borrow Yamaha product
  
  

Reports to: Department Manager

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, veteran or disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.