We are seeking an experienced Transportation Manager to oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of transportation operations for our client - a manufacturing company in the South of the Netherlands. The Transportation Manager will be responsible for managing outbound shipments, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and optimizing transportation strategies to meet cost, quality, and efficiency targets.
Key Responsibilities:
Transportation and Shipment Management:
- Oversee all outbound shipments, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and safe delivery of materials and finished products.
- Coordinate with manufacturing, warehousing, and customer service teams to meet on-time delivery and service requirements.
- Monitor transportation KPIs (e.g., on-time delivery, cost per shipment) and work toward continuous improvement of key metrics.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead and develop a team of logistics and transportation professionals, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high performance.
- Foster a collaborative team environment, focusing on improving logistics knowledge, problem-solving, and soft skills.
Cost Optimization and Process Improvement:
- Apply lean and Six Sigma principles to identify opportunities for logistics process improvement and cost reduction.
- Work with cross-functional teams to implement digitalization, automation, and smart logistics solutions.
- Continuously review and optimize transportation routes, carrier selection, and loading strategies.
Vendor and Partner Management:
- Manage relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) and transportation providers, ensuring service quality and adherence to contract terms.
- Partner with procurement on vendor selection, rate negotiation, and periodic evaluations to secure optimal services and rates.
Compliance and Safety:
- Ensure all transportation activities are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policies and standards.
- Stay informed on regulatory changes impacting transportation and proactively address compliance requirements.
- Enforce health and safety standards within transportation operations, promoting safe practices across the team.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and complete transportation data, including routes, carriers, shipping points, and other master data in alignment with ERP and shared service teams.
- Generate regular reports and analyze transportation performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvements.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 6+ years of experience in transportation management within a manufacturing or logistics environment.
- Proven leadership skills, with experience managing and developing a team.
- Knowledge of lean and Six Sigma methodologies, with a track record of applying these in transportation or logistics.
- Strong understanding of transportation regulations, safety requirements, and compliance standards.
- Proficiency in logistics software and ERP systems; experience with digitalization and automation in logistics is a plus.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
