Logistics Planner II - United Salt Cor

Company: United Salt Corporation

Hiring Manager: Mark Williams

This is an Exempt Position

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop, implement, and optimize plans for the storage, movement, and distribution of goods and materials.

- Analyze supply chain functions, transportation options, and delivery schedules to identify improvements, reduce costs and delivery times, and increase customer satisfaction.

- Monitor inventory levels and adjust logistics plans as needed to support product availability and efficient delivery.

- Continuously evaluate logistics performance and recommend improvements that enhance service delivery and support organizational goals.

- Collaborate with different departments to maintain a smooth and effective supply chain.

- Focus on rail and truck shipping operations at the Carlsbad, New Mexico plant to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and reduce demurrage and detention costs.

- Spend one week each month on-site at the Carlsbad plant, collaborating with Transportation, Customer Service, and Production to maximize truck and railcar shipping efficiency.

- Provide backup and on-call support for other transportation and logistics personnel as needed.

- Cross-train in freight payables processes with the USC Freight Payables Manager to support operational continuity.

- Travel as required to support business and operational needs.

Accountable For:

- Allocating unplanned freight variances

Validating carrier invoices and comparing rates on file to determine variance.

- Revising any inaccuracies and communicating with the carrier on short payment.

- Communicating with the accounting team with variances out of standard protocol.

- Requesting point of origin from each plant regarding additional accessorial charges incurred.

- Addressing EOM reports generated by established carriers for payment updates, status, and disputes.

- Disclosing within the transportation team any discrepancies in SAP to adjust, update, or delete.

- Managing related 3PL shipment processes

Assisting in reconciling month-end storage invoices between 3Pls and SAP inventories.

- Corresponding with 3Pls and carriers on billing procedures or incorrect processes; investigating and providing any incomplete or missing backup for freight invoices.

- Requesting/ comparing/ providing freight costs from multiple locations for out-of-position or new shipments; supports in annual bids.

- Running reports for orders, not PGI'd; investigate and complete.

- Reviewing established carriers files for Certificates of Insurance (COI).

Completing, updating, and informing carriers of certs due to expire on the company internal drive, TMX, and office file folders.

- Assisting in creating and entering new transportation zones and routes.

- Maintaining dwell charges once processed through allocations of unplanned freight.

Applies, reviews, and updates charges in TMX.

- Generates EOM reports to compare any short pays after research is conducted and updates in TMX.

- Assisting in freight negotiations by providing analysis and backup.

- Maintaining the claims system

Investigating, administrating, and creating all claims with all freight claims.

- Communicating and directing the carrier to the point of contact for payment.

- Maintaining carrier files, including carrier rate tables in SAP.

- Reviewing, entering, and completing shipment cost documents in SAP.

- Maintaining fuel surcharge tables.

- Tracking and maintaining proper coding of all warehouse invoices, conducting EOM warehouse invoice accruals.

- Assisting in transportation audits.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

- None

Required Skills and Abilities:

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

- Excellent follow-up and follow-through.

- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.

- Strong decision-making and interpersonal skills.

- Able to work independently with minimal supervision.

- Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.

- Experience in Microsoft Dynamics.

- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

- Proficient in SAP and Adobe Pro.

- Ability to safely and effectively perform job duties in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

- Maintain regular, punctual attendance and adhere to personnel policies.

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

- Bachelors degree in logistics, transportation, supply chain management, or a related field required.

- Typically requires 7–10 years of related logistics, transportation, supply chain, purchasing, packaging, or distribution experience.

- Intermediate-level role that receives occasional direction in several aspects of the work while gaining exposure to more complex tasks within the job function.

- Working knowledge of OSHA and DOT guidelines.

Physical Requirements:

- Occasionally ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.

- Occasionally move self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.

- Occasionally remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

- Occasionally move about to accomplish tasks or move from one worksite to another.

- Occasionally adjust or move objects up to 20 pounds in all directions.

- Constantly communicate with others to exchange information.

- Constantly repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers.

- Constantly assess the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

- Occasional exposure to low and high temperatures.

- Occasional exposure to outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

- Occasional exposure to noisy environments.

- Occasional exposure to hazardous conditions.

- Occasional exposure to adverse environmental conditions is expected (heat and dust)

- Occasional light work that includes moving objects up to 20 lbs.

- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

- Must be able to move throughout the facility and warehouse, which includes stairs.

Organization (For Managers and Supervisors Only)

Positions Reporting Directly to this Position

- None

Other Requirements:

- Must be able to complete and pass post-offer checks, including, but not limited to, background, drug, references, and education.