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KeHE Distributors

Distributes natural, organic, specialty groceries nationwide

Logistics Load Planner

Logistics & TransportationPosted on Nov 12
Full-timeNaperville, IL, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • At least 2 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, purchasing, or the transportation industry is required.
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with a customer-focused approach.
  • Ability to interpret data into meaningful solutions and attention to detail.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing across cross-functional teams.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), Access, and a transportation management system (TMS).
  • Ability to use Excel pivot tables and Zoom meetings, and knowledge of bills of lading (BOLs) and proof of delivery (PODs) for delivery confirmation.
  • Results-oriented and self-directed, with problem-solving, time-management, analytical, and project-management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.
  • Strong process-improvement skills.
  • Knowledge of transportation and market trends.

Responsibilities

  • Perform inbound load planning by consolidating purchase orders, routing and selecting carriers, and selecting modes and transportation strategies to meet service and freight-income expectations.
  • Manage daily activities, track and trace loads, communicate load changes or issues, maintain end-to-end load visibility from origin to destination, and assist with issue resolution and communication.
  • Maintain inventory levels and tracking for consolidation cross-dock facilities and provide analytical weekly and monthly reporting.
  • Assist carriers or fleet partners with loading and pickup-appointment issues and communicate with appropriate parties.
  • Participate in account- and customer-related programs and special projects to drive efficiency and continuous improvement.
  • Identify optimal freight solutions and drive transportation metrics, including payload utilization, late purchase-order impact, cost per pound, on-time performance, and savings initiatives.
  • Plan transportation of products from suppliers to end distribution centers using cost-effective methods to achieve period, quarterly, and annual transportation goals.
  • Generate daily, weekly, and period reports from TMS, ERP, Power BI, and other company systems to support revenue, cost, savings, and continuous improvement.
  • Consult with project team members and customer stakeholders to identify, define, and document business needs, objectives, current reporting capabilities, and business-function challenges.
  • Manage and report on relevant key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Find timely, efficient, and cost-effective ways to transport products.
  • Analyze the cost efficiency of existing lanes, routing guides, and load configurations, and implement efficiencies where appropriate.
  • Research procurement and shipping options, analyze financial data, create estimates, identify problem areas and budget deviations, and oversee projects.
  • Create and maintain documentation of procedures and processes (SOPs).
  • Maintain data needed to drive optimization using the transportation solution system.
  • Collaborate with carrier management, supply chain, sales, and other departments to improve load profitability, reduce negative freight income, create optimal cost and service offerings, and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Identify and implement process improvements across internal and external customers.
  • Build relationships with carriers, understand their service capabilities, improve tender acceptance and on-time pickup and delivery, and continuously monitor performance through direct interaction by phone, email, or in person.
  • Partner with third-party carriers and company fleets to reduce waste and achieve appropriate service levels.
  • Assess service issues, provide root-cause analysis to resolve chronic internal or external problems, and develop solutions.
  • Resolve situations quickly, communicate problem status, work with subject matter experts until issues are fixed, and escalate issues to management as they arise.
  • Follow established company policies and procedures while carrying out accountabilities.
  • Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

  • A bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Logistics, or Supply Chain is preferred.
  • Prior experience in a fast-paced foodservice purchasing or logistics environment is highly preferred.

About the Company

KeHE Distributors

Distributes natural, organic, specialty groceries nationwide

KeHE Distributors moves groceries from producers to retailers across North America by running a network of distribution centers that stock and ship natural, organic, specialty, and fresh products. Its main product is distribution services: sourcing products from suppliers and delivering them to retailers through a large, regional logistics system. The company differentiates itself by being a pure-play grocery and natural products distributor with a large workforce of employee-owners (about 8,000) and a 19-center network, enabling a focused, scalable supply chain for natural and specialty foods. KeHE’s goal is to help retailers offer a broad selection of good-for-you foods and, in turn, serve and feed America through reliable, efficient distribution.

Company size
1,001-5,000
Company stage
Not listed
Total funding
Not listed
Headquarters
Naperville, IL
Founded
1953

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