Purpose of the Position

Supervises the daily workflow of the department making sure all policies, processes and procedures are followed and that all departmental tasks are fulfilled as assigned.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Supervises activities and processes . Ensures all customer finished product loads are hired, scheduled, shipped and delivered as requested by customers, and that all departmental processes are followed. Provides vacation support for other department activities.

Sources and hires all loads for Poultry division . Qualifies and uses approved transportation vendors to negotiate and secure bids in order to facilitate all shipments and deliveries. Utilizes order entry and inventory management program and transportation management System (TMS) to manage freight lanes, loads and sources.

Establishes and maintains vendor relationships . Cultivates strong working relationships with transportation vendors and truck drivers. Consistently strives for excellent customer focus by negotiating quotes for shipments. Collaborates with Customer Service Reps to obtain order information and fulfill customer needs.

Manage shipping expenditure . Analyzes and executes the most efficient way to hire necessary shipping to control overall cost of Poultry freight. Manage day to day poultry freight expenses within the scope of overall budget by selecting most cost efficient freight vendors in conjunction with customer needs.

Subject matter expert on Transportation Management System (TMS). Trains employees in and outside of the department on company TMS. Key knowledge expert of TMS. Understands all interworking of system functionality and capabilities to ensure full value and system usage.

Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees' work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

Participates as a member of the Team . Participates in ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure B.E.S.T practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforces actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Specialist, Freight Procurement and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Move about in an office environment and surrounding property.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: No travel required.

Technical Experience: 3 years' experience in Logistics or Supply Chain. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with Transportation Management Systems.

Industry Experience: Preference for poultry or food processing organization.

Minimum Education : Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain related fields, or 4 years related work experience

Preferred Education : N/A

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