Senior Logistics Manager

Crown Point Limited - located in Schererville, IN is a leading trading company specializing in food ingredients and agricultural commodities. We are seeking an experienced Logistics Manager to lead domestic and international logistics operations while driving service excellence, compliance, cost optimization, and continuous improvement across our supply chain.

Position Summary

The Logistics Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all international and domestic logistics operations across multiple product categories. This position provides strategic direction, operational leadership, and people management for the logistics team while ensuring the cost-effective, compliant, and timely movement of goods from origin to destination. Experience leading a Logistics team within a physical commodity-trading business environment is preferred.

The Logistics Manager develops logistics strategies, manages carrier and service provider relationships, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures regulatory compliance while minimizing operational, financial, and supply chain risks. This role serves as a key business partner to Sales, Trade Support, Procurement, Finance, and external stakeholders to optimize logistics performance and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Logistics Operations Management (within a commodity-trading environment)

• Lead and oversee the execution of import and export shipments via ocean, air, rail, and truck transportation.
• Manage the daily activities and workload distribution of Logistics Coordinators and other logistics personnel.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with freight forwarders, ocean carriers, trucking providers, warehouses, and other logistics partners.
• Negotiate transportation contracts, freight rates, and service agreements to optimize cost and service performance.
• Monitor shipment milestones, transportation performance, and service levels to ensure customer commitments are met.
• Direct resolution of transportation disruptions, demurrage and detention exposure, service failures, and escalated customer issues.
• Develop and implement best practices for shipment planning, execution, and tracking.

2. Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop Logistics Coordinators and support staff.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention of logistics personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service excellence.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex logistics, compliance, and customer service matters.

3. Trade Compliance & Documentation Management

• Ensure all import and export activities comply with applicable customs regulations, international trade laws, and government agency requirements.
• Oversee accuracy and completeness of logistics documentation, including:
• Commercial invoices
• Packing lists
• Bills of lading
• Certificates of origin
• Phytosanitary certificates
• Insurance certificates
• Letters of Credit documentation
• Maintain compliance with Customs regulations, FDA, USDA, State Agriculture Departments, and international regulatory requirements.
• Oversee HS classification processes and customs filings.
• Manage relationships with customs brokers and regulatory agencies.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement necessary process updates.

4. Financial Management & Risk Control

• Manage logistics budgets and transportation spend.
• Approve freight invoices and logistics-related expenditures.
• Analyze landed costs, transportation expenses, and logistics profitability metrics.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service standards.
• Monitor and mitigate risks related to demurrage, detention, storage, cargo loss, and supply chain disruptions.
• Oversee claims management, including cargo insurance claims and recovery efforts.
• Ensure documentary compliance under Letters of Credit and other financial trade instruments.

5. Cross-Functional Business Partnership

• Partner closely with Sales, Procurement, Finance, Trade Support, and Administrative teams to align logistics execution with customer and supplier contracts.
• Ensure proactive communication with customers, suppliers, and logistics providers regarding shipment status and operational challenges.
• Support inventory management and month-end reconciliation processes.
• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities and supply chain forecasting discussions.
• Provide logistics expertise to support business growth, strategic sourcing initiatives, and customer onboarding.

6. Systems, Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of shipment data within ERP and logistics management systems.
• Develop and monitor logistics KPIs, including transportation cost metrics, on-time delivery performance, service reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze logistics data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead process improvement initiatives focused on reducing costs, improving visibility, and enhancing customer service.
• Champion technology enhancements, automation initiatives, and digital transformation efforts within logistics operations.
• Develop reporting tools and customer-service measurement programs to evaluate team performance and support continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of logistics and supply chain experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of import/export operations, customs regulations, Incoterms®, and international transportation.
• Experience managing carrier relationships, contract negotiations, and logistics budgets.
• ERP system experience (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar).
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of commodity-specific product grades, specifications, and commercial trading practices.
• Ability to interpret contract terms and apply product knowledge to resolve disputes involving vendors, customers, transportation providers, and quality-related claims.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food ingredients, agricultural commodities, or commodity trading.
• Knowledge of UCP 600 and Letters of Credit.
• Experience leading process improvement and supply chain optimization projects.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
• Direct experience managing logistics within a commodity trading environment, including supporting claims resolution and settlement discussions related to product quality, specifications, and contract performance.