Transportation Planner

Job Description

Overall responsibility for day-to-day load planning execution of multiple modes of transportation (intermodal, truckload, multi-stop, and less-than-truckload) for specific distribution/manufacturing location(s). Execute various cross functional responsibilities pertaining to inbound/interplant & outbound shipments, customer appointment setting and freight payment/accessorial load review. Coordinate daily load planning across all modes of transportation, reviewing and making recommendations for operational improvements. Work with customer service, distribution centers, carriers, and planning to optimize customer service and operational efficiencies. Resolve any shipment or delivery issues with warehousing and transportation partners. Collaborate with all functions within logistics to provide performance feedback on transportation and warehouse providers.

Essential Functions

• The qualified candidate must be able to multitask and work under a demanding, fast paced environment involving multiple systems, portals, and reporting.
• Support various roles pertaining to transportation operations on an as needed basis.
• Administer internal preset appointment process for scheduling purchase order level information for delivery appointment setting.
• Exhibit comfortability and versatility in the management of various lead and support functions.
• Effectively and proactively communicate with numerous internal and external parties such as brand customer service, plants/DCs, and carriers to minimize impact of late/potentially late trucks.
• Review shipment routing and freight costs to optimize service and cost according to published routing guides; adjusting pickup and delivery dates as needed per brand and customer requested arrival date (RAD).
• Ensure that carrier(s) follow LSNA protocol: Timely appointing, appropriate drop trailer pools, timely pick-up and delivery, timely status updates, tender acceptance rate, on-time pick up and on-time delivery.
• Host scorecard calls with carriers to ensure performance meets KPI metrics; implement performance improvement plans as needed.
• Must understand financials of transportation and impact on department P&L to make effective current and future operational decisions.
• Approve/deny carrier accessorial and rate change requests per internal accessorial guidelines.
• Take on special projects and duties as assigned by management.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of experience and education
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and organize assignments
• Highly efficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 Suite applications
• Strong analytical and data audit/validation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Transportation/Logistics management experience
• Working knowledge of Transportation Management System (TMS)
• Experience in refrigerated/dry van, intermodal and less-than-truckload transportation
• Experience in various customer scheduling portals for securing delivery appointments
• Experience in consumer-packaged goods

Company Description

Lindt and Sprungli (North America) Inc. is the Supply Chain and Business Shared Services Company supporting the Lindt & Sprungli family of brands (Lindt USA, Ghirardelli Chocolates and Russell Stover Chocolates), headquartered in Kansas City, MO.

Employment by Lindt & Sprungli (North America) Inc. is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, and satisfactory employment and background checks.

Lindt & Sprungli (North America) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Principals only, please.