Job Description

Logistics Specialist

Logistics Specialist B4 

Franklin, TN

The primary purpose of this role is to manage and optimize daily freight routing plans to ensure cost-effective and efficient transportation operations. The incumbent will leverage proprietary Transportation Management System (TMS) software and Lean methodologies to route freight in alignment with customer demand and business rules. This position requires building and maintaining strong carrier relationships, negotiating competitive rates, and managing carrier performance through data-driven scorecards.

Additionally, the role supports various freight modes including Less Than Truckload (LTL), Truckload (TL), and Intermodal by managing Requests for Quotes (RFQs) and benchmarking lane rates against market standards. The successful candidate will analyze market trends and logistics data to identify improvement opportunities, proactively address operational gaps, and contribute to the customer’s strategic roadmap through effective project management.

Performance measurement using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders will be essential to drive continuous improvement and ensure alignment with customer supply chain objectives.

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

• Bachelor's Degree OR 3+ years equivalent experience 
• 2+ years experience in Transportation/Logistics/Supply chain
• Experienced problem-solving and process improvement skills 
• Experience
• Demonstrate a strong professional presence and attitude
• Strong problem identification and problem-solving skills 

Preferred:

• 1-5 years' experience in Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain in a carrier facing  capacity
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Transportation, Logistics, or Supply Chain
• Knowledge of transportation management system applications, routing and dispatch software
• Design, build, and deploy high-impact, interactive dashboards and reports using Power BI Desktop, incorporating calculated columns, and complex data models to turn raw data into actionable insights.
• Streamline reporting processes by implementing automation techniques, including scheduled refreshes, API integrations, and Python/Power Automate scripts to reduce manual data handling and enhance efficiency.
• Strong ability to negotiate and motivate 
• Ability to build long term relationships with carriers, customers, and other teams within the organization 
• Ability to complete standard work and multiple improvement projects within a team-based, fast-paced environment 

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Ability to ensure on time delivery for Mars Petcare outbound shipments.
• Ensure shipments have assigned carriers by following an established routing guide.
• Utilizing the TMS system to process shipments, assign appointments and assign reason codes
• Work with carriers to secure shipment coverage and address issues that come up throughout the lifecycle of the shipment
• Collaborate with Mars sites and internal teams to ensure on time delivery to customers
• Maintain a desk guide to ensure all processes are up to date and accessible by the team
• Manage daily routing plans and execute adjustments to optimize efficiency/cost 
• Utilize proprietary TMS software to route freight based on customer demand with the use of Lean processes and customer business rules 
• Build carrier relationships to effectively support customers throughout the year 
• Utilize proprietary TMS system to manage carriers, rates, and tender freight 
• Negotiate spot rates and cover loads utilizing proprietary TMS system load board and carrier contacts 
• Use proprietary TMS system Carrier Scorecard to communicate performance with carriers and drive improvement 
• Support LTL, TL, and Intermodal RFQ process for existing and prospective customers 
• Benchmark and negotiate lane rates to ensure cost is aligned or better than market 
• Study and understand market trends, seasonality, and how these things impact rates and carrier capacity 
• Support customer's strategic roadmap plan through project management techniques 
• Proactively solve problems by identifying gaps between current and desired future states as well as drive action to close gaps 
• Analyze logistics activity data and identify opportunities for improvement 
• Use KPI's to measure performance to standard work and customer supply chain to support internal and external customer meetings 

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

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