Load Planning Manager

Position: Load Planning Manager

Primary Location: USA-based Remote/Work from Home (Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA)

Reports To: Senior Logistics Operations Leader

Compensation: $90,000-$115,000 + bonus + benefits.

Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. More specific salary range for your preferred location can be discussed during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, benefits, pension contributions or additional incentives

Chemtrade is committed to delivering innovative solutions that address the complex challenges faced by our customers. As a responsible corporate citizen, we prioritize safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship in all aspects of our operations. Our talented and diverse workforce is at the heart of our success, as we recognize that their knowledge, skills, and dedication drive our ability to deliver exceptional products and services. At Chemtrade, we believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. By putting people at the center of our operations, we build strong connections, nurture innovation, and create a fulfilling work experience for all.

The Load Planning Manager is a key strategic role guiding the Load Planning team in its activities to optimize the Chemtrade Private Fleet (PF) while utilizing common carrier capacity to meet demand requirements. This includes managing the Load Planning Specialists and providing analysis on how well PF assets are being utilized along with action plans to improve. This role is a partner with the Sr Logistics Operations Leader for the cost control associated with PF utilization along with common carrier use and strategic spot bidding done within the Load Planning function. In addition to capacity and cost control accountability, the Load Planning Manager is responsible for carrier engagement to help drive a Shipper of Choice strategy to strengthen our relationships with our common carriers and engage our internal partners for support and improvement as needed so Chemtrade solidifies its position as a preferred shipping partner. The Load Planning Manager is also accountable to understand Transportation Management System (TMS) functionality and ensure the Load Planning team is utilizing the tool effectively to both streamline work and also pursue excellent service and cost control.

About This Role and About You

Qualifications

Demonstrated experience working in an ERP-linked Transportation Management System (TMS) with preference for e2open
• 2+ years of leadership experience directing salaried and/or hourly employees
• Liquid bulk or chemical experience preferred
• Extensive change management experience
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Transportation, Business or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5 - 10 years' experience in the chemical industry is preferred
• Experience with safety programs in an industrial facility
• Working knowledge of chemical delivery, dispatching and logistical aspects of fleet optimization
• Training/experience in six sigma, lean manufacturing or other professional supply chain certification is preferred
• Advanced proficiency using office equipment and office software (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with ERP systems (i.e., SAP) required
• Demonstrated expertise in specialized areas relevant to the role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and at all levels within the organization
• Embrace change and facilitating change management principles
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Solves immediate problems; collects and organizes data and information to make decisions; creates plans to address immediate issues; makes good decisions in a timely fashion; considers the needs of working team and sensitive to diversity of differences; applies critical thinking to solve issues or concerns
• Proven track record of driving process improvements, cost savings or revenue growth initiatives
• Travel as required for business needs.

Responsibilities

Load Planning Oversight 40%

* Lead centralized corporate load planning efforts within one team of Load Planning professionals to ensure carrier commitments and load optimization driving expected freight cost control and delivery service levels required to meet business needs
* Ensure shipments are consistently being logged and coded when PF is not covering so analysis and action plans can be developed to improve PF utilization
* Help in development of PF Utilization targets and develop/maintain analysis documenting performance; communicate performance and gaps to all stakeholders with rational on how determined and recommendations on how to improve
* Work with Road Logistics Manager and Fleet leadership to ensure OTD (On-Time Delivery) performance gaps are exposed and corrective actions undertaken to resolve
* Work with Business Supply Chain personnel to understand and resolve capacity issues; to include partnership with the Road Logistics Manager and Logistics Purchasing to make carrier changes as necessary when tender acceptance is lagging behind our award strategy or unable to adequately correct service gaps

People Management 30%

* Exemplify strong leadership qualities by inspiring and guiding team members through effective communication, collaboration and the ability to influence positive outcomes
* Analyze workforce trends and needs to align staffing levels with business goals and make decisions about hiring and restructuring as needed
* Onboard direct reports to ensure smooth integration into the company
* Set clear performance expectations; conducting performance reviews, providing feedback and addressing performance issues; developing performance improvement plans when necessary
* Identify training needs and support employees in acquiring new skills and knowledge to enhance their job performance and career growth
* Promote diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to create a diverse and equitable workplace
* Cultivate a culture of appreciation by acknowledging and celebrating team members' achievements, promote motivation and job satisfaction
* Address workplace conflicts and disputes promptly and fairly; promote open communication and resolve issues to maintain a harmonious work environment
* Promote a safe working environment; assist in developing safety protocols and address health and safety concerns

Technology/Digitization/Analysis 25%

* Key member of the Transportation/Fleet Management System (TMS/FMS) core team representing load planning, fleet management, and shipment execution functional needs
* Responsible to ensure the TMS/FMS tool is effectively optimizing PF capacity and accurately considering drivers' hours of service and other pertinent constraints in making decisions between PF and common carriers
* Work with TMS/FMS vendor to finetune training program(s) and documentation needed for ongoing use and new hire training
* Help develop TMS/FMS system use training for Load Planning team to ensure understanding of how the tool will be used each day to optimize available loads, tender to carriers for coverage and provide exception-based visibility to shipment status from pre-pickup to completed delivery
* TMS/FMS functional power user providing first line of troubleshooting after developing a deep understanding of how the tool will facilitate daily load planning and milestone capture + exceptions alerts
* Partner with TMS/FMS technical power user to ensure reporting and analysis needs are met with ongoing enhancements as needed
* Collaborate with Sr Logistics Data Analyst and Logistics Purchasing to develop Route Guide Compliance and Tender Acceptance reporting and lead team in using to monitor and course correct any Primary/Backup lane award strategy deficiencies

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Carrier Engagement 5%

* Facilitate annual "Driver Appreciation Week" efforts/events each Aug/Sept and develop small gesture appreciation for Mar/Jun/Dec each year
* Work with team stakeholders/partners to event plan an "Annual Carrier Conference" and be the point person for this event with strategic delegation to team members, as needed, to ensure a successful event in terms of carrier engagement

Environmental, Health & Safety Responsibilities

* Become familiar with Chemtrade Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H) policies and procedures
* Immediately report all ES&H incidents (injuries, near misses, releases)
* Complete all required ES&H training in a timely fashion
* Follow all Chemtrade facility and corporate ES&H procedures and practices
* Attend and actively participate in facility ES&H meetings and forums that will drive employee involvement
* Provide feedback and suggestions for ES&H program improvement
* Participate in job safety analysis activities

Physical Demands

• Employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Employee is occasionally required to climb stairs/ladders (including vertical)
• Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds

What Chemtrade Offers You

Embracing Diversity, Maximizing Results

At Chemtrade we are committed to cultivating a work environment that embraces and values the unique qualities of every employee. We believe in harnessing the richness of diverse talents, ideas, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to drive our business forward. Our vision is to create a workplace where all individuals feel respected, empowered, and inspired to contribute their experiences, ideas, and perspectives.

In our culture, we celebrate multiple approaches and viewpoints. To foster an inclusive environment, we actively encourage the creation of Employee Resource Groups. These groups provide platforms for employees to share their unique perspectives, contribute their ideas, and help shape our inclusive culture. Together, we strive to build a workplace that recognizes and celebrates the diverse voices within our organization.

We recognize that the diversity of our employees is paramount to our organization's success. It is through the diversity of perspectives that we develop and shape programs and tools that support our employees' growth and career management.

Join us in our journey towards building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes the personal and professional development of our employees.

We recognize the immense value of Employee Resource Groups (ERG's) in fostering an including and supportive work environment. Our ERG's serve as vital platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and perspectives.

We firmly believe that diversity drives innovation and fuels our success as an organization. By encouraging the formation of ERG's, we aim to create a workplace where all individual feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work and contribute their diverse talents and ideas. Additionally, we understand the importance of work-life balance and the well-being of our employees and their families. That is why we proudly offer a range of family-friendly benefits, and opportunities for career growth and advancement.

We are committed to supporting our employees at every stage of their lives and ensuring they can thrive both professionally and personally. Join us and be a part of a company that values diversity, inclusion and the well-being of it's employees.

Learn more about Chemtrade by following us on LinkedIn or Facebook and check us out on YouTube: Chemtrade

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