Inbound Logistics Coordinator

SUMMARY:

The Inbound Logistics Coordinator is responsible for generating cost savings and profit growth by filling empty miles while increasing the utilization of the ULF fleet. This position will be responsible for identifying empty freight lanes and utilizing available excess capacity to backhaul products into the Cloquet, Janesville, and Northfield warehouses. This position also negotiates market rates for potential new backhaul business with Vendors and Carriers, while communicating with the cost group and the purchasing department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify private fleet backhaul opportunities and maintain a list of potential markets for new opportunities for both distribution and OTR fleets.
• Identify and coordinate relationships with Vendors as well as Carriers, negotiates market rates for potential new business.
• Identifies opportunities to foster continuous improvement proposes to department, leadership & company for implementation.
• Communicate with Vendors and Carriers and schedule/confirm loads.
• Develop an understanding of customers' needs and take actions to ensure that needs are met.
• Report project plans, progress, and results to all stakeholders.
• File cover sheets, compile driver packets, and confirm invoices daily.
• Communicate daily schedule with warehouse staff.
• Functions as a single point of contact for Inbound Vendors and Contract Carriers.
• Exercises independent judgement in the negotiation of pricing, analysis of freight lines, resolution of customer issues and complaints.
• Adheres to policies and practices as determined by Upper Lakes Foods.
• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the Company, and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge, and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities.
• Poses no direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself, of others, or to property. Defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.
• Requires regular attendance to perform essential element as contained herein between the assigned start and end times for work.
• Performs such individual assignments as management may direct.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• 2-4-year degree in a Supply Chain, Logistics or Transportation Management, preferred but Business disciplines encourage to apply.

Experience

• 1-3 years' experience in a logistics, transportation, or customer service role

Skills

• Understanding of cube size and weight restrictions for loading
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and good organizational skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Systems

Certification, Licenses, Registrations, professional memberships

• Not required, but acknowledged

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of NCR Retalix & Target™ ERP Systems

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Typical office environment with desks, chairs, computer equipment/monitors, overhead shelves & filing cabinets. Sitting/Standing at workstation 85% of the time; standing/Walking away from workstation 15% of time; frequent telephone interaction; work may include walking through noisy warehouse environment occasionally.
• Infrequent travel <10% of time.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT UPPER LAKES FOODS

Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. is the largest independent, wholesale food distributor in Minnesota. The company has three facilities located in Cloquet, MN, Northfield, MN and Janesville, WI. We distribute food throughout the Upper Midwest. Upper Lakes Foods specializes in serving foodservice operators such as independent restaurants, assisted living facilities, schools, and national and regional foodservice chain accounts with a strong focus on customer service. Simply put, the mission is to build value for each customer, employee, supplier, and community we serve by bringing the best, the best products, best people, and best ideas.

CORE VALUES

• Strong Work Ethic- We believe in the value of hard work, perseverance, and consistency of character.
• Positive Attitude- We believe in encouraging a flexible, agreeable and well-adjusted work existence that promotes successful outcomes.
• Integrity- We believe in honesty, truthfulness, and consistency in our actions.
• Teamwork- We believe that work done by several individuals combined insures excellence of quality, safety, and service.
• Professional Appearance- We believe in maintaining an appearance that promotes good hygiene, neatness, and appropriate business dress.
• Respectful Interaction- We believe in creating a workplace where employees are treated fairly in a safe and positive environment.

"We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin."