SUMMARY:

The Director Inbound Logistics is responsible for generating cost savings, profit growth, strategic planning, and overseeing the department logistics managers and operations supervisors. The Dir of IB works with the team to fill empty asset miles to increase the utilization of the ULF distribution and OTR fleets. Develop and improve relationships with customer carrier base through cross-coordination with Inbound Logistics Manager(s). This position will be responsible for overseeing the identification of empty freight lanes and utilization of available excess capacity to return products to the ULF distribution centers. This position manages the internal and external customer relationships by delegating responsibilities to the Logistics Managers to increase organizational efficiencies and communication.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the use of private fleet for backhaul opportunities and maintain a list of potential markets for new opportunities.
• Oversee the use of OTR fleet outbound and backhaul opportunities and maintain a list of customers and vendors for new opportunities.
• Conduct market analysis and determine the most profitable use of organizational OTR assets.
• Conduct analytics in unison with the Inbound Logistics Managers, warehouse operations, and organizational buyers.
• Empower Logistics Managers to execute new ideas and conduct independent analysis.
• Conduct financial reporting for the department to organizational leadership.
• Identify growth needs via analysis for space, assets, and human capital.
• Identifies opportunities to foster continuous improvement proposes to department, leadership & company for implementation.
• Develop an understanding of customers’ needs and take actions to ensure that needs are met.
• Report project plans, progress, and results to all stakeholders.
• Oversees 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

• 4-year degree in a Business Discipline.

Experience

• 7-10 years’ experience in a logistics or transportation role

Skills

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of NCR Retalix & Target™ ERP Systems
• Masters Degree in Business, Analytics, Logistics, or Supply Chain Degree

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 work station 15% of time; frequent telephone interaction; work may include walking through noisy warehouse environment occasionally.
• Infrequent travel <10% of time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to 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 of our actions.
• Team Work – 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.”