Merchandising Operations Manager

Flexshopper –Merchandising Operations Manager – Roles and Expectations

Responsibilities include developing and maintaining the efficient and cost-effective coordination of all freight transportation services necessary to meet the company's shipping needs. This individual will have expertise in freight services and regulations, a thorough understanding of the transportation industry, and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with freight carriers/ third party carrier management organizations (Example: Hub Group). The Freight Manager will also be responsible for managing and negotiating contracts (all pricing) with third party carrier management organizations, carriers, ensuring on-time delivery of goods, and monitoring shipments to ensure compliance with customer service standards.

Job Responsibilities

• LTL Freight Management:
  • Develop and implement strategies for effectively managing Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and small parcel shipments, including carrier selection, rate negotiation (consistent reviews required), and contract management (direct with carriers or 3rd party companies – Hub Group).
  • Optimize LTL freight routes to minimize transit times, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.
  • Coordinate with carriers and freight forwarders to ensure timely pickup and delivery of shipments while maintaining high service levels.
  • Working with the third-party freight companies (ex. Hub Group) to develop any solutions necessary to relieve pressure from the internal Flexshopper IT development team.
  • Responsible for strategic direction of the LTL freight project and delivering the full LTL Freight solution to completion (from concept to fully operational). This includes taking self-initiative in moving this forward (schedule calls, follow up with internal/ external partners) to seek solutions that will be brought to senior leadership on a bi-weekly basis for alignment on direction.
• Freight Systems Management:
  • Oversee the implementation and maintenance of freight management systems to track shipments, monitor inventory levels, and analyze transportation data.
  • Continuously evaluate freight systems and processes to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with IT and software development teams to customize and optimize freight management software to meet the organization's specific needs.
  • Take initiative to work with Flexshopper BI or third-party companies (if necessary) to have all the necessary reporting to ensure freight report card is being maintained (reflects profitability, carrier timelines to delivery are being maintained, etc.)
• Team Leadership and Development:
  • Lead and mentor a team of logistics coordinators, freight analysts, and other personnel involved in freight and logistics operations.
  • Provide guidance, training, and performance feedback to team members to foster professional growth and development.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, positivity and continuous improvement within the logistics team.
• Vendor and Carrier Management:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with freight carriers, third-party logistics providers, and other vendors to ensure reliable and cost-effective transportation services (experience working with these relationships required).
  • Works with the merchandising team to get a contact list and determine freight contacts (with vendors) to communicate issues and solutions that arise.
  • Negotiates favorable terms, pricing and contracts with vendors, third party companies (ex. Hub Group) and carriers to optimize pricing, service levels, and overall value.
  • Monitor vendor performance and conduct regular reviews to ensure compliance with contractual agreements and service expectations.
  • Works directly with accounting to make sure all payments can be automated and reconciled.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Stay abreast of industry regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements related to freight transportation.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including hazardous materials handling, customs clearance, and transportation security.
  • Identify potential risks and implement proactive measures to mitigate operational disruptions, minimize liability, and ensure the safety and security of freight shipments.

This list (of roles & responsibilities) is subject to change at the discretion of leadership at Flexshopper.

Talent Requirements

Must have experience in freight forwarding, logistics and/or supply chain
Strong knowledge of transportation
Ability to develop, negotiate, implement and manage freight/ distribution operations (all aspects)
Excellent communication, power point presentation, problem-solving, self-starter and organizational skills
Strong customer service orientation and customer service experience

Skillset Requirements

Continuous improvement: Fishbone Diagram, Total Quality Management

Cost control: Budgeting, Cost Control, Cost of goods sold, Cost reductions, Standard Costs Variance analysis, Rate Negotiations.

Logistics: Logistics Management

Partnership Development: Channel Relationship Management, Joint Ventures Partner Development, Partner Relationship Management, Partnerships Startup Development, Strategic Alliances, Strategic Partnerships

Procurement & Purchasing: Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Subcontracting, Supplier Negotiation, Supply Management bidding.

Sales & Operations Planning: Sales & Operation Planning

Customer Orientation: Demonstrating positive attitude towards resolution, solving customer issues within timelines, understanding customer needs, self-starter (does not need to be told next move), looks for alignment vs. constant direction.

This position reports to the Chief Merchandising Officer at Flexshopper