Inbound Transportation Management Manager

HF Foods Group Inc. (NASDAQ: HFFG), headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a leading marketer and distributor of fresh produce, frozen and dry food, and non-food products to primarily Asian/Chinese restaurants and other foodservice customers throughout the United States. HF Foods aims to supply the increasing demand for Asian American restaurant cuisine, leveraging its nationwide network of distribution centers and its strong relations with growers and suppliers of fresh, high-quality specialty restaurant food products and supplies in the US, South America, and China.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• Lead Inbound Transportation management for all the Distribution Centers (DC) with the main objective of reducing our total transportation costs while maintaining 100% on time delivery
• Manage the relationship and performance of all the external transportation providers (Suppliers) that provide services.
• Collaborate with all distribution center managers and other stakeholders in the DC’s to ensure that products are delivered on time and at the lowest total cost.

Key Responsibilities:

This role involves coordinating the movement of goods and materials from suppliers to Distribution Centers and ensuring efficiency and timely delivery.

Inbound Shipment Coordination: The transportation manager is responsible for coordinating the transportation of goods to the Distribution center. She/He ensures that shipments are scheduled, processed, and tracked efficiently to meet delivery deadlines. This involves working closely with carriers, coordinating pickup and delivery schedules, and managing documentation.

Transportation/Logistics Provider Management: The transportation manager selects, contracts, and manages relationships with transportation and logistics providers. They negotiate rates, establish service level agreements, and ensure that carriers meet performance expectations. Regular monitoring of carrier performance is essential to maintain efficient transportation operations.

Freight Consolidation and Optimization: To maximize efficiency and reduce transportation costs, the transportation manager oversees freight consolidation efforts where necessary to the distribution center. They identify opportunities to combine multiple shipments into larger loads, optimizing truckloads and minimizing the number of trips required.

Transportation Planning and Optimization: The inbound transportation manager ensures that transportation providers analyze order volume, transit times, and carrier capacities to develop optimal transportation plans. They should consider factors like load consolidation, routing, and mode selection to maximize efficiency and reduce transportation expenses. The transportation manager is responsible for ensuring that providers determine the most efficient routes for inbound shipments, considering factors such as distance, delivery schedules, carrier capacities, and cost-effectiveness.

Shipment Tracking and Documentation: The transportation manager is responsible for ensuring accurate tracking and documentation of shipments. They oversee the use of transportation management systems (TMS) or other tracking tools to monitor shipment status, update documentation, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. They oversee the tracking of shipments from pickup to delivery. This includes maintaining accurate records, preparing shipping documents, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Cost Control and Budget Management: The transportation manager is responsible for managing transportation costs to the Distribution center. They analyze freight rates, negotiate pricing agreements, and implement strategies to reduce transportation expenses. They also develop and manage the transportation budget, ensuring that expenditures are in line with financial targets. The transportation manager is tasked with identifying opportunities for process improvement and cost control within the distribution center's transportation operations. They analyze transportation data, identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks, and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and improve overall performance.

Inventory Management: The transportation manager collaborates with warehouse staff to maintain accurate inventory records and ensure proper stock levels. They coordinate transportation activities to optimize inventory flow and minimize stockouts or excess inventory.

Performance Monitoring: They establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate transportation efficiency and effectiveness. This may include metrics like on-time delivery, transportation costs as a percentage of sales, or carrier performance. They regularly assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.

Collaboration and Coordination: They collaborate and coordinate with transportation coordinators, drivers, or logistics personnel across all the DC’s.

Communication: Effective communication and collaboration are crucial aspects of the role. The transportation manager coordinates with various stakeholders, such as warehouse managers, suppliers, and carriers. They ensure smooth coordination, resolve issues, and provide timely updates on shipment status.

Compliance and Safety: Ensuring compliance with transportation regulations and maintaining a safe working environment are essential responsibilities. The transportation manager ensures that transportation providers comply with legal requirements. They establish safety protocols, conduct audits, and promote a culture of safety among transportation staff and partners.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 7+ years of experience in Transportation Management in Distribution center / Distribution centers with leadership responsibilities and regional experience of managing multiple sites.
• Project management experience in one of the following: Lean Six Sigma, 5s, or other project management experience
• Experience with Distribution Center management systems (WMS, TMS , LMS, IMS systems)
• Experience in End-to-End global supply chain / effectively manage global supply chain activities that involve suppliers, plans, distributors, and customers located around the world.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelors/Master’s Degree in appropriate discipline; MBA – preferred
• Additional languages – Mandarin is essential.

MOST CRITICAL SKILLS: Functional/Technical skills

• Proficiency with computers including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint required
• Must have ability to connect and build rapport and relationships with associates and external customers at all levels
• Must have ability to work efficiently with time management and organizational skills with follow-up and follow through
• Ability to manage through a problem and think and make decisions independently
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute annual financial operating plan
• Ability to drive process improvement and lead change
• Must demonstrate ownership & responsibility for running the operation with a sense of urgency
• Strong written/oral communication including the ability to present in front of others, and demonstrate active listening skills are required
• Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job
• Willingness to travel as necessary, work the required schedule, work at the specific location required, complete HFFG employment application, submit to a background investigation (to include past employment, education, and criminal history) and drug screening required.

WORK CONDITIONS:

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Office and warehouse environment
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Frequent computer and telephone use
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

HF Foods Group emphasizes and provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability.