Logistics & Planning Specialist I (8501)

Position Summary: The Logistics & Planning Specialist supports Branch Managers, Distribution Managers, and Drivers by optimizing delivery routes to improve customer service and reduce costs. Using route optimization software and the AWG Smart Delivery system, this role focuses on daily route planning across multiple locations. The specialist collaborates with Sales and Field Operations to identify regional distribution improvements and uses route data to support strategic decisions for both new and existing business.  Duties & Responsibilities:Dispatch daily orders and build optimized delivery routes across multiple AWG locations. Review and analyze the prior day’s routes; communicate any deviations or irregularities. Collaborate with location managers to verify and update route details and customer information. Ensure timely and cost-effective customer deliveries while meeting service expectations. Generate, pull, and store daily route exception reports. Lead Smart Delivery system training for new locations and provide ongoing support. Oversee Smart Delivery setup tasks, including resolving customer address issues and managing route closures. Support and achieve overall distribution objectives through route planning and optimization. Conduct logistical data analysis to support operational efficiency. Maintain weekly mileage and delivery data for reporting and dashboard purposes. Develop routing models to improve performance, support forecasting, and drive regional distribution efficiency. Assist in profitability analysis across depots and regional distribution centers. All other duties assigned.  Qualifications & Requirements: Positive attitude with a strong willingness to learn. Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment. Basic proficiency with computers and smartphones. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. Willingness to travel to branch locations as needed. Understanding and adherence to Safety and DOT Regulations. Previous experience in distribution or logistics preferred. Experience in routing and logistics planning is required. Familiarity with Omnitracs/Roadnet routing systems is a plus. Experience with TIMS or other ERP integrations with Omnitracs/Roadnet is a plus.  Incentives:  Competitive Pay. Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits. Company-provided Short-Term & Long-Term Disability. Company-provided Life Insurance. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match. Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off. AWG’s renowned company culture, known for fostering a family-like atmosphere and offering ongoing growth opportunities, leads to an industry-low turnover rate.  AWG is expanding and seeking exceptional talent to drive our progress forward. Don't miss out on a promising future -Join our team today American Welding & Gas (AWG) is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial gases as well as a provider of all your welding supply needs. We are a family and teammate-owned company that is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our company provides industrial, medical, and specialty gases as well as food and beverage gases across the United States, from Montana to Pennsylvania and down through Texas and Florida. With a team of over 800 employees, over 100 retail locations, and 22 fill plants, we pride ourselves on our customer service, expertise, assets and resources that allow us to reach a large and diversified customer base of the highest quality. American Welding & Gas, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.  About American Welding and Gas: American Welding & Gas, an employee owned company, is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. AWG traces its history to Valley Welding Supply in Billings, MT and Scott-Gross Company in Lexington, KY - both of which began in 1949. The Company has grown both organically and through acquisition to its present size. AWG manufactures and distributes industrial, medical, specialty and beverage gases and associated welding and safety supplies. We operate 76 retail locations and 16 gas fill plants located in seventeen states stretching from Montana through Georgia. AWG has 585 employees who serve our customers in over 30 states and Canada.