Transport Support Specialist

Position Purpose:

The Transportation Support Specialist at SRS Heritage Group plays a critical role in optimizing transportation and logistics functions for our business customers. This position is responsible for overseeing shipment operations, acting as the primary contact for branches to address logistical challenges, and conducting cost optimization analysis to identify and implement efficient transportation strategies. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational and leadership skills, demonstrate a proactive approach in communicating effectively with stakeholders, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring operational excellence and cost-effective solutions within a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive Shipment Efficiency: Proactively manage and monitor shipment statuses to ensure timely pickups and deliveries, maintaining optimal execution and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain Operational Records: Consistently audit and maintain comprehensive records of transportation activities, ensuring accuracy and transparency in shipment tracking.
• Optimize Shipping Solutions: Collaborate with internal teams to determine the most efficient and cost-effective shipping options, aligning with branch needs and business goals.
• Lead Field Support Initiatives: Act as the primary liaison for branches, providing expert solutions to logistics challenges while ensuring prompt resolution of inquiries.
• Enhance Cost Optimization: Identify and implement strategic cost-saving opportunities, advising branches and management on transportation efficiencies and optimizing freight routes.
• Foster Team Collaboration: Engage with purchasing, shipping, and receiving teams to ensure alignment with organizational objectives, enhancing overall transportation operations.
• Promote Continuous Improvement: Lead and contribute to process improvements, supporting the implementation of innovative solutions to enhance team performance and operational excellence.
• Mentor and Train Team Members: Assist in onboarding and developing new team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment focused on achieving company goals.

Reporting Structure:

The Transportation Support Specialist within the SRS Heritage Group reports directly to the Transportation Operations Manager. This hierarchical structure ensures streamlined communication and efficient workflow management within the transportation and logistics operations.

Direct Reports:

The Transportation Support Specialist position does not include any direct reports. This role is focused on executing key responsibilities independently and collaboratively under the guidance of the Transportation Support Lead, fostering a cohesive team environment to achieve operational excellence and efficiency.

Travel Requirements:

The role of Transportation Support Specialist within the SRS Heritage Group requires occasional travel to various branch locations and vendor sites to ensure the effective oversight and execution of transportation and logistics operations, as well as to support field personnel and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Physical Requirements:

The Transportation Support Specialist role primarily involves work in a standard office environment where physical demands are typical of office tasks, including extended periods of sitting, typing, and viewing computer screens. The position may occasionally require standing, walking, and lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds. Effective verbal communication will be essential in face-to-face and telephonic interactions. The role demands strong visual acuity for data analysis and reviewing detailed shipping and logistics reports. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, ensuring equitable employment opportunities and an inclusive workplace environment.

Working Conditions:

As a Transportation Support Lead within the SRS Heritage Group, you will operate in a dynamic, hybrid work environment that combines both office-based and remote working arrangements, allowing for flexibility and adaptability to meet business needs. This role is characterized by a fast-paced, deadline-driven tempo, necessitating quick decision-making and prioritization to maintain the seamless flow of transportation and logistics operations. The successful candidate will excel in navigating complex challenges and will thrive in a setting that demands collaborative teamwork, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and cost optimization. Your ability to seamlessly integrate into this hybrid model will be crucial in ensuring both operational effectiveness and the advancement of strategic transportation initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Educational Background:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; advanced studies in logistics, supply chain management, or related disciplines are highly advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience in transportation, logistics, or related fields, emphasizing leadership and operational management.
• Proven track record of optimizing transportation strategies and implementing cost-saving initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, to effectively handle data analysis and communication tasks.
• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring operational excellence.
• Ability to foster positive relationships with team members, vendors, and stakeholders, promoting a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Demonstrated capacity to provide training and mentorship, enhancing team capabilities and morale.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as lead collaboratively within a dynamic, fast-paced setting.
• Proactive approach to managing and resolving transportation challenges, ensuring seamless operations.
• This section has been meticulously structured in accordance with Fortune 50 corporate standards, ensuring that we attract exceptional candidates who will significantly contribute to the effectiveness and success of our transportation and logistics operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced proficiency with transportation management systems (TMS) and analytics tools to enhance operational decision-making and logistical efficiency.
• Certification in logistics or supply chain management, such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD), demonstrating commitment to professional development and industry excellence.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing and managing lean principles or Six Sigma methodologies to drive process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Expertise in negotiating with carriers and vendors, showcasing effective cost management and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and industry standards related to transportation and logistics, ensuring adherence to best practices and legal requirements.
• Proven track record of successful project management, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams through dynamic transportation initiatives.
• Experience with international shipping processes and customs procedures, supporting the organization's global transportation operations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and drive change within an organization, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making and strategic planning to identify trends and optimize performance outcomes.

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience is required, with additional education in logistics, supply chain management, or a related discipline considered advantageous.

Preferred Education:

A Bachelor's degree complemented by advanced coursework or certifications in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field is highly desirable to enhance operational leadership and strategic insight.

Minimum Years Of Work Experience:

The Transportation Support Specialist role requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in transportation, logistics, or a related field, with a demonstrable focus on leadership and operational management.

Certifications:

• Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) is preferred to demonstrate expertise in transportation management.
• Lean Six Sigma certification is advantageous for process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is preferred to enhance supply chain management capabilities.
• Professional certification in logistics or a related discipline is a plus, reflecting a commitment to professional development and industry standards.

Competencies:

1. Effective Communication:

• Demonstrates proficiency in conveying complex information clearly and accurately to internal and external stakeholders.
• Excels in proactive communication to relay updates, address issues, and enhance shipping operations.

2. Organizational Excellence:

• Exhibits strong organizational skills to manage and audit transportation activities and shipment records.
• Prioritizes tasks effectively, ensuring timely pickups and deliveries while maintaining operational fluidity.

3. Analytical Problem Solving:

• Utilizes analytical skills to evaluate freight costs and identify optimal, cost-effective shipping routes.
• Demonstrates keen problem-solving abilities to resolve daily transportation issues and improve logistical processes.

4. Cost Optimization and Strategic Planning:

• Adept at identifying cost-saving opportunities and advising on strategic transportation initiatives.
• Leads efforts to negotiate favorable rates and optimize shipping strategies in alignment with organizational goals.

5. Leadership and Team Collaboration:

• Possesses strong leadership capabilities to guide team initiatives and mentor new team members.
• Fosters collaboration with purchasing departments, branches, vendors, and other stakeholders to enhance transportation operations.

6. Technical Aptitude:

• Proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant transportation and logistics software.
• Capable of integrating technological tools to boost operational efficiency and data accuracy.

7. Attention to Detail and Accuracy:

• Ensures meticulous attention to detail in maintaining and auditing shipment records and transportation data.
• Leverages attention to detail to support continuous improvement initiatives within the logistics team.

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Job Location: SRS Distribution - McKinney

7440 State Highway 121 McKinney, TX 75070-3104

As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer SRS Distribution Inc., including all its subsidiaries, provides job opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, uniform service, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local EEO laws.

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation in applying for any posted position, please contact Human Resources at US: 855.556.3221, or by email to: HR@Help.SRSDistribution.com with the nature of your accommodation request and include the Business name, location and title of the job opening. Please allow one (1) business day for a reply.

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screen, as permitted by law.

Competitive weekly/bi-weekly pay, discretionary bonuses, 401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (vacation, sick, volunteer, holidays, birthday, floating), medical/dental/vision, flexible spending accounts, company-paid life and short-term disability, plus optional long-term disability, and additional life insurance. All benefits subject to eligibility.

Should a Candidate be submitted to fill a position by a recruiting or staffing services agency ("Agency"), the Company has no obligation to pay the Agency any fee for submission, offer, placement or any service without a fully executed contract of service covering the engagement.