Sr. Manager, Carrier Management

Overview

This position communicates and sets the strategy on logistics, systems, policies and is accountable for performance optimization across all modes (FTL, LTL, 3PL final mile, Private Fleet and ocean).  Candidate will develop and maintain dashboards to ensure controls are in place to monitor cost, service metrics and carrier performance, enabling the pursuit of continuous improvement opportunities to optimize the Supply Chain.  Additionally, responsibilities include ownership of freight auditing functions.

Strong communication skills, strategic relationships and partnerships are key to the success of this position.  Liaise closely with internal and external stakeholders including (but not limited to) local DC & Crossdocks, Loss Prevention, IT, International Logistics, Inventory Management, Corporate Transportation, freight forwarding agents, drayage contractors, SC Field Operations & Transportation, Procurement, Global Sourcing Office, and Direct Import Operations. 

This position requires principle knowledge of domestic transportation (FTL, LTL, final mile, vendor consolidation) and international logistics (e.g., ocean, Asia consolidation / deconsolidation operations), Distribution Center operations, and Cross-dock operations. 

1. Responsible for primary ownership with all carriers for Office Depot.  Use strategic leadership to transform procurement processes in the transportation service categories that support key business initiatives and objectives including productivity, service levels and growth channels.
2. Develop multi-year procurement strategies with local, regional and national carriers to optimize financial and service benefits to Office Depot, including achieving targeted freight cost savings. 

• Influence and negotiate both internally and externally.  Internal influence extends beyond Supply Chain and includes Finance, Sales, Procurement, including influencing Directors and VPs.
• External negotiation of contracts and pricing with Carriers, managing multi-million dollar negotiations with Carrier executives and operational management. 
• Maximize the value of the carrier relationships to drive incremental value and ensure contract adherence. Continually monitor carrier performance (key performance indicators) at both national and region levels, and conduct carrier reviews when necessary.

1. Incorporate detailed understanding of business needs and transportation markets.
2. Leads and participates in cross-functional projects to develop and implement short and long-term plans that increase customer service, deliver significant cost reduction and limit variability.
3. Identify and leverage opportunities for continuous improvement and manage financial risk.
4. Provide category expertise for industry dynamics including economic/market conditions, complexity of players and contingency plans to mitigate risk.
5. Lead creative thinking that fosters curiosity and drive change and innovation.
6. Ensure compliance with Office Depot and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
7. Develop resource planning and communicate productivity plans, pipeline and risks to achieving targets.
8. Perform network / data analytics to quantify impact and make recommendations to optimize the domestic and international Supply Chain strategies from origin (e.g., Asia) to final destination.  Assist in implementing strategic changes, including partner training and development of measurements and standard operating procedures.