Transportation and Logistics Supervisor - Food Manufacturing & Distribution

Overview

Tribute Baking Company in Dorchester, Massachusetts, is seeking a skilled Transportation and Logistics Supervisor to oversee freight operations within a high-quality food manufacturing setting. This role demands a proactive individual with robust expertise in carrier relations and freight management, particularly within the food sector, who can support a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and dispatch inbound and outbound full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments for the Boston cake manufacturing facility.
• Source, qualify, and nurture relationships with carriers and freight brokers.
• Coordinate inbound freight pickups aligned with production needs and ingredient delivery timelines.
• Maintain daily communication across carriers, plant management, and customer service teams to track shipments, resolve issues such as delays or rejections, and ensure efficient load management.
• Supervise and schedule an in-house driver responsible for regional deliveries.
• Conduct thorough review and auditing of carrier invoices against agreed rates, addressing and resolving discrepancies effectively.
• Support freight bidding processes and rate benchmarking to maintain competitive lane pricing.
• Prepare and verify necessary shipping documentation, including bills of lading, for both domestic and international freight.
• Maintain precise freight, shipment, and carrier records leveraging NetSuite and other systems.
• Collaborate with sister subsidiaries to implement LTL consolidation strategies that reduce freight expenses.
• Monitor transportation KPIs such as freight cost per load, timeliness, and carrier performance, proposing cost-saving measures.
• Ensure carrier compliance with relevant food safety standards, insurance, and DOT regulations, including conditions for temperature-sensitive and food-grade trailers.
• Manage freight claims for damaged, lost, or refused goods.
• Perform general administrative and office duties as required.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of FTL, LTL, and bulk freight operations, alongside understanding carrier markets and rate structures.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and ability to cultivate sustainable carrier partnerships.
• Exceptional attention to detail, particularly in documentation, invoicing, and rate accuracy.
• Proficiency in ERP platforms such as NetSuite, Microsoft Excel, and preferably transportation management systems; familiarity with reporting tools like Power BI considered advantageous.
• Capability to prioritize tasks, respond effectively to operational disruptions, and uphold a high standard of excellence.
• Professional interpersonal skills in collaborating with internal teams and external partners.
• Commitment to fostering company culture and inclusive work environment.

Education and Experience

• Minimum education requirement: high school diploma or equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, or business is preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in transportation, freight, or logistics management, ideally within food manufacturing or distribution sectors.
• Proven experience managing broker relationships.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations and food transportation standards, including FSMA Sanitary Transportation and HACCP, is advantageous.
• Spanish professional working proficiency is preferred but not mandatory.

Additional Information

Employment is onsite at the Dorchester, MA location, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The company provides a competitive salary congruent with experience and qualifications, complemented by benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, 401(k), and paid vacation time. Tribute Baking Company values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring respect and dignity for all employees and customers alike.