Logistics Operations Specialist at Slate Auto in Troy, Michigan

Job description

• The Logistics Operations Specialist is responsible for coordinating and optimizing inbound and outbound supply chain activities to support production schedules in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This role serves as a critical link between suppliers, carriers and internal production teams to ensure on-time delivery performance, inventory accuracy, and compliance with customer-specific logistics requirements including hazmat & EDI & TMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Inbound Logistics & Supplier Coordination
• Manage inbound freight from domestic and international suppliers, ensuring adherence to production schedules, all applicable regulations & safety stock targets. This includes coordination with carriers, logistics service providers and customs brokers.
• Coordinate and manage expediting activities (premium move) for at-risk parts and communicate urgency to suppliers and freight forwarders.
• Monitor supplier shipment confirmations, ASNs (Advance Shipping Notices), and carrier tracking to validate on-time delivery.
• Request, analyze and award quotes for air, ocean and truck modes; to include knowledge of dimensional weight, surcharges, etc.
• Resolve invoice and billing issues with our freight audit & pay company, our carriers and other logistics service providers.
• Outbound Logistics & Customer Shipping
• Ensure all required shipping documentation including BOLs, packing slips, labels, and customs paperwork for domestic and international shipments.
• Manage daily carrier dispatching and resolve service failures in coordination with 3PL and freight broker partners.
• Inventory & Warehouse Operations Support
• Collaborate with warehouse and production teams to manage dock scheduling, space constraints, and material flow.
• Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
• Track and report key logistics KPIs including OTIF (On-Time In-Full), freight cost per unit, and carrier scorecard metrics.
• Through analysis of shipment data, identify opportunities to reduce transportation spend through mode optimization, consolidation, and carrier negotiation. This includes assisting with the data analysis of logistics-related RFQs (truckload, LTL, int’l ocean and air freight).
• Participate in Kaizen events and other lean/continuous improvement activities.
• Support data integrity of Transportation Management System (TMS)
• Assist with forecasting and annual budgeting process.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and import/export regulations.
• Maintain accurate records for internal logistics requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1–3 years of logistics or supply chain experience in an automotive manufacturing environment (Tier 1 or Tier 2 preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP).
• Understanding of incoterms 2020.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Experience with global logistics including ocean/air freight, customs brokerage, and incoterms.
• Familiarity with ASN compliance requirements and automotive customer chargebacks.

Skills

Required

• Understanding of incoterms 2020