Inbound Logistics Manager

"At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome—both here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring the best of their experience and talents and truly thrive."

L.L.Bean is seeking an Inbound Logistics Manager to lead transportation functions at our high-volume Order Fulfillment Center. This critical role comes during an exciting period of transformation for our company. If you excel in transportation and fulfillment operations, we want to hear from you!

Position Purpose:

Provide direction and expertise in the implementation of integrated logistics solutions supporting company strategic direction. Drive initiatives to reduce operating expenses within the supply chain, while enhancing service to the customer. Direct Logistics activities and personnel to provide transportation and integrated logistics solutions needed to meet business needs. Establish and monitor carrier and vendor performance metrics. Partner with departments within and outside of Fulfillment in the development and execution of strategic goals and plans related to key corporate initiatives, as well as functional objectives. Manage relationships with vendors and business partners outside of L.L. Bean. Provide back-up coverage for Logistics Senior Manager. Provide leadership for Logistics staff. Responsible for meeting all balanced scorecard objectives, including financial, safety, service, and people.

Responsibilities:

• Manage inbound shipping of eighteen million packages per year, including Direct Channel, Retail, International, Direct to Business, Nexus, and Wholesale shipments.
• Manage parcel spend of $135 million annually, ensuring billing is correct for 18 million packages.
• Manage up to 300 on-site contract employees supporting parcel shipping and returns activity.
• Provide oversight for fulfillment/shipping activity of over one million packages originating from 50 Drop Ship vendors.
• Manage the fulfillment/shipping activities of Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers, ensuring product is prepared with value added services compliant with wholesale partner requirements
• Negotiate contracts for rates/services and analyze impacts of proposed changes, including $750 million contract with our primary carrier
• Represent Logistics when the organization considers strategic projects, key initiatives, business ventures or seeks to expand into new/emerging markets. Lead modeling efforts to quantify stakeholder impacts and provide comprehensive recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead Logistics peak planning activities and develop innovative, highly responsive operational plans, ensuring timely delivery of customer orders.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local shipping regulations by monitoring existing and new legislation, including regulations related to packaging, labeling, and shipping requirements for hazardous goods.
• Oversee compilation of customs clearance documentation and response to customs audits.
• Set direction and priorities for routing, route optimization, equipment utilization, and logistics activities across enterprise.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to ensure business continuity.
• Review, assess and redefine present logistics systems to improve cost efficiency and support business growth.
• Provide technical direction and oversight of staff responsible for maintaining business critical databases not supported by our core warehouse management system.
• Establish and monitor logistics performance metrics.
• Provide a motivating organizational environment and manage Logistics staff and activities:
• Make/review employment decisions.
• Assess and recommend required staffing and support.
• Establish performance objectives, assign work, monitor, and report department performance vs. objectives, and appraise performance.
• Coach and develop employees in job-related skills through work assignment, direct training, and regular feedback.
• Administer wages and salaries.
• Resolve personnel problems following company policies, programs, and procedures.
• Assist employees in identifying personal development and career needs. Provide guidance and support on these issues.
• Communicate and monitor adherence to company policies, programs, and procedures.
• Review and update job descriptions, organization structure and staffing levels. Oversee the maintenance and updating of related records.
• Minimize risks of work-related injuries and illnesses and associated costs, including lost work time.
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and best practices. Evaluate and implement modern technologies with a focus on improving service while minimizing cost.
• Represent L. L. Bean in the logistics industry regarding key transportation issues.
• Prepare operating and capital budgets and manage expenses within approved budget.
• Know and follow all safety rules.               
• Assume additional related duties as requested.

Health and Safety Requirement

Every employee is responsible for contributing to a safe and healthy workplace. Employees are expected to be active participants in health and safety by following all safety policies and procedures, reporting unsafe conditions or at-risk behaviors to leadership, and conducting work in a safe manner. Those in a leadership role are also expected to model safe behaviors, evaluate risk, and ensure that risks are reduced to acceptable levels.

Education Level: Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Business or related field

Years of Experience: 7+ years

Skills and Qualifications:

• 7+ years’ experience in Logistics
• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Business, or related field
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Experience in managing large, complex contracts
• Proven track record of reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and improving service
• Understanding of the Logistics industry in North America
• Working knowledge of transportation management software (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS)
• In depth understanding of import/export regulations and compliance
• Strong financial acumen, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build relationships and influence without authority
• Demonstrated people leadership and talent development ability
• Proven success managing projects of a complex nature.

"If you care about the outdoors, joining L.L.Bean is a great way to feel good about what you do. Our benefits package makes a good thing even better, with programs and perks designed to support your health and financial goals. Plus, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and re-charging outside are all part of the plan.

If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you'd be great at this role, we'd love to learn more about you!   At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us.  We strive to reflect this every day in our commitments to employees and partners and in our efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability."