The Role
Lead and optimize global logistics for hotel and technical freight, manage costing and budgets, integrate freight and warehousing, oversee WMS/3PL relationships, plan dry docks, report metrics, drive continuous improvement, and support daily ship operations.
Summary Generated by Built In
WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Sr. Manager of Logistics will lead and optimize all logistics operations for hotel and technical freight. This role is responsible for cost management, freight integration, warehousing strategies, and dry dock planning, ensuring seamless supply chain execution across global operations. The ideal candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, driving continuous improvement and cost efficiency while maintaining service excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Cost Management
· Establish baseline costing and confirm annual budgets.
· Track monthly actuals versus budget and report variances.
· Analyze and explain variances in rates, volumes, and operational misses.
· Implement strategies to improve costing over time and identify major cost drivers.
· Negotiate freight rates and optimize cost structures.
Logistics Integration and Streamlining
· Integrate technical and hotel freight flows to maximize synergies.
· Determine roles and responsibilities for team members. Formalize use of 3PL/Horizon as an extension of the team.
· Oversee integration of freight and warehousing processes for efficiency.
Warehouse Strategy & Outsourcing
· Lead outsourcing initiatives for LEXDC, including business case development.
· Oversee WMS implementation and monitor 3PL KPIs.
· If outsourcing is not pursued, develop and execute a plan to improve internal warehouse operations.
Performance & Metrics
· Create and report monthly service metrics for logistics performance.
· Conduct root cause analysis for operational misses and implement corrective process changes.
· Apply continuous improvement principles to reduce firefighting and enhance reliability.
Dry Dock Planning
· Oversee logistics planning and execution for dry docks in partnership with Technical teams.
· Define and monitor KPIs for dry dock logistics performance.
Stakeholder Collaboration
· Manage relationships with 3PLs, ensuring alignment and formalizing roles and responsibilities.
· Partner with Procurement and Hotel Operations to build loading schedules.
· Collaborate with technical and hotel stakeholders to ensure timely reporting and operational alignment.
Annual Planning
· Own annual planning and budgeting for hotel and technical freight.
· Develop long-term strategies to optimize logistics operations and cost efficiency.
Daily Logistics Operations
· Ensure daily logistics service levels.
· Respond promptly to inquiries from ships.
· Resolve operational issues and escalate when necessary.
· Coordinate with internal teams and 3PLs for quick resolutions.
· Maintain clear communication channels for urgent needs.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field; CPSM/CSCP certifications preferred.
· 7+ years of experience in logistics or supply chain management, preferably in cruise, hospitality, or maritime industries.
· People management experience preferred.
· Proven track record in cost management, freight integration, and warehouse optimization.
· Strong knowledge of 3PL management, freight management, WMS systems, and KPI development.
· Good analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
· Ability to lead complex projects and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
KEY COMPETENCIES
· Sense of urgency
· Strategic Thinking & Execution
· Cost Optimization
· Process Improvement
· Cross-functional Collaboration
· Data-driven Decision Making
· Leadership & Team Development
Other Skills/Abilities
Applicants are expected to work well in a high-paced, team-oriented environment. Proficient computer skills in the Windows operating system, including both word-processing and spreadsheet applications, are required. Strong skills in time management, handling multiple tasks, setting priorities, meeting deadlines and working independently are essential.
LOCATION AND TRAVEL
· Preferred location is Seattle.
· Alternate locations are NYC and Orlando, FL
· Hybrid environment with the expectation to be in the office Tuesday-Thursday
· Travel expected at less than 25%.
Communication Skills
Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos. Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
COMPENSATION STATEMENT
Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.
For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.
Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.
Top Skills
Excel
Microsoft Word
Windows Os
Wms
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The Company
What We Do
In 1958 Lars-Eric Lindblad, considered the father of eco travel, founded Lindblad Travel and pioneered the first non-scientific expeditions to Antarctica (1966) and Galápagos (1967), subsequently opening the Amazon, Papua New Guinea, China, Bhutan, and more to curious, respectful travelers. In 1979, his son Sven-Olof Lindblad founded Special Expeditions, eventually re-named Lindblad Expeditions, specializing in ship-based expedition travel. In 2004 Lindblad Expeditions forged an unprecedented alliance with National Geographic with a joint mission “to inspire people to explore and care about the planet through expedition travel.” Today the company operates a fleet of 10 ships, including the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, the world’s ultimate expedition ship, and the 106-guest National Geographic Orion, the newest ship in the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet. All ships sail equipped with sophisticated exploration tools, to provide unique, immersive experiences in the planet’s capitals of wildness and culture. Our expedition ships regularly explore Galápagos, Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Norway, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama, Europe, the Baltics, Vietnam and Cambodia, and more.
