Global Logistics & Transportation Manager

Global Logistics & Transportation Manager

Chicago, IL (Onsite)

About the Opportunity

Our client is a leading industrial manufacturer with a global supply chain footprint seeking a Global Logistics & Transportation Manager to lead transportation operations, carrier strategy, and support trade compliance activities across domestic and international markets.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for transportation performance, logistics cost management, carrier partnerships, import/export compliance oversight, and the continued development of a growing logistics organization. The position will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, supporting business growth, and implementing transportation strategies that improve service, reduce costs, and enhance supply chain performance. The ideal candidate combines deep domestic transportation expertise with enough international logistics and trade compliance knowledge to effectively oversee those functions while leading a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

Transportation & Logistics Leadership

• Lead inbound and outbound transportation operations across domestic and international networks.
• Develop and execute transportation strategies that improve service, visibility, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Build transportation roadmaps focused on process optimization, network improvements, and technology utilization.
• Evaluate transportation modes, service providers, routing strategies, and operational capabilities to support business objectives.
• Utilize transportation analytics and reporting tools to identify improvement opportunities and support data-driven decision making.

Carrier & Logistics Partner Management

• Manage relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and third-party logistics providers.
• Support carrier sourcing initiatives, network reviews, and transportation cost reduction programs.
• Conduct benchmarking, performance reviews, and partner evaluations to ensure service and cost objectives are achieved.
• Participate in transportation-related RFPs and supplier selection activities.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of transportation and trade compliance professionals.
• Create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Drive succession planning, employee development, and organizational capability building.
• Manage performance reviews, workforce planning, hiring, and talent development activities.

Trade Compliance Oversight

• Support and oversee import/export compliance activities across multiple regions.
• Ensure transportation and trade practices align with applicable customs, trade, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and improve trade compliance procedures, controls, and documentation.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to support international shipping activities and new market expansion efforts.
• Collaborate with trade compliance specialists and subject matter experts to ensure ongoing compliance.

Financial Management & Performance Metrics

• Own transportation budgets, forecasting, and cost management initiatives.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, dashboards, and performance scorecards.
• Identify and implement freight savings opportunities and transportation optimization projects.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis and operational performance reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• 6+ years of transportation, logistics, or supply chain leadership experience.
• 4+ years of people leadership experience.
• Strong experience managing domestic transportation operations, including parcel, LTL, truckload, or multimodal networks.
• Experience managing transportation providers, freight forwarders, brokers, and 3PL partners.
• Working knowledge of international logistics and trade compliance requirements.
• Experience developing transportation budgets, forecasts, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong analytical, communication, and executive presentation skills.
• Experience using Transportation Management Systems (TMS), ERP platforms, and logistics reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturing, industrial, engineered products, machinery, automation, electrical equipment, or similar industry background.
• Experience with Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) or comparable TMS platforms.
• Knowledge of customs regulations, tariff classifications, import/export processes, and global trade programs.
• CLTD, CSCMP, APICS, or similar professional certifications.
• Experience leading transportation transformation or network optimization initiatives.
• Master's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related discipline.

What Success Looks Like

• Deliver measurable transportation cost savings and service improvements.
• Build strong partnerships with carriers, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders.
• Establish meaningful transportation KPIs and performance reporting.
• Successfully lead and develop a growing transportation and trade compliance organization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen operational efficiency and supply chain performance.

This opportunity is best suited for a transportation leader with strong domestic freight expertise, experience managing complex logistics networks, and the ability to oversee trade compliance within a global manufacturing environment.