Logistics Supervisor

Summary: 

This position is responsible for all outbound and internal activities governed by the Logistics Operations in both Auto Parts (APD) and Wire Harness (WHD) divisions. Responsibilities will encompass program activities, determine logistic support sequences and time phasing, and direct interface with automotive customers. Success in this role will require analysis of customer specification, design changes, inventory analysis, and promoting ERP System / Financial System accuracy & integrity. In this role, the supervisor will manage cross-functional communications to assist in 3PL analysis revolving around costs and operations. Special projects may also be assigned. 

This role requires a sense of urgency, as in this industry, timing can be critical. This role will require strong attention to detail and how decisions made now, can impact operations later. In this role, the supervisor will be working closely with the Logistics Manager to help ensure processes are followed, targets are met, and create new goals for the department & company. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

1. Interface with necessary personnel within the American Furukawa group as well as customers to resolve logistical & material flow issues and to carry out goals and targets given.
2. Receive mass production, service, and prototype orders from customers.
3. Develop, maintain, and report off-line tracking tools (i.e. spreadsheets) to coordinate with all related personnel to produce desired results.
4. Obtain demand forecast information and ensure importation or entry into the company ERP system for use by Production Control and any other related personnel.
5. Coordinate automotive mass production build out.
6. Learn and master specific customer requirements related to delivery and order processing. Advocate for the customer by communicating customer requirements. 
7. Maintain availability after normal business hours to support 24-hour production at customer sites and international meetings. 
8. Interface with US Customs to support importation of international shipments.
9. Follow up customer claims and complaints and suggestions as well as implement corrective action plans and countermeasures.
10. Responsible for compiling, analyze and report various data requests through various means including spreadsheets, charts and graphs upon request.
11. Coordinate order processing, courier, inventory control, RMA to ensure proper workflow and adherence to department processes and policies.
12. Coordinate with production facilities regarding inventory management and inventory audits.
13. Supervise Logistics Specialists, to include day-to-day operations, training, performance and disciplinary actions and time off requests.
14. Back Up to Warehouse Supervisor when needed.
15. Lead cyclical and physical inventory audits.
16. Generate reports on logistics activities for senior management to support regular meetings or upon specific request.
17. Lead cyclical and physical inventory audits.
18. Assists in the reconciliation of transactions in the shipping system (CCore) and accounting system (Sage) to ensure congruent inventory and financial records. 
19. Identify opportunities to reduce shipping and inventory cost and increase efficiency and develop plans to implement improvements.
20. Assists other team members with customer or supplier negotiations. This will include confirmation of the costs of 3PL operations and support in cost negotiations with 3PL operations. This will include avoid any unnecessary extra cost at 3PL facilities and for AFI.
21. Provides training in AFI procedures to associations at 3PL locations using the AFI shipping software (CCore). 
22. Processes effective investigation and official responses to customer delivery complaints. 
23. Quarterly travel to off-site locations can be expected. 
24. Any other duties and projects as needed. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Strong negotiation skills. 
2. Excellent communication skills (written and oral) with any internal or external audience. 
3. Familiarity with EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and troubleshooting to support Logistics Specialist/Coordinators. 
4. Strong computer skills & proficient with MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. 
5. Effective leadership skills with the ability to document and plan activities. 
6. Ability to adapt and be productive in a fast-paced and demanding environment where priorities can change. 
7. Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask effectively. Must be able to gather, interpret, and understand data from multiple sources. It is expected that data can be presented to executive management for one to understand clearly. 
8. Ability to deal courteously and professionally with others in difficult situations. 
9. Self-directed and self-motivated. Must be able to take initiative. 
10. Ability to maintain and improve relationships with internal and external parties. Individual’s performance will be evaluated based on achieving goals, developing staff, and providing quality service to our 3PLs and customers. 
11. Must have valid driver’s license and ability to travel, up 20% as required. 

Education and Experience:

1. Minimum 4-year college degree.
2. Minimum 2 years in a supervisor role or similar capacity 
3. 3 years in the automotive industry or adequate experience in logistics, purchasing, operations, and material control. 
4. Understanding of Japanese business culture or language is preferred (however, not required). 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, 

1. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment and warehouse equipment
2. The position requires the ability to occasionally lift up to 35 pounds
3. Must be able to work overtime and/or weekends if required.
4. At minimum, quarterly travel to warehouse locations, other travel as necessary.