Traffic Manager

The Traffic Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimizing all transportation and traffic operations within the Distribution Center to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and compliant movement of products to customers. This role leads transportation execution, carrier management, route optimization, and shipping operations while driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service levels, operational efficiency, and transportation costs.

The ideal candidate is a bilingual (English/Spanish) logistics professional with extensive experience in transportation management, warehouse operations, food & beverage distribution, and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

• Manage all outbound transportation activities to ensure on-time deliveries and customer satisfaction.
• Develop daily shipping schedules aligned with customer requirements and distribution priorities.
• Coordinate carrier assignments, dock scheduling, and transportation resources.
• Monitor transportation performance and resolve delivery exceptions proactively.
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, food safety standards, and company transportation policies.
• Manage freight claims, transportation incidents, and corrective actions.

• Collaborate with Warehouse Operations to optimize shipping workflows and dock utilization.
• Balance transportation capacity with warehouse throughput and customer demand.
• Monitor shipping volumes and adjust transportation plans accordingly.
• Coordinate special shipments, expedited orders, and emergency deliveries.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with transportation providers.
• Evaluate carrier performance through KPIs and service scorecards.
• Negotiate transportation services and support freight cost reduction initiatives.
• Ensure carriers comply with safety, quality, and service requirements.
• Lead Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on transportation and shipping processes.
• Analyze transportation costs, delivery performance, and operational efficiencies.
• Identify opportunities to improve routing, load optimization, trailer utilization, and freight consolidation.
• Participate in Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects.

• Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to manage transportation execution.
• Ensure data integrity and transaction accuracy within logistics systems.
• Develop reports and dashboards to monitor transportation KPIs.
• Support implementation and optimization of logistics technologies.

• Lead, coach, and develop the Transportation and Shipping team.
• Establish performance expectations and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with Customer Service, Planning, Procurement, and Warehouse teams to ensure seamless operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience in logistics, transportation, or distribution operations.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience managing transportation teams.
• Experience in Food & Beverage manufacturing or distribution is highly preferred.
• Experience managing third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and transportation carriers.
• Proven experience implementing transportation process improvements.

• Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Power BI or other reporting tools (preferred)
• Freight optimization and routing software