Logistics Manager

Job Title

Logistics Manager

The J.M. Smucker Co.

1525 Industrial Road, Emporia, KS (Hostess Manufacturing Plant)

100% on-site. Day shift – Monday to Friday, approximately 7 am–5 pm (flexibility required).

The Logistics Manager leads all distribution and transportation planning and strategic activities. The role coordinates product flow from plant to depot and plant to plant, utilizing proper transportation scheduling that follows Department of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Responsibilities include managing the floor and docks and assisting forklift drivers with inbound and outbound loads.

• Manage and execute all supply‑chain operating strategies using lean methodologies.
• Establish strong relationships with the onsite Distribution Center (DC), Operations, Corporate Supply Chain Leaders, Customer Service, Marketing, Purchasing, Transportation, Co‑Packers, and Suppliers.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for Finished Product, Raw Materials, and Physical Inventory Management (Inventory Accuracy, Variances, Fill Rates, Delivery Rates, etc.).
• Be a key leader and role model for plant safety and quality, ensuring compliance with Safety and Food Safety standards.
• Develop leadership and capability within the logistics department, covering salaried and hourly employees.
• Manage all aspects of logistics programs, including forklift maintenance, dock and truck safety, inventory hold management, inbound and outbound appointment scheduling, and customer requirement management.
• Analyze sanitation and quality metrics, identify areas of opportunity, and recommend short‑term and long‑term solutions.
• Manage Site Level Execution Agreements with suppliers as needed.
• Identify root cause and countermeasures for any gaps in results.
• Develop and implement cost‑reduction and work‑process improvement projects to support site savings and working‑capital reduction initiatives.
• Master existing planning technology and support future improvements/upgrades.
• Establish continuous improvement processes and culture to ensure the supply chain meets Smucker quality status.
• Support and champion the site vision as a member of the site leadership team.
• Develop and execute a supply‑chain vision that delivers operational excellence and world‑class customer service efficiency.
• Think and act decisively and ethically.
• Build diverse, collaborative relationships; operate with discipline, and teach and lead others.
• Model Operations Excellence behaviors and fully support/strengthen the High‑Performance Organization (HPO) for the facility.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum five years of experience in Supply Chain Management or Logistics Planning.
• At least three years of experience leading, supervising, or managing others.
• Results in driving continuous improvement in Safety, Quality, Cost, and Supply Chain.
• Cost and business acumen.
• Demonstrated capability in data analysis, problem solving, and attention to detail.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams, both at a plant and corporate level.

• Computer skills:
  Supply Planning Systems (PPS, Oracle, Discoverer, SAP, or similar) and Microsoft Office.
• Experience in a high‑performance work environment.
• Manufacturing experience.

This job operates in a manufacturing environment. The noise level can be high.

• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Able to lift objects up to 50 pounds frequently.
• May push and pull heavy equipment.
• Vision: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.