Freight Operations and Logistics Manager

Summary of the Position:
The Manager is responsible for managing all freight & rigging operations for multiple large-scale machinery trade shows, including pre-show planning, on-site management of the marshalling yard and exhibit hall labor, customer service and post-show reconciliation. This role ensures the smooth, cost-effective, and timely handling of exhibitor materials, coordinating with contractors, labor, staff, and exhibitors to deliver high-quality freight experiences.

Duties and Responsibilities Pre-Show Planning

• Develop comprehensive freight operation plans, schedules, and logistics timelines for the event.
• Coordinate with advanced warehouse, transportation providers, and venue operations teams.
• Provide freight-related content and service descriptions for the Exhibitor Service Manual.
• Forecast freight volumes, equipment and staffing needs.
• Prepare budgets, target plans, and operational plans for marshalling yard and freight desks.
• Bid, negotiate, and coordinate all necessary equipment rentals (forklifts, ramps, dollies, etc.).
• Advanced understanding of on-site freight & rigging personnel on policies, procedures, and freight management software.

On-Site Freight Management

• Oversee all inbound & outbound freight operations, including marshalling yard activities, traffic & dock management, and freight & rigging desk operations.
• Manage the flow of exhibitor materials to and from the show floor.
• Coordinate equipment rentals and ensure proper allocation of equipment to implement on-site move-in, booth work and outbound.
• Supervise freight staff, union labor, and independent contractors to ensure safety, accuracy, and on-site implementation of policies and procedures.
• Troubleshoot issues such as missing freight and delivery delays.

Exhibitor & Customer Service

• Assist exhibitors with target date changes, warehouse questions, shipping instructions, and service orders.
• Coordinate with exhibitors and other show contractors to create inbound and outbound freight plan.
• Provide clear communication on freight policies and timelines.
• Serve as main point of contact for exhibitors for freight issues post-show.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Source, evaluate, and secure bids for advanced warehouse, equipment vendors, transportation providers and service suppliers for show freight operation.
• Contract and oversee independent contractors for freight operations.
• Ensure all partners meet performance, safety, and service standards.
• Reconcile invoices and operational charges post-show.

Post-Show Operations

• Oversee closing of marshalling yard and final freight desk operations.
• Assist with forced/missing freight issues post-show, including working with official carriers and advanced warehouses on re-routes.
• Conduct post-show audits and analyze operational performance.
• Complete final billing, vendor reconciliation, and after-action reporting.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all freight operations comply with venue regulations, union contracts, federal transportation laws, and safety protocols.
• Promote and enforce safe handling procedures for staff and contractors.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in all required pre-show and post-show planning meetings.
• Provide recommendations for process improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiency.
• Support any additional freight-related tasks required to successfully executing the trade show.

Qualifications and Education Requirements Experience

• At least 8+ years of experience in freight operations, logistics management, or event operations.
• Proven experience managing freight or logistics for trade shows, exhibitions, or large events.
• Experience contracting and managing third-party freight and labor vendors.
• Budgeting and financial reconciliation experience, including negotiating bids and managing cost control.
• On-site management experience, preferably at large-scale events, including supervising labor crews and managing freight desks.
• Strong vendor management skills and a record of working with union labor.

Skills

• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and customer service abilities, able to interface with exhibitors, internal teams, and vendors.
• Negotiation skills for vendor contracting, equipment procurement, and labor agreements.
• Proficiency in freight management software, Excel, and logistics planning tools.
• Problem-solving skills, particularly for on-site issues such as missing freight, schedule disruptions, and staffing.
• Leadership skills for managing temporary/contract labor, union workers, and subcontractors.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, venue rules, and transportation compliance.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel to show locations (e.g., Chicago, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Atlanta) and work on-site during show weeks.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, during load-in and load-out phases.
• Some international travel to Mexico City events if needed.

Company Overview and Benefits

PMMI is a leading global resource for packaging and processing technologies.…