Transportation Operations Coordinator

Transportation Operations Coordinator

Sparks Group has partnered with a Global Aviation organization with over 30 years providing comprehensive aircraft inventory support for airlines, MROs, OEMs, and distributors. They provide a global reach serving customers' parts and inventory needs across 140+ countries. They are seeking a Transportation Operations Coordinator with 4-6 years in transportation, freight-forwarding or international logistics with end to end ownership.

• Support and optimize domestic and international transportation for Uplift operations, repair shipments, and ad hoc logistics.
• Manage shipment bookings, tracking, vendor relationships, customs coordination, and freight cost/service analysis.
• Ensure aircraft materials move safely, compliantly, on time, and cost-effectively.
• Serve as a key liaison across internal teams (Operations, Uplift, Repairs, Warehouse, Quality, Finance) and external partners (carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers).
• Lead end-to-end transportation for Uplift, Repairs, and ad hoc requests from routing to proof of delivery; proactively resolve delays and exceptions.
• Coordinate pickup, routing, customs, delivery, and tracking for shipments to/from MROs and repair vendors.
• Qualify and manage carriers, freight forwarders, couriers, and customs brokers; negotiate rates, discounts, and terms to drive cost savings.
• Conduct vendor performance reviews, scorecards, and escalations; support RFQs/RFPs to balance cost, reliability, and speed.
• Create and maintain routing guides, booking procedures, escalation paths, standard operating procedures, and scalable playbooks.
• Monitor spend, transit times, on-time delivery, and exception rates; develop KPIs and actionable reporting for leadership.
• Analyze shipment history and carrier data to identify consolidation opportunities, network improvements, and cost reductions.
• Partner with internal teams to eliminate bottlenecks, improve handoffs, and align transportation requirements.
• Identify process gaps, build practical solutions, and drive continuous operational enhancements.

• Strong ownership mindset to independently resolve complex, ambiguous issues.
• Proven track record in vendor management, contract negotiations, and partner accountability.
• Ability to build processes, standards, SOPs, and reporting systems from scratch.
• Strong analytical skills focused on freight costs, transit performance, and transportation KPIs.
• Excellent cross-functional influence, organization, and clear communication.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, ERP/TMS platforms, carrier portals, and data dashboards.
• Solid grasp of international trade, import/export operations, customs documentation, and Incoterms.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Transportation, or Business (or equivalent experience).
• Experience:
  
  4–6+ years in transportation, freight forwarding, or international logistics with end-to-end ownership.
• Logistics Scope:
  Hands-on experience with domestic/international air freight, parcel, ground, courier, and time-critical shipments.
• Negotiation & Process Building:
  Demonstrated history negotiating freight terms and implementing routing guides, KPIs, or SOPs.
• Technical & Industry Preferred:
  Experience in aviation, aerospace, MRO, or high-value technical distribution; familiarity with ATA Spec 300 packaging and IATA Dangerous Goods/Hazmat certification is a plus.