Specialist, Logistics

Specialist, Logistics Crown Bakeries - 2.1 Nashville, TN Job Details 13 hours ago Qualifications Microsoft Excel Technical Proficiency Full Job Description The Corporate Logistics Specialist is responsible for overseeing day-to-day transportation execution across the network, ensuring dependable, timely, and cost-effective movement of product from bakeries to cold storage and customers. This role serves as the central coordination point for dispatch, routing execution, and issue resolution, managing real-time disruptions and maintaining alignment with the company's transportation strategy. The Specialist acts as a key operational partner to bakery and warehouse teams, focusing on proactive communication and tactical problem-solving to maintain high service levels across the supply chain.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Transportation Execution & Dispatch Oversight Serve as the central point of coordination for daily transportation execution across all locations. Oversee routing and dispatch activities to ensure strict adherence to routing guides and transportation plans. Partner with bakery and warehouse teams to ensure load readiness and on-time departures. Monitor shipment status throughout the lifecycle and proactively address potential delays or service risks. 2. Spot Freight & Expedited Shipments Manage spot market freight procurement for unplanned or overflow shipments when contract capacity is unavailable. Make real-time decisions regarding expedited shipments based on service needs and defined cost guardrails. Minimize reliance on high-cost spot freight through proactive coordination and providing continuous planning feedback . 3. Exception Management & Issue Resolution Lead the resolution of day-to-day transportation issues, including late pickups, carrier no-shows, capacity shortages, and misrouted shipments. Function as the primary escalation point for bakeries, warehouses, and carriers regarding execution failures. Ensure timely communication and resolution across all internal and external stakeholders to minimize impact on customer service. 4. Carrier Claims & Performance Management Manage the end-to-end freight claims process, including damage, loss, and accessorial disputes. Resolve damaged product claims and other invoice deductions to protect company interests. Partner with carriers to resolve service failures and recurring issues identified through performance tracking. Track and report trends in claims and service disruptions to drive long-term improvements. 5. Network Coordination & Continuous Improvement Facilitate seamless communication between bakeries, cold storage facilities, and transportation providers. Provide regular feedback to the Logistics Manager on routing inefficiencies, carrier performance, and network constraints. Identify opportunities to reduce expedites, improve service reliability, and enhance execution discipline. Support the implementation and adoption of Transportation Management System (TMS) processes and tools.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, or business administration preferred. Experience may be considered in lieu of degree. 3+ years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics, or supply chain operations. Experience in food manufacturing, distribution, or cold chain logistics is strongly preferred. Direct experience in dispatch, routing, or tactical transportation execution. Technical Skills Experience working with ERP, TMS, and WMS platforms is preferred. Intermediate proficiency in Excel is required, and experience with operational reporting tools is preferred. Ability to navigate high-volume, fast-paced environments with competing priorities.

Key Competencies & Attributes Problem Solver:

Strong operational problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information.

Effective Communicator:

Strong coordination skills across multiple locations and stakeholder groups.

Customer-Centric:

Maintains a service mindset with a constant focus on reliability and responsiveness.

Action-Oriented:

Demonstrates a bias for action and accountability for daily results.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a production plant, shipping area, and office environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to facility elements such as noise, dust, fumes, and odors. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets. EEO Statement Crown Bakeries is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any such discrimination or harassment in our workplace and strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. This EEO policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment.