Production Control Specialist – Logistics

Industry:

Company: Toyota Boshoku America

I. General Summary: Responsible for working with the TBAGC plants and vendors in order to get the best service and lowest cost for logistics. Works with Cost Planning and Sales departments to provide accurate estimates for new programs and business in order to grow the company.

II. Essential Job Functions:

A. Conduct logistics planning by gathering route level data details (e.g., rates, routes, quantities, plant delivery schedules, etc.), modeling multiple solutions, and recommending optimized logistics options.
B. Provide support assistance to ensure the efficient, economic movement of parts, material and empty returnable containers between the suppliers and the TBAGC plants, or between the TBAGC plants and customers, and to ensure compliance to all Federal and state regulations.
C. Create logistics cost estimates for all new models/programs.
D. Analyze current logistics networks for kaizen opportunities to reduce overall logistics costs, increase utilization of equipment, and recommend transport companies.
E. Assist relationship between TBA, TBAGC, and 3rd party logistics provider including day-to-day business, contract negotiation, and issue resolution.
F. Work closely with TBAGC plants, TBA departments, 3rd party logistics provider, and suppliers to ensure logistics needs are met, issues are resolved, and processes are standardized.
G. Compile Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and other performance metrics.
H. Create Requests for Quotation (RFQ) for vendors and assist in administering the bid process.
I. Manage freight claims process, billing payments, and reconciliation.
J. Work with supplier network regarding pick-up and delivery arrangements.
K. Provide other logistics support functions as necessary including managing reverse logistics network, setting up and managing milk runs/sweep routes, managing cross dock operations, and tracking and tracing inbound deliveries for plants with carriers.
L. Attend meetings with vendors and plants for performance assessment and kaizen opportunities.
M. Develop packaging proposals and work with related teams to resolve packaging issues.
N. Create logistics cost comparisons for Purchasing for supplier sourcing.

III. Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics/Transportation or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience:
• Greater than four (4) years of relevant experience and academic preparation or 8 years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in a logistics/transportation related field for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive supplier-related company.
• Experience in gathering route level data details, modeling multiple solutions, and recommending optimized logistics options.
• Experience in designing logistics networks.
• Experience with import and export of goods in North America. Experience with export and import outside of North America is preferred.
• Experience with logistics planning systems and reverse logistics is highly preferred.
• Previous exposure to a multicultural office environment preferred.

Personal/Technical Skills:
• Strong working knowledge of supply chain management including logistics and packaging.
• Thorough understanding of what modes of transportation will provide the lowest cost while maintaining on time delivery of quality parts.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good problem solving skills.
• Strong organization, planning, and analytical skills.
• Able to work in a fast paced, multicultural work environment.
• Active listener with effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic shop math ability required (i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Ability to function both independently and with good judgment in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate and work well with all levels inside and outside of the organization.
• Ability to work in a team environment to support demanding automotive customer requirements.
• Ability to compile effective and concise visual presentations and reports in charts, graphs, and table format.
• Must be self-motivated, goal oriented, quality-driven, and capable of working with minimum supervision.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work efficiently within time constraints and deadlines, and handle stressful situations.
• General understanding and working knowledge of TBA plants and processes, company products, trade terminology, and manufacturing processes is a plus.

Language Skills:
• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex information in verbal and written English.
• Japanese, Spanish, and/or Portuguese would be helpful.

Computer/Software:
• Solid working knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Access, MS PowerPoint, Visio, Lotus Notes/Outlook, Internet, etc.).
• Proficiency with MS Excel required.

IV. Work Environment/Conditions:

Office: Open Office Environment, moderate noise level.
Plant: Various types of manufacturing environments.
• Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, Kevlar sleeves, hearing protection, etc. may be required in designated engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply.
• Involves moderate or occasional presence of some slightly disagreeable conditions, i.e., cold, dust, heat, odor, etc.
Travel: Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time to visit suppliers, plants, and the customer.

V. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the team member is required to talk, see, and hear. The team member must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time. May be occasionally required to lift up to 30 pounds. Ability to sit and work on a computer for extensive periods of time is required.
Disclaimer: This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions. It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. To qualify for this job, however, a team member must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship between TBA and any team member.
EOE