3Pl Operations Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Shipping & Logistics Manager is responsible for owning outbound logistics execution for iMBranded, including transportation strategy, carrier performance, and third-party warehouse coordination. This role ensures that finished goods move accurately, safely, and on schedule from production, inventory, and outsourced vendors to customers and installation sites. 

This is a leadership and control role, not a hands-on dock position. Dedicated team members handle day-to-day dock execution and transportation coordination. The Shipping & Logistics Manager provides structure, release authority, escalation management, and performance oversight to ensure shipping operations run predictably and in alignment with company standards. Success in this role is measured by on-time performance, shipment accuracy, cost control, and the absence of last-minute surprises. 

Core Responsibilities 

Outbound Logistics Ownership 

• Own the end-to-end outbound shipping process from “Ready to Ship” through carrier pickup and delivery confirmation 
• Establish and enforce shipment readiness standards, release gates, and documentation requirements 
• Ensure all outbound shipments are properly packaged, labeled, and authorized prior to release 

Transportation Strategy & Carrier Management 

• Own carrier strategy across LTL, FTL, partial, dedicated, and expedited freight 
• Establish routing logic and escalation criteria for non-standard shipments 
• Manage carrier relationships, performance reviews, and issue resolution related to delays, damages, and service failures 
• Analyze freight spend, accessorials, and trends; identify cost-saving opportunities without increasing risk 

Third-Party Warehouse (3PL) Oversight 

• Act as the primary operational owner of the 3PL relationship 
• Enforce service level agreements, release authorization rules, and KPI expectations 
• Ensure accurate ASNs, BOLs, photo documentation, and shipment confirmations 
• Lead operational reviews, corrective actions, and escalation when performance deviates from expectations 

Team Leadership & Coordination 

• Provide direction and prioritization with the Shipping & Transportation Coordinator (transport execution) 
• Partner with dock leadership responsible for daily staging, loading, and floor execution 
• Set clear expectations, workflows, and escalation paths across the shipping team 
• Ensure coverage planning aligns with shipment volume and project demand 

Cross-Functional Alignment 

• Partner closely with Inventory, Purchasing, Project Management, and Outsourced Production teams 
• Validate shipment readiness based on production completion, quality clearance, and documentation accuracy 
• Communicate risks early when upstream delays or data issues threaten delivery commitments 
• Serve as the shipping escalation point for internal stakeholders and leadership 

Process, Controls & Compliance 

• Enforce standardized shipping processes, documentation requirements, and release authority controls 
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, carrier requirements, and regulatory obligations 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on predictability, accuracy, and risk reduction 
• Support audits and reviews related to shipping, warehousing, and logistics controls 

Reporting & Performance Management 

• Track and report key shipping and logistics KPIs, including: 
• On-time shipment performance 
• Pick and release accuracy 
• Freight cost trends 
• Carrier and 3PL performance 
• Prepare regular updates for Supply Chain leadership with clear insights and recommended actions 
• Use data to identify root causes, not just symptoms 

Qualifications & Experience 

Required 

• 5+ years of experience in shipping, logistics, or transportation within a manufacturing or project-based environment 
• Proven experience managing carriers and freight strategies beyond small parcel shipping 
• Experience working with ERP systems and shipping documentation workflows 
• Strong understanding of freight modes, packaging requirements, and damage prevention 
• Demonstrated ability to enforce process and push back when conditions are not met 
• Excellent communication and escalation judgment 

Preferred 

• Experience managing or coordinating with third-party warehouses or contract logistics providers 
• Background in shipping large-format, high-value, or custom-manufactured goods 
• Experience supporting installation-based or project-driven delivery environments 
• Exposure to KPI-driven operations and SLA enforcement 
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, or equivalent experience