Associate Transportation Planner Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Transportation Operations Leadership

• Directly supervise transportation personnel including drivers and transportation support employees.
• Plan, prioritize, and oversee daily transportation and dispatch activities.
• Develop routes, driver schedules and delivery assignments to support operational requirements.
• Monitor execution of transportation schedules and take corrective action to address service interruptions.
• Ensure effective utilization of drivers, vehicles, trailers, and transportation resources.
• Lead daily transportation meetings and communicate operational priorities.
• Resolve transportation issues impacting customer service, production schedules, or delivery commitments.
• Recommend and implement transportation process improvements.

Driver Leadership & Performance Management

• Directly supervise, coach, and develop drivers to ensure safe and efficient performance.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching discussions, and corrective action when necessary.
• Monitor driver productivity, attendance, safety performance, and JJ Keller compliance.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold drivers accountable for results.
• Support recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training activities for transportation personnel.
• Develop employee skills and succession plans to strengthen transportation operations.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

KPI Ownership & Operational Performance

• Maintain ownership and accountability for transportation-related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Manage and report out on SQDEC scorecard for logistics and RMA percentage on a daily basis.
• Monitor and report transportation performance metrics including:
• On-Time Delivery
• Transportation Cost per Load
• Fleet Utilization
• Driver Productivity
• Delivery Accuracy
• Customer Service Performance
• Safety Metrics
• DOT Compliance Metrics
• Analyze operational data and implement corrective actions when performance goals are not achieved.
• Utilize reporting and analytics to drive operational improvements and decision-making.
• Partner with leadership to establish goals and performance targets.

Logistics & Shipping Operations

• Oversee outbound shipping and logistics activities from order release through customer delivery.
• Coordinate transportation requirements with Production, Warehouse Operations, and Customer Service teams.
• Ensure timely movement of finished goods and inventory throughout the distribution process.
• Monitor shipment execution and resolve customer, supplier, and carrier concerns.
• Ensure shipping documentation, Bills of Lading, and transportation records are accurately maintained.
• Verify shipment accuracy and investigate service failures or delivery discrepancies.

Warehouse Systems & Inventory Support

• Utilize warehouse and ERP systems to manage outbound transactions and inventory movement.
• Ensure system accuracy and transaction integrity related to transportation and shipping activities.
• Support inventory control and material flow processes between warehouse and transportation operations.
• Partner with warehouse leadership to improve workflow efficiency and service performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory visibility and transportation-related system processes.

Fleet Management & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee fleet availability through effective maintenance planning and equipment utilization.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance schedules and repair activities.
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, driver qualification standards, and Hours of Service requirements.
• Maintain transportation compliance records through JJ Keller and related systems.
• Conduct transportation audits and inspections to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Safety and Operations leadership to reduce transportation-related risk.

Customer, Vendor & Supplier Management

• Serve as the primary escalation point for transportation-related customer, supplier, and delivery concerns.
• Develop strong working relationships with customers, vendors, manufacturing leadership, and warehouse teams.
• Resolve scheduling conflicts, delivery challenges, and operational disruptions.
• Ensure professional and proactive communication regarding transportation performance and service levels.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead transportation initiatives focused on safety, service, efficiency, and cost reduction to include: monthly 6’s initiatives and quarterly Kaizen events. 
• Develop and maintain transportation standard operating procedures.
• Identify opportunities for automation, technology enhancements, and process optimization.
• Participate in strategic projects supporting business growth and operational excellence.

Education and Experience

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Transportation, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of transportation, logistics, fleet, distribution, or supply chain experience preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience utilizing ERP, transportation management, fleet management, or warehouse management systems.
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations and transportation compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and driving operational performance improvements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Competencies/ Technical Skills:

• Customer Focus: Builds strong relationships with internal and external customers while consistently delivering solutions that exceed expectations.
• Drives Results: Achieves challenging goals through disciplined execution, accountability, and a strong sense of urgency.
• Learning Agility: Quickly learns new concepts, processes, and technologies while effectively adapting to changing business needs and priorities.
• Adaptability: Remains effective under pressure, responds constructively to change, and successfully navigates ambiguity and shifting priorities.
• Building High-Performing Teams: Develops talent, fosters collaboration, and creates an environment where individuals and teams can excel.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Uses data, critical thinking, and sound judgment to solve complex operational challenges and drive sustainable solutions.
• Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of results, holds self and others accountable, and follows through on commitments.
• Integrity & Trust: Demonstrates honesty, professionalism, and ethical leadership while building credibility and trust throughout the organization.

Work Conditions:

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments.

• Regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment, forklifts, and warehouse traffic.
• Exposure to varying temperatures and manufacturing conditions.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed footwear.
• Moderate to high noise levels are common in production areas.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout manufacturing and warehouse environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, and work areas.