Contract Engineering Jobs in Laredo, TX (NOW HIRING)

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Responsible for developing, implementing, controlling, and managing the shipping, logistics, and transportation department, including cross-border and Uverse logistics operations. This role incorporates Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery and inventory management, Lean Management principles, and Value Stream Mapping to drive process efficiency and ensure value creation across all activities. The position applies load optimization strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness and maximize space utilization in both Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Full-Truckload (FTL) shipments. The incumbent analyzes shipment data using the Warehouse Management System (WMS), Transportation Management System (TMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to ensure compliance with all corporate standards and customer requirements.
Essential Functions:
• Department Management - Oversee and maintain control over departmental work instructions, policies, and procedures. Lead development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with ISO 9001. Collaborate with Materials Management, Operations, Quality, and Finance teams.
• Material Handling and Storage - Ensure efficient management of material handling and secure storage practices. Maintain compliance with OSHA and ISO 9001, 45001, and 14001 standards. Enforce FIFO inventory management, conduct daily cycle counts, perform internal audits, and coordinate with facility security personnel.
• Policy and Procedure Oversight - Ensure departmental work instructions, policies, and procedures are consistently followed and aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Update policies to reflect organizational changes through staff training, internal audits, and corrective actions.
• Cost Analysis and Reporting - Provide regular reports to senior management on import and export cost analysis including KPIs such as Brokerage Cost per Load, customs costs, and On-Time Delivery Performance. Oversee real-time shipment monitoring via TMS and ensure effective communication during critical operations.
• Transportation Optimization - Manage cost-effective methods for transporting products via LTL and FTL loads. Conduct transportation optimization analyses, negotiate brokerage contracts, benchmark service providers, and consolidate shipments to reduce freight expenses and improve customs processing times.
• Reverse Logistics - Address, resolve, and document customer complaints or incidents promptly using the CAPA process. Utilize root cause analysis techniques (5 Whys, Ishikawa diagrams, Pareto analysis). Prepare reports and documentation for corporate, general, and client management using WMS, TMS, and ERP systems.
• Collaboration and Program Implementation - Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders including customers, customs brokers, and transportation carriers. Conduct scheduled meetings with customers and participate in cross-functional meetings to promote collaboration and visibility toward strategic initiatives.
• Incident Evaluation - Evaluate incidents, complaints, and operational issues including safety concerns, transportation route disruptions, legal matters, and personnel matters using the CPAR Procedure. Collaborate with HR, ESH, and external legal counsel as appropriate.
• Program and Process Enhancements - Initiate and execute programs to optimize operational efficiency and reduce costs using Lean Six Sigma methodologies, value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and continuous feedback loops. Measure success through KPIs and quarterly management reviews using the PDCA methodology.
• Forecasting and Implementation - Oversee the Finished Goods and Shipping Forecast for the Uverse Project. Conduct weekly alignment meetings and daily shipping performance reviews. Lead contingency planning to address potential supply chain disruptions and ensure on-time delivery.
• Staff Training and Development - Ensure thorough training of subordinate staff through structured, role-specific programs including onboarding, job shadowing, and refresher training. Measure effectiveness through performance evaluations, post-training assessments, and incident tracking to reinforce a culture of safety and operational excellence.
• Integration with Other Departments - Work closely with other departments to integrate logistics operations with existing systems using cross-departmental synchronization meetings and tools such as Gantt charts, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint to ensure stakeholder alignment and smooth implementation.
• Logistics Models and Cost Assessment - Create and propose improved logistics models to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Conduct supply chain network analysis, develop customized logistics solutions, and assess transportation and service costs through freight audit platforms, comparative rate analysis, and total landed cost modeling including customs, duties, handling, and warehousing.
• Field Staff Collaboration - Collaborate closely with field staff to ensure logistics efficiency measures are effectively implemented through regular facility visits, communication meetings, and open dialogue. Gather feedback through individual and team meetings and analyze operational metrics to identify performance trends and areas for improvement.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
COMPETENCIES

• Technical Capability
• Strategic Thinking
• Communication Proficiency
• Customer/Client Focus
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Analytical Skills
• Organizational skills

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position does not have supervisory responsibility.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional office & warehouse environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a part-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This position may require long hours or weekend work.
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out of the area and overnight travel may be expected.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, reaching above and below shoulder level, twist and work with computer equipment. May involve lifting up to 30 pounds of equipment. Ability to identify and distinguish colors, ability to see distance and up close with or without corrective lenses. Must be able to sit, for long periods, without leaving the work area. Must be able to push and pull items as needed/required. Ability to walk considerable distances during the course of his/her work.
DESIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, logistics, transportation, and supply chain management, including cross-border and international logistics operations. Demonstrated experience managing LTL and FTL shipments, customs brokerage, and import/export compliance. Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and ERP systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains). Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 standards. Experience with OSHA compliance and material handling safety protocols.
Beneficial Skills & Experience:
Lean Six Sigma certification or demonstrated knowledge of Lean methodologies, value stream mapping, and Kaizen facilitation. Experience with U.S.-Mexico cross-border logistics, customs brokerage, and trade compliance. Familiarity with Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA/CPAR) processes and quality management systems. Strong data analytics skills using Excel and business intelligence tools. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Experience with freight audit platforms and total landed cost modeling. Proven track record of successful negotiations with transportation carriers and logistics service providers.