Distribution Logistics Manager Jobs in Minnesota

Logistics Manager

Location: Twin Cities Metro (Onsite)

We're partnering with a multi-site manufacturing and distribution organization to identify a seasoned Logistics Manager to lead transportation, freight, and distribution operations across multiple locations. This is a highly visible leadership role with direct influence over the movement of nearly all company revenue, serving as the operational hub between manufacturing, inventory, sales, customer service, and third-party logistics partners. The ideal candidate will bring a hands-on leadership style, balancing day-to-day operational execution with long-term process improvement to ensure products move efficiently, accurately, and on time across a complex, multi-site supply chain.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume environments where priorities shift quickly, operational problem solving is constant, and no two days look exactly the same.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day transportation and logistics operations across multiple manufacturing and distribution locations.
• Develop and execute transportation strategies that improve service levels while controlling freight costs.
• Manage relationships with third-party logistics providers, freight carriers, and transportation vendors.
• Negotiate carrier agreements, monitor performance, and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements.
• Oversee inbound supplier shipments, intercompany transfers, and outbound customer deliveries.
• Partner closely with operations, production, inventory, purchasing, customer service, and sales to ensure products move efficiently through the supply chain.
• Monitor inventory flow and transportation capacity to support seasonal fluctuations and changing customer demand.
• Build, monitor, and report on key transportation and logistics KPIs.
• Identify opportunities to standardize processes, improve scalability, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team responsible for logistics coordination and transportation operations.
• Support strategic initiatives involving technology enhancements, process improvements, and future supply chain optimization.

What We're Looking For

• 7+ years of progressive experience in logistics, transportation, supply chain, or distribution leadership.
• Proven experience leading teams, coaching employees, and developing talent in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong background managing complex, multi-site logistics operations with responsibility for inbound, outbound, and intercompany transportation.
• Experience supporting perishable, seasonal, or time-sensitive products is highly preferred. Candidates from agriculture, nursery, produce, food manufacturing, or similar industries will be especially competitive.
• Demonstrated success managing third-party logistics (3PL) providers, carrier relationships, freight negotiations, and transportation contracts.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic environment where priorities shift quickly and operational issues require immediate attention.
• Calm under pressure with the ability to make sound decisions, adapt quickly, and solve problems in real time.
• Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to stay close to the day-to-day operation—not someone who prefers to manage solely through dashboards and reports.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to build relationships across operations, production, sales, inventory, and executive leadership.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience identifying process improvements, implementing operational efficiencies, and leveraging technology to enhance logistics performance.
• Confident yet humble leadership style with a collaborative approach and a willingness to learn the business before driving change.
• Experience with ERP systems, transportation management systems (TMS), or supply chain technology is a plus.

Preferred Industry Experience

Candidates with experience in the following environments will be especially well-aligned for this opportunity:

• Agriculture, nursery, or horticulture operations
• Perishable goods, produce, or food manufacturing and distribution
• Seasonal manufacturing or distribution environments
• Multi-site manufacturing and distribution operations
• Building products or other industries with complex transportation and distribution networks
• Supply chains involving time-sensitive inventory, seasonal demand, or high-volume logistics operations

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

This is far more than a traditional logistics management position. The person in this role will have a direct impact on the company's ability to serve customers, support manufacturing operations, and drive overall business performance.

The environment is highly collaborative, offering the opportunity to influence transportation strategy, improve processes, implement new technology, and help shape the future of the organization's supply chain operations.

If you're someone who enjoys solving operational challenges, building strong partnerships, and making a measurable impact every day, we'd love to connect. Reach out to Kelsey Conrad on LinkedIn today.