Import Freight Forwarder Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

About the Role:

The Senior Logistics Manager is responsible for leading the company's global logistics strategy and execution, ensuring efficient, compliant, and cost-effective movement of products across domestic and international markets. This role provides strategic leadership over transportation, warehousing, inventory movement, import/export compliance, and third-party logistics (3PL) operations while driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance customer service, operational efficiency, and cost performance.

The Senior Logistics Manager serves as the company's logistics subject matter expert, partnering cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Planning, Procurement, Customer Experience, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and Commercial teams to support business growth and operational excellence.

Core Expectations:

• Develop and execute the company's global logistics strategy to support business growth, customer service excellence, and cost optimization. 
• Lead domestic and international transportation operations, including carrier management, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and 3PL partnerships.
• Manage transportation sourcing activities, including RFQs, carrier selection, contract negotiations, and ongoing supplier performance management.
• Lead Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities by providing transportation capacity planning, inventory flow recommendations, logistics constraints, and risk assessments.
• Oversee import/export compliance, FDA-regulated imports, customs regulations, and cold chain logistics.
• Drive logistics technology initiatives, including Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP integrations, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) implementations.
• Develop executive-level logistics dashboards and KPI reporting to measure transportation costs, on-time delivery, inventory movement, warehouse productivity, carrier performance, and customer service.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, logistics network optimization, cost reduction projects, and automation opportunities.
• Own the logistics budget, transportation spend, freight forecasting, and identify cost-saving initiatives.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate transportation disruptions and supply chain risks.
• Lead, coach, and develop the logistics team while fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support new product launches, commercialization efforts, and strategic business initiatives.

Qualifications and Success Factors:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in logistics, transportation, and supply chain management with increasing leadership responsibility.
• 3+ years of people leadership experience managing logistics or supply chain teams.
• Proven experience managing domestic and international transportation, import/export operations, customs compliance, and FDA-regulated products.
• Demonstrated success negotiating transportation contracts, managing carriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and EDI platforms (SPS Commerce).APICS CLTD, CSCP, Lean Six Sigma, or related supply chain certifications preferred.
• Familiarity with GMP/GDP environments and experience supporting logistics within the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or other regulated industries preferred.

Competencies & Skills

• Strategic logistics leadership and strong business acumen
• Supply chain analytics, KPI management, and performance improvement
• Logistics network optimization and cost control expertise
• Transportation strategy,  carrier management and contract negotiation
• Global trade compliance and import/export knowledge including FDA import regulations
• Project management, continuous improvement capabilities
• Budget management, freight spend analysis, and forecasting skills
• Proficiency with ERP, TMS, WMS, and EDI platforms
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and sound decision-making abilities

Travel: Up to 15% local/domestic travel as needed for 3PL partners, suppliers, and industry meetings.