Logistics Operations Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

The Logistics Lead provides functional leadership, operational oversight, and subject matter expertise for daily logistics and transportation activities. This position supports the execution and continuous improvement of domestic and international transportation processes and programs, ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods. The position also analyzes logistics performance - including cost, service levels, carrier performance, and operational trends - to optimize service, mitigate risk, and drive process improvements that enhance the customer experience.

What You Will Do at Graco

Team Leadership

• Provide support to the Logistics team, ensuring daily objectives are met and service excellence is maintained.

• Serve as back-up to Logistics and Trade Compliance leader, as needed, and provide some daily work direction as needed.

• Monitor, coach, and mentor Logistics team on communication, problem-solving and service excellence.

• Onboard new hires, ensuring familiarity with systems, policies and best practices.

• Communicate updates & process changes and provide some daily work direction based on priorities. Champion change by leading the adoption of new processes and system updates.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and service standards - addressing issues directly when needed and escalating as appropriate.
• Provide training on departmental systems, transportation processes, and export execution.

Operational Delivery

• Support the day-to-day logistics operations, including domestic and international transportation, carrier management, freight payment/audit, and performance monitoring
• Serve as a key resource in monitoring service provider performance, analyzing operational results, reporting monthly performance insights to leadership, and supporting quarterly business reviews.
• Assist in maintaining freight payment and audit processes to ensure accurate transportation spend and financial transparency.
• Serve as escalation point of contact for carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers.
• Monitor carrier performance across all modes (parcel, LTL, truckload, air, ocean) and support issue resolution.
• Track and report logistics KPIs (cost, service, claims, on-time performance), identifying trends and cost drivers such as fuel, accessorials, and routing.
• Support carrier sourcing, rate analysis, and implementation of transportation strategies.
• Act as a key resource for logistics processes, systems, and transportation activities.

Process Improvement & Analysis

• Conduct complex internal and external assessments of logistics operations including cost, service levels, and process effectiveness.
• Research and make logistics and transportation recommendations to reduce cost, improve service, and mitigate operational and compliance risks.
• Ensure export shipment compliance in coordination with Trade Compliance, including documentation, ITN filings, hazmat regulations, ECCN awareness, and restricted party screening, and proper execution of international shipments, and proper recordkeeping.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring to Graco

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business or related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years logistics experience in a freight forwarding, manufacturing, or distribution environment
• Working knowledge of export processes including documentation, ITN filings, and hazmat regulations
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, provide guidance to team members, and apply complex logistics knowledge
• Strong knowledge of domestic and international transportation (parcel, LTL, air, ocean); pricing, accessorials, and carrier service models
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with carrier management, freight payment/audit, and logistics reporting
• Oracle, TMS, or related systems experience

Accelerators

• Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge
• MBA or Master's degree preferred

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Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco's culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco's comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation. If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees. Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.