Logistics Planning Manager Jobs in Rochelle, IL (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY

The Logistics Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day logistics operations for domestic and international shipments, including freight forwarders, truckload and LTL carriers, ocean freight, air freight, southern border crossings, and small parcel shipments such as UPS.

This role will serve as the primary operational leader for logistics activities and will be responsible for ensuring freight moves efficiently, cost-effectively, and with appropriate visibility to internal stakeholders. The Logistics Manager will manage carrier relationships, freight escalations, claims, insurance matters, rate requests, RFQs, and logistics process improvements.

The Logistics Manager will partner closely with Trade Compliance, Purchasing, Operations, Customer Service, Sales, Finance, and external logistics providers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manage day-to-day domestic and international logistics operations, including ocean, air, truckload, LTL, cross-border, and small parcel shipments.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for freight forwarders, truckers, customs brokers, parcel providers, and other logistics service providers.
• Coordinate and monitor shipments to ensure timely pickup, transit, border crossing, and delivery.
• Manage logistics escalations, including missed pickups, delayed deliveries, carrier capacity issues, border delays, accessorial charges, and service failures.
• Lead communication with internal stakeholders regarding shipment status, risks, delays, and recovery plans.
• Manage Mexico/U.S. southern border crossing logistics, including carrier coordination, transit expectations, documentation flow, and escalation of crossing delays.
• Support and manage ocean freight RFQs, carrier negotiations, rate benchmarking, and service provider selection.
• Review and analyze freight quotes, spot rates, contract rates, accessorial charges, and freight invoices for reasonableness and accuracy.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of Incoterms and ensure logistics responsibilities align with agreed commercial terms.
• Coordinate cargo insurance requirements and support freight claims, damage claims, shortage claims, and recovery efforts.
• Partner with Trade Compliance to ensure shipment documentation, broker instructions, and routing align with import/export requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve logistics procedures, routing guides, carrier instructions, and escalation processes.
• Track logistics performance, including carrier service levels, cost trends, on-time performance, claims, and recurring operational issues.
• Identify opportunities to reduce freight costs, improve transit reliability, and strengthen logistics visibility.
• Support internal freight cost analysis, budgeting, reporting, and logistics forecasting.
• Work with Purchasing, Operations, Customer Service, Sales, and Finance to align logistics execution with business needs.
• Support continuous improvement projects related to freight management, carrier performance, shipment visibility, and cost control.
• Maintain accurate logistics records, shipment documentation, rate files, claims files, and related correspondence.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of domestic and international logistics operations.
• Strong working knowledge of Incoterms and the impact of freight terms on responsibility, risk, cost, and insurance.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (CONTINUED):

• Experience managing freight forwarders, truckload carriers, LTL carriers, parcel providers, and cross-border transportation providers.
• Strong knowledge of ocean freight, air freight, truckload, LTL, small parcel, and Mexico/U.S. southern border crossings.
• Experience with ocean freight RFQs, rate negotiations, carrier selection, and freight cost analysis.
• Understanding of cargo insurance, freight claims, damage claims, shortage claims, and carrier liability.
• Ability to manage urgent logistics escalations and communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze freight costs, service trends, carrier performance, and operational risks.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound business judgment in time-sensitive situations.
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing freight quotes, invoices, documentation, and shipment instructions.
• Ability to prioritize multiple shipments, escalations, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems, freight portals, TMS platforms, UPS systems, or freight forwarder platforms is preferred.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating across departments.

PREFERRED (NOT REQUIRED):

• DG/IATA Dangerous Goods certification is preferred.
• DOT Hazmat / 49 CFR and/or IMDG dangerous goods training preferred.
• Experience with CTPAT, cargo security, or supply chain security programs is a plus.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, International Trade, Operations, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in logistics, transportation, freight forwarding, supply chain, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience managing logistics providers, freight RFQs, carrier performance, and freight escalations required.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with international shipments, ocean freight, air freight, southern border crossings, and domestic trucking strongly preferred.
• Supervisory or Lead experience preferred.

The budgeted range for this role is $ 75,000.00 to $ 95,000.00 USD annually. The range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the desired level of experience for the position. Bergstrom Inc. considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to Bergstrom’s discretionary incentive, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, fitness reimbursement, paid time off, and holidays.

Bergstrom Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunity without unlawful regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from military service, order of protection status, genetic information status, pregnancy, childbirth (or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), work authorization status, or other protected group as provided by law.