About the RoleAt Ariat, we're seeking a strategic and hands-on Manager, Transportation Inbound & Outbound, to manage day-to-day transportation execution and support efficient, cost-effective movement of goods across factories, distribution centers, third-party locations, and customer networks.
This individual will lead and support inbound, outbound, domestic, international, and cross-border transportation, while identifying opportunities to improve cost, service, speed, visibility, and reliability. The person in this role will make an immediate impact by strengthening processes, mitigating network risks, enhancing transportation technology and reporting, and driving continuous improvement in partnership with Logistics, DC Operations, carriers, and key stakeholders.
You'll Make a Difference By- Supporting and managing day-to-day NA transportation operations and contributing to transportation planning to ensure efficient and cost-effective movement of goods across factories, distribution centers, third-party locations, and customer networks, with a focus on service, execution, and continuous improvement.
- Supporting cost and service improvement initiatives through participation in RFI/RFP events, route and mode optimization, consolidation opportunities, and delivery service enhancements.
- Assessing and mitigating risks across the transportation network, resolving day-to-day challenges including delays, capacity constraints, regulatory compliance changes, and potential security concerns.
- Ensuring compliance with country laws and other regulatory requirements, working closely with regulatory agencies, transportation partners, and internal/external stakeholders.
- Staying updated on industry trends, technology advancements, and regulatory changes to continuously improve transportation strategies and best practices.
- Leading daily execution and continuous improvement of inbound and outbound transportation, including international, domestic, and cross-border flows; shipments from origin to destination; transfers/milk runs; returns flows; retail support (store launches/tradeshows); and shipping value-added services (VAS) as needed.
- Managing, monitoring, and enhancing transportation processes and workflows by standardizing work, reducing manual effort through automation, expanding system adoption, and building actionable dashboards and exception reporting to improve team efficiency and effectiveness.
- Supporting carrier and mode strategies, including carrier selection input, rate review, capacity planning, and performance tracking for transportation and logistics partners.
- Driving transportation process and network improvements that enhance cost, service, speed, visibility, reliability, and on-time delivery performance in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
- Overseeing and ensuring compliance to customer routing guides and shipping requirements across all shipping points, including third-party locations.
- Creating actionable resiliency strategies to minimize service disruptions and maintain continuity of supply and customer service.
- Supporting system and process improvements through software enhancements and implementations (e.g., TMS, WMS, Infor Nexus, SAP/S4, middleware), including gathering requirements, coordinating testing, and supporting user adoption.
- Managing, coaching, and developing team members (as applicable), while building strong cross-functional partnerships with Logistics, DC Operations, and key stakeholders to support critical initiatives and programs.
- Assisting with other responsibilities based on business needs.
About You- Bachelor's degree in business or a related field (e.g., Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management).
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in transportation or supply chain management, including hands-on experience with inbound and outbound transportation operations (international and domestic preferred).
- Strong knowledge of transportation policy, governing laws, and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, manage priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather and interpret data, develop business cases, and implement solutions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience building dashboards and KPI reporting (e.g., Tableau) preferred.
- Experience with transportation and logistics systems and integrations (e.g., TMS/WMS, Infor Nexus, SAP/S4, middleware); familiarity with EDI freight transactions a plus.
- Proven track record supporting transportation/operations in a retail and/or omni-channel environment.
Ariat's holistic benefits package for full-time team members includes (but is not limited to):
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
- Expanded wellness and mental health benefits
- Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid volunteer days
- 401(k) with company match
- Bonus incentive plans
- Team member discount on Ariat merchandise
Note: Availability of benefits may be subject to location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. Ariat reserves the right to alter these benefits in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.
