PurposeThe 3PL Network Manager is responsible for the overall performance, coordination, and continuous improvement of Aurora Organic Dairy's third-party warehouse network and shuttle transportation operations. This role ensures finished goods are positioned efficiently and accurately across the network while maintaining strong operational relationships with 3PL partners. The role manages capacity and service performance and drives resolution of inventory, cost, and operational issues.
Essential Responsibilities3PL Network Management- Manage AOD's third-party warehouse network, including day-to-day partner relationships, service performance, capacity planning, warehouse utilization, and resolution of operational issues.
- Establish and monitor 3PL performance expectations, including inventory accuracy, receiving performance, product handling, code-date/FEFO compliance, and corrective action plans when service expectations are not met.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve network efficiency, service, capacity utilization, and standardization across 3PL locations.
Financial & Cost Management- Own financial performance for AOD's 3PL warehouse and shuttle network, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and reporting of storage, handling, accessorial, and shuttle costs.
- Review and validate 3PL and shuttle invoices, resolve billing discrepancies, and identify cost-reduction opportunities while balancing service, capacity, and operational requirements.
Inventory & Shuttle Operations- Oversee inventory reconciliation between AOD systems and 3PL-reported inventory, driving root-cause resolution of discrepancies, damages, receiving issues, and other service failures.
- Manage daily shuttle operations and coordinate with Production Planning to align finished goods movement with production schedules, inventory requirements, warehouse capacity, and demand needs.
- Monitor shuttle execution, load accuracy, utilization, and service performance; partner with Logistics on carrier-related escalations while maintaining separation from carrier relationship ownership.
Team Leadership- Lead, develop, and manage the shuttle and 3PL coordination team, including workload prioritization, performance management, training, and growth.
- Provide timely visibility to Supply Chain leadership and cross-functional teams on network performance, inventory risks, service issues, costs, and capacity constraints.
Other Required Responsibilities- Maintain strong cross-functional relationships by communicating issues, risks, and relevant information in a timely and effective manner.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain, Sales, Customer Service, and Plant Operations to support customer service and overall business needs.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge through relevant training, education, and industry development.
- Support a 24/7 operating environment, including occasional attention to urgent issues outside normal business hours.
- Travel as needed to AOD facilities, 3PL locations, and other business-related sites.
Skills and Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 5+ years of experience in supply chain, logistics, transportation, warehousing, or related operations, with direct experience managing third-party logistics providers strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing performance in a fast-paced, multi-site operating environment.
- Strong financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cost management, and operational reporting.
- Advanced Excel proficiency required.
- Experience working with ERP systems and inventory reconciliation processes required.
- Infor M3 experience preferred.
- Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills, particularly related to inventory, service, cost, and operational issues.
- Excellent communication and relationship-management skills with the ability to effectively manage 3PL partners, internal stakeholders, and direct reports.
- Experience in food, beverage, refrigerated, or perishable-goods supply chains preferred.
Physical Requirements- Must be able to work for extended periods in an office environment as well as spending their entire day on the plant floor. Walking, climbing, bending, stooping, and working in adverse environments will all be a requirement. Lift up to 50 lbs at times. Able to travel via automobile or airline.
