Sr. Manager Supply Chain US Transportation

Sr. Manager Supply Chain US Transportation

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Hybrid - Kohler, WI

Opportunity

The Sr Manager, Transportation is the functional owner, leader and strategy developer for the Kitchen and Bath North America businesses.  The role is accountable for direct P/L costs of $200M. Leads and manages all Kitchen and Bath North America transportation operations; Including Customer delivery planning, carrier management, delivery service levels, capacity management, and shipment execution. Owns and is accountable for the direction, relationship management, service commitments and strategy for KBNA TMS partners. Directs freight invoice payment, and Governmental/Department of Transportation regulatory compliance functions for Kohler Co. 

This key Supply Chain leadership role balances strategic direction with operational excellence, ensuring alignment with company objectives while fostering a culture of leadership and development. The Sr. Manager is responsible for setting key performance metrics, overseeing financial management, and implementing continuous improvement programs to drive efficiency and customer satisfaction

Specific Responsibilities

• Owns and directs carrier relationships, including vendor/partner selection for all US locations of the Company; liaison with Private Fleets; co-own with purchasing contract negotiation and administration; service execution and performance monitoring; claims process monitoring and management; shipment tracking and customer experience; invoice payment and business intelligence gathering. Responsible for over $200 Million in annual direct P/L transportation spend.
• Develops and Owns annual KBNA transportation plan and department budget.  Owns and updates monthly forecasts updates; reports weekly, monthly and quarterly performance to Business and Finance leadership teams. Monitors trends and leading indicators to ensure the function meets financial plans.
• Owns and is accountable for 3rd party freight payment relationships and services.  Responsible for freight payment management and partners with finance for freight accruals and cash flow. Facilitates systems and process improvements with 3PL and Kohler IT group.
• Owns the Truckload, LTL and Inbound freight rate engines in our ERP and external TMS. Manages systematic rate changes, audits and reconciliation. Owns and approves weekly funding to freight payment 3PL and direct carriers. 
• Will Co-Lead the Delivery Excellence Program with Network Optimization team.  12 months major project that designs, measures and implements a defined delivery commitment, process, scheduling and tracking of every customer shipment.  Will partner with 3PL, IT, Systems providers to build a scheduling, proactive tracking and communication and full metric suite to support LOTIF to delivery of 95% for KBNA.  Will provide ongoing management once go-live.
• Consults with Network Strategy team and provides freight modeling analytics to support Network Design team.  Part of the Network Strategy steering team. Analyze the financial impact of proposed logistics changes, such as routing, shipping modes, volumes and carriers.
• Builds and Owns the domestic transportation sustainability strategy, program implementation and metrics monitoring.  Manages monthly reports and reports out quarterly on performance and improvement programs.  Will be tasked specifically with building the transportation support plan for Scope 3 emissions with our carrier partners, Private fleet and site support vehicles.
• Direct Customer contact for Transportation related issues and delivery improvement programs. Will travel with Kohler Logistics and Customer Service to End Customer sites for performance review and improvement initiatives. (20% travel)
• Accountable for compliance with government or regulatory body requirements for safe, secure cargo movements withing the KBNA Network.
• Develop and Leads the Kohler Kitchen and Bath Americas E-commerce, Showrooms and Builder market Final Mile Delivery and Transportation Strategy. Will develop specialized milk runs,  dedicated fleet routes and and parcel delivery systems.  Including oversize, bulky and white glove transportation, installation services  and delivery strategy.
• Will have Indirect Management responsibility of DC 3PL Transportation Coordinators responsible for day-to-day trailer assignment and local service metrics.
• Represents Kohler Transportation Department and coordinates action across business operations to optimize transportation carriers, modes, and segments to meet clear service goals for all units of the Company.
• Directs all Transportation Management functions including (10) Load Coordinators centrally located or at field locations and (1) KPS Logistics Analyst. Also responsible for leading and mentoring Supply Chain Rotational Associates while in the department. Leads Transportation processes and execution for TMS.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks, disruptions, or quality issues in freight services, to minimize the impact on overall operations and customer satisfaction
• Manager is the Transportation and Logistics subject matter expert for North America. Reports (in collaboration with Purchasing) monthly and quarterly industry conditions, network and capacity management for all US shipping locations

Skills/Requirements

BA/BS degree in Logistics, Supply Chain required; 7+ years’ experience in transportation management required. Has strong relationship management, organizational and analytical skills. Professional demeanor and strong leadership, planning, organization, negotiation, analytical and computer skills are required.

Must be familiar with all US Department of Transportation, or other government agency rules and regulations affecting US trucking companies. Must have working knowledge of US truckload pricing programs and freight brokerage concepts.

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Why Choose Kohler?
We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us
It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com.  Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.