Position overview

The Logistics & Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for crafting and executing the strategic direction for Porsche Cars of North America (PCNA) After Sales Transportation needs. This role encompasses maintaining operational effectiveness, ensuring compliance with government regulations and company policies, and overseeing project prioritization, project management, and leadership direction for warehouse and logistics process improvement activities. Additionally, the Logistics & Continuous Improvement Manager is tasked with managing and developing team members, fostering their professional growth, career development, and competency improvements. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic direction and operational excellence. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation logistics within the organization while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Roles & responsibilities

• Develop and implement world-class transportation solutions that improve in-transit time, minimize delivery costs, reduce transit damage and maximize customer satisfaction. The transportation needs cover International air and ocean transport and Domestic air and ground service providers.
• Provide leadership direction and support for Kaizen Workshops and Process Improvement Projects (PIP) across the organization working in conjunction with the Ind Engineer.
• Identify, develop and present Process Improvement Project proposals to PLS and PCNA Executives.
• Lead and project manage the implementation of approved process improvement projects across all four PDC's with technical and data analysis support from cross functional teams at PLS and PCNA.
• Execute ROI analysis for capital improvements, 5S, quality and productivity improvement projects.
• Manage Dedicated Delivery Service (DDS) and reverse logistics from four US PDC's to 200 US Porsche Centers.
• Collaborate with PCNA and Porsche A.G. (PAG) business units to negotiate the best freight rates for inbound and outbound transportation carriers while remaining within budget.
• Select, implement and maintain all automated transportation management solutions.
• Develop, monitor and maintain key KPI performance indicators utilized to measure transportation carrier on time delivery performance, damage rates, accurate invoicing and customer experience.
• Manage the transportation carrier claims processes for damaged, incomplete shipments or late delivery of goods.
• Ensure compliance with Hazmat, Customs, DOT and C-TPAT supply chain security policies and practices.
• Responsible for Dangerous Goods (including Li-On batteries) shipment processes and storage, recording keeping requirements for all four PDC's.
• Perform weekly and monthly logistics KPI and finance reporting to PLS, PCNA & PAG management.
• Assist the PDC leadership teams with SOP creation and improvement of procedures for shipping, receiving, put away, repacking, returns, and inventory.
• Establishes strategic and department level goals for department and direct reports
• Provides guidance and support to direct reports by planning, monitoring, coaching, developing, recognizing and assessing individuals

Required qualifications include:

Education- Bachelor Degree in Business, Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain or Engineering

• 7-10 years experience of working in logistics/supply chain/transportation function within the automotive, warehousing or manufacturing environment with a comprehensive knowledge of logistics processes and procedures
• At least 5 years of direct management experience
• Ability to analyse and manipulate complex data and provide meaningful information
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills
• Strong planning skills with the ability to handle multiple projects through to completion and to manage competing priorities
• Commercial and financial acumen with a full understanding of the impact of business cost, transportation costs and customer order fulfilment
• Continuous improvement and understands lean principles- Kaizen or Six Sigma
• International and domestic freight negotiation experience
• Knowledge of small package transportation, dedicated delivery services (DDS), customs regulations, LTL, truckload and rail transportation.
• Highly computer literate - SAP EWM, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint & Word
• Able to work independently and self-initiative, excellent attention to detail skills

Preferred qualifications include:

• Expert knowledge of technical regulations related to logistics such as import/export and customs regulations, including security requirements to include certification in dangerous goods handling and aviation security.
• Professional Certifications - Six Sigma Black Belt, SAP Certifications, Project Management Institute, Association for Supply Chain Management
• Customer focused.
• Advanced Excel user
• Warehouse control system working knowledge (SAP EWM)
• 3-5 years experience with parts distribution warehouse operations
• Ability to lead large project initiatives with project management tools
• Highly skilled communicator with the ability to form and maintain good relationships internally and externally
• Proven analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.

Percentage of required travel: 5-10%, Hybrid work model, at least 50% at PCNA headquarters or PDC locations

Schedule/Shift: M-F, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (+- 1 hr) or as needed to support critical PDC transportation needs

Physical requirements

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to talk, hear, walk, sit, stand, climb stairs on occasion with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to effectively work and complete tasks in an open office/noisy environment.

Direct reports

List by job title any positions to be supervised by the incumbent:

• Industrial Engineer
• Transportation Specialist
• Claims Specialist