Group Logistics Director

Certified Group is committed to delivering expert solutions and quality testing our customers can feel confident in - on time, every time - so the world can trust in what it consumes. As a leading North American provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services, Certified Group includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), FSNS Certification & Audit, Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, and Labstat International Inc. Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

JOB SUMMARY

The Group Logistics Director oversees and optimizes the logistics operations within Certified Group's portfolio Companies (Business Units). This role involves working across BU operational leaders to manage our courier network, ground-air-systems, logistics contracts (courier, next day delivery services, commercial airline, etc.), including the implementation and administration of routing software, fleet management, training, and safety. This leader is responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient transportation of samples and supplies, maintaining compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, and effectively managing costs. The Group Logistics Director will collaborate with BU operations leaders to implement efficiencies, ensuring best-in-class logistics activities across multiple locations. This leader will also be responsible for managing various international Customs relationships. This leader will uphold our Purpose and Mission and will foster a culture aligned to our Values.

Purpose: So the world can trust in what it consumes.

Mission: Partner with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise.

Values: Start with the customer, commit to safety and quality, drive to deliver, act with integrity and support the team.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure all logistics operations comply with local regulations and applicable state/province, federal, and international laws.

Team Leadership:

• Staff, influence and lead, in a matrixed environment, a team of logistics personnel, including administration of company specific routing solutions, outsourced courier service providers and the Group's specimen transportation fleet.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment and work seamlessly with portfolio company to address logistics needs
• Conduct regular team meetings to discuss goals, progress, and any challenges.
• Be passionate about serving the customer, both internal and external, and help instill and foster a customer centric view among team members.

People Management:

• Carry out management responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; participating in the performance management process; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Be a coach and a mentor. Find ways to develop leaders, peers and team members.

Logistics Management:

• Manage Group routing system software to optimize transportation routes to minimize costs and improve efficiency.
• Develop and manage a Group wide commercial aviation transport program to optimize TAT at our various hub and central labs.
• Ensure courier drivers maintain the highest standard of service through training and promoting culture of customer excellence.
• Manage the Group Fleet to ensure no service disruption by ensuring adherence of vehicle maintenance programs internally and through contracted maintenance service providers, including scheduling routine maintenance and ensuring proper documentation.
• Partner with Lab Operations team to improve visibility and accuracy of sample arrival times to the laboratories.
• Identify opportunities to improve courier service and/or economics

Courier & Shipping Billing Management

• Ensure systems and process in place for accurate and timely submittal of courier billing charges to customers for services rendered in accordance with contractual pricing or list pricing.
• Partner with Commercial Teams to identify opportunities to increase billing revenue to offset courier operating costs.
• Implement systems and processes to monitor billing efficiency and accuracy.
• Establish metrics to track billing recovery of operating expenses.

Communication:

• Establish and maintain effective communication with customers and BUs to understand their needs and coordinate logistics services accordingly.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of supplies and materials to customers.
• Address customer concerns and feedback promptly and professionally.
• Ensure contract courier companies are in adherence with service level and customer service expectations.

Financials:

• Oversee and approve logistics-related expenses, including courier contacts, commercial airline contracts, fleet management and maintenance contracts.
• Manage Group logistics budget and institute/manage group KPIs
• Negotiate favorable terms with external third party logistics providers in regard to prices charged for contracted services and the payment terms of such agreements.
• Work with Group insurance providers to ensure compliance with safety program.
• Constantly assess economics and performance of Group logistics system to maintain service levels and stay within operating budget

Quality Assurance:

• Implement and monitor quality control measures to ensure the integrity and safety of transported materials.
• Documentation of training and competency assessments for all drivers in accordance with the fulfillment of their duties.
• Conduct regular audits of logistics processes and make improvements as needed.
• Encourage team participation in quality improvement initiatives.

Safety Management:

• Administer and evolve Group's driver safety program through implementation of metrics, KPIs and tools to monitor safety performance
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and protocols within the logistics operations.
• Conduct safety training and regular safety audits to maintain a safe working environment.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability among team members.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyze logistics data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present reports on logistics performance to senior management.
• Involve team members in data analysis and decision-making processes.

Other duties:

• Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area
• Responsible for the completion of required training

SUPERVISION

• Carry out manager/supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Will oversee our logistics and courier network of 100+ employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related discipline or relevant experience. MBA or related graduate degree preferred.
• Ten years of progressive experience managing multi-site (greater than 10) courier operations in a laboratory environment.
• Familiar with ground-air-ground logistics operations and experience with commercial airline known shipper/IATA requirements.
• Significant experience with logistics management software implementation and management.
• Knowledge and experience of budgeting , expense management, and cost analysis..
• Strong understanding of supply chain management and transportation logistics.
• Familiarity of import / export regulations and processes would be a plus
• Excellent leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong communication and customer management skills.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality control.

BENEFITS:

• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Paid Holidays and Time Off

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.