Global Logistics Manager

ABOUT ALBERT USTER IMPORTS

Albert Uster Imports, Inc. (“AUI”) is a privately held gourmet food company headquartered in the Washington, DC area (Gaithersburg, MD) with warehouse locations in Kansas City, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Gaithersburg. AUI falls under the Vestar Capital Partners portfolio with affiliate organization, Roland Foods, LLC.

Founded in 1968, the company offers over 1,400 products from around the world. We serve leading hotels, restaurants, casinos, cruise lines, airlines, and manufacturers with innovative, high quality products and solutions to their most demanding culinary challenges. We operate a network of distribution centers across the U.S. and serve select international markets as well. AUI has a national direct selling organization of over 60 sales professionals and a staff of culinary experts (chefs and food scientists) adept at custom product solutions.

 

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Global Logistics Manager to oversee and optimize our supply chain operations both domestically and internationally. This role involves managing cold chain logistics, supervising one team member, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational standards. The manager will manage key logistics functions, including vendor coordination, cost optimization, compliance, and reporting while maintaining exceptional standards of accuracy and efficiency.

As a response to the pandemic, Albert Uster Imports Inc. office employees have transitioned to a hybrid working schedule, requiring employees to report in-person Monday through Wednesday, with the option to telework on Thursday and Friday each week. Due to the collaborative, cross-functional nature of the organization, employees at the Gaithersburg office are required to work in-person for the abovementioned days, outside of any People & Culture-approved disability accommodation request.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Logistics Operations Management

• Oversee and manage the movement of goods to ensure timely and efficient delivery across domestic and international markets
• Coordinate with overseas service providers to determine optimal loads considering cost, temperature, transit times, and hub-and-spoke logistics
• Develop and maintain domestic routing guides for use by product vendors
• Negotiate and maintain rate sheets, tariffs, and inbound freight matrix calculations
• Provide inbound freight estimates for ad-hoc air shipments

Cold Chain Expertise

• Maintain and enhance temperature-controlled supply chains to ensure product integrity and compliance
• Work closely with Purchasing teams and Distribution Center (DC) management on container reviews, inbounds, transfer scheduling, and optimal freight solutions

Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain shipment and documentation filing systems for operational purposes and mandated record-keeping requirements
• Audit duty invoices for accuracy and compliance and assist with duty classification for new products
• Maintain FDA Facility Registrations and update internal and broker files periodically
• Respond to government requests, such as sampling, lab testing, and import permits
• Manage HazMat listings, MSDS submissions, and product classifications with consultants

Reporting and Analytics

• Provide regular reports, dashboards, and shipment analyses for internal and external use
• Monitor outstanding purchase orders and transfer receipts
• Provide monthly cost analytics and propose cost-reduction opportunities

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor one team member, providing guidance and support in achieving departmental objectives

Vendor and Stakeholder Coordination

• Schedule and communicate delivery appointments, including handling FDA holds/releases in coordination with AUI DCs
• Communicate sub-optimal vendor performance to Purchasing and Innovation teams
• Manage relationships with carriers, customs brokers, and other service providers

Claims and Incident Management

• Manage all over, short, and damage (OSD) incidents, file carri