Manager, Transportation

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.

Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.

Learn about our company culture directly from our team.

YOU

As Manager, Transportation Management, you will manage freight sourcing and related operations across Simpson Strong-Tie, including being part of team responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive freight strategy to deliver on our Relentless Customer Focus. Your goal is to contribute to creating an efficient, cost-effective system for moving products between Simpson locations, suppliers, and customers. You will help build strong carrier partnerships, improve freight performance, and play a key role in overseeing transportation spending, while driving cost savings and ensuring excellent service. You bring experience in sourcing, supplier management, and negotiations, and you work well with others to solve problems and deliver results.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING (% of Time)

Support efforts to develop and implement a global transportation strategy assessing current freight models and recommending go forward approaches to improve service and reduce the total cost to serve. Play a key role in recommending optimal logistics models, aligning with stakeholders, and managing program implementation. (40%)

Partner with Branch teams in the management of day-to-day activity of key carriers & suppliers, effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise, and maintain successful relationships with suppliers. Conduct sourcing events and lead negotiations as part of vendor selection to achieve cost savings targets. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, oversee carrier performance, and conduct Business Reviews with key supply-partners. (30%)

Serve as a transportation subject matter expert, with a primary focus on our domestic LTL and TL spend category. This will include implementing best practices, monitoring market trends, and partnering with key stakeholders to ensure optimal supply chains. Partner with the Digital Technology team to identify and implement system solutions and tools needed to effectively manage all freight needs. (15%) 

Lead development and implementation of reporting tools to track Operational KPIs, Cost analytics, and Service metrics across all freight modes and related expenses. Ensure a complete understanding of total costs to determine cost drivers, support budget development, and identify savings opportunities. (15%)

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

If you can do everything listed above, you’ve got what it takes. Perhaps some of the following would be helpful too:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Business, Operations, or Supply Chain-related field 
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in Procurement, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Operations, or Logistics 
• Knowledgeable in Transportation & Logistics processes, a comprehensive understanding of the Supply Chain and experienced in Procurement & Strategic Sourcing Processes 
• Negotiation skills: Vendor Negotiations & Vendor Management, including experience with Freight Carriers, Forwarders, Brokers, and 3PLs 
• Robust understanding of total landed costs and cost modeling as part of vendor sourcing and supply chain development
• Knowledge of NMFC (density rating) and TL pricing structures
• Financial Management: Monitors spending and ensures financial accountability to meet organizational goals.
• Collaboration and Influence: Ability to work and lead projects in a decentralized organization 
• Data Analytics: Proficient in advanced reporting and analytics to evaluate performance, support data-driven decision-making, and measure the impact of key initiatives.
• Leverage data and reporting tools to inform recommendations and assess the financial impact of freight operations on overall company performance.
• Lean/continuous improvement mindset
• Business Acumen: Understands the business and industry landscape, uses financial and strategic insights to guide decisions, and aligns actions with organizational goals.
• Communication: Strong communication and interpersonal s