Logistics Lead

Job Description

The Logistics Lead is responsible for end-to-end oversight of the company's domestic and international logistics operations, supporting our U.S.-based solar module and cell manufacturing business. With approximately 60% of key components sourced via imports- primarily ocean freight, supplemented by air freight- this role will optimize cost structure, ensure on-time delivery, streamline inland transportation, and drive continuous improvement across all inbound and outbound logistics processes. The ability to lead carrier negotiations, establish robust KPIs, manage logistics risk, and execute efficiency and cost-saving initiatives is critical to supporting production, inventory flow, and overall business success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performance logistics team, fostering accountability, engagement, and operational excellence.
• Own end-to-end management of international inbound logistics, including ocean and air freight bookings, scheduling, routing, and tracking to support 60% imported component volume for U.S. manufacturing.
• Manage U.S. domestic transportation, including inbound material delivery to plants and outbound shipment of finished solar modules and cells via over-the-road (OTR), LTL, and FTL solutions.
• Work with purchasing team to drive competitive rates and service agreements with freight carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and 3PL providers.
• Collaborate closely with customs compliance and trade teams to ensure timely customs clearance, proper documentation, duty compliance, and alignment with U.S. import/export regulations relevant to solar manufacturing.
• Maintain centralized, real-time shipment visibility and tracking logs for all inbound ocean, air, and domestic freight; provide accurate, timely updates to production planning, procurement, warehouse, and finance teams.
• Monitor carrier performance, on-time delivery (OTD), transit times, and freight costs; address delays, disruptions, and claims proactively to minimize production risk.
• Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for freight cost per unit, on-time delivery, transit time variance, documentation accuracy, and logistics efficiency.
• Prepare and distribute monthly logistics performance reports by mode (ocean, air, truck, intermodal) with analysis of trends, cost variances, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to reduce logistics costs, streamline processes, eliminate waste, and enhance supply chain resilience.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and industry best practices for domestic and international transportation.
• Coordinate closely with planning, procurement, warehouse, production, and finance to align logistics flow with manufacturing schedules and inventory targets.

Qualifications

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, data analysis) for reporting, budgeting, and performance tracking.
• Working knowledge of logistics management tools, TMS (Transportation Management Systems), and shipment tracking platforms is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of international freight terms (FOB, CIF, DDP, EXW), ocean/air shipping processes, U.S. customs clearance, and cross-border trade compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple shipments, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact effectively with carriers, suppliers, internal teams, and external partners.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.

Traits

• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and precise with data and documentation.
• Proactive, results-driven, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership presence with ability to motivate a team and drive accountability.
• Collaborative team player with ability to partner across functions.
• Adaptable to changing production schedules, supply chain disruptions, and business priorities.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in logistics, transportation, or freight management; experience in procurement or logistics buying is strongly preferred.
• Direct experience in high-volume manufacturing, preferably within solar, renewable energy, hi-tech, or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience supporting U.S.-based manufacturing with significant imported components (ocean + air freight) is highly desirable.
• Experience in startup, high-growth, or rapidly scaling manufacturing environments preferred.
• Familiarity with Lean principles, continuous improvement, total cost of ownership (TCO), and process optimization.
• Experience working with international suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and domestic carriers.

Additional Information

• Competitive Market Wages
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• Health Savings Account option
• Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Home office and flexible working schedule