Transportation Analyst

Transportation Analyst

The Transportation Analyst reports to the Director, Domestic Transportation and is responsible for executing maximum efficiency in the movement of all domestic inbound shipments for the company associated with full truckload, less than truckload, intermodal and parcel shipments. He / she will take a collaborative approach and will be accountable for developing and executing operating plans to support delivering a superior experience to our customers through a best-of-class network. The Transportation Analyst ensures that internal and external customers receive the highest level of service, and makes decisions that maximize the operation's performance and cost metrics.

Essential Functions

Coordinate and plan supporting aspects of the company's inbound domestic transportation programs and ensure maximum efficiency in the movement of goods :

• Develop sufficient processes to support the execution of the overall transportation operations and strategy, including planning and forecasting analysis.
• Develop lines of communication between suppliers, merchants, stores, etc. to increase levels of collaboration to realize efficiency and cost savings.
• Support the development and execution of annual transportation budgets, metrics and KPI's for carrier evaluations and other department activities.
• Understand and support compliance standards as related to the Belk Vendor Guide.
• Ensure adherence to all domestic transportation laws and regulations.
• Peak period planning and coordination.
• Identify potential capacity shortfalls.
• Proactive communication of exception shipments to impacted stakeholders.
• Provide analytical support for inbound transportation, along with any potential inbound / outbound synergies.
• Support supplier program to ensure service levels are consistently exceeded at the most effective costs; includes supporting relationship management strategies and performance management aligned with operational planning and execution.
• Work closely with merchants to ensure timely and cost-efficient delivery of commodities, and to evaluate and plan for shipping instances that are not considered to be standard circumstances.
• Support the execution of annual TL / IMDL / LTL bid process with incumbent carriers and new carriers to award inbound lanes based on cost, service, insurance, and ability to deliver in accordance with Belk requirements.
• Work closely with DC operations and carrier partners to optimize use of backhaul strategies.
• Act as an integral part of engaged, diverse team that will ensure the highest level of service, productivity, safety and quality.
• Links company mission, vision, values, goals and strategies to daily functions.
• Assumes appropriate responsibilities and holds oneself accountable for results.
• Takes initiative to develop new ideas to improve productivity and effectiveness.
• Actively offers diverse and innovative perspectives in interactions with others.
• Sets priorities to ensure the customer comes first.
• Communicates goals with management frequently and clearly.
• Prioritize work and deliver results.
• Convey a desire and commitment for continuous improvement :
• Ensure standardization and sharing of best-demonstrated practices among the operation.
• Ensures compliance with key company standards of safety and management.
• Support the development of strategy and future capabilities as it pertains to the company's short and long-term strategic direction.
• Support the development and attainment of short and long-range goals and objectives.
• Review and analyze activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to determine progress toward stated goals and objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend new or revised processes and procedures to ensure compliance with established standards.
• Ensure information connectivity between suppliers, service providers, distribution and logistics and stores.
• Demonstrate effective and timely communication between Supply Chain, Distribution / Fulfillment Centers, and various corporate departments to guarantee coordination of efforts.

Required for All Jobs

Performs other duties as assigned

Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

Education

BA / BS in Business, Engineering, Logistics or equivalent

Work Experience

0-3 years transportation and / or supply chain experience as an operator with a career path showing increasing responsibility in transportation, logistics and supply chain

Experience in transportation management systems / supply chain technology

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Proficient with Microsoft Office suite; advanced skills in Excel

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills

Ability to work effectively across organizations among suppliers, supply chain, and stores; ability to create strong, trust-based relationships with these constituents

Well-developed analytical skills with reference to merchandise, vendors and freight; identification and development of transportation trends; transportation systems operations; and expense control efforts

A champion on new initiatives with an ability to successfully work across different groups, and to execute by bridging functional and divisional silos

Ability to collaborate with others, accountable for results, and an impeccable record of delivering on projects and daily job functions

Fact-based, objective approach

Demonstrated sense of urgency

Ability to align actions and plans to strategies

Supports a learning culture

Focuses on customers and results

Some limited travel