You own everything that moves at Phoenix Steel – inbound freight from mills and suppliers, outbound shipments to customers, and the team that makes it all happen. When loads are covered, trucks are running full, and nothing falls through the cracks, the entire operation runs smoothly.
What You’ll Do
· You lead the traffic team directly – the Traffic Coordinator, Shipping Lead, Receiving Lead, and material handling operators. You set clear expectations, run regular 1-on-1s, and make sure everyone knows what they own and how they’ll be measured. When someone needs coaching or a tough conversation, you handle it.
· You plan and coordinate all inbound freight across all locations. You build loads with enough lead time to get good rates, track shipments in transit, and communicate delays before anyone has to chase you. When a boat arrives or a mill shipment comes in, you’ve already planned where it goes.
· You own outbound loads from non-Phoenix locations – outside warehouses, supplier directs, and partner facilities. While your Traffic Coordinator handles Phoenix facility outbound, you cover everything else through our freight management platform or direct carrier relationships.
· You keep eyes on the full order pipeline so nothing gets dropped. You review upcoming orders daily, catch problems early, and take over hot loads that need carrier relationships or creative solutions. When Sales or Production has an escalation, they call you.
· You build and maintain the carrier network. You know who’s good on which lanes, negotiate competitive rates, track on-time performance, and replace carriers who can’t deliver. You maximize our own truck utilization – finding backhauls, routing efficiently, and making sure Phoenix trucks earn instead of running empty.
· You’re the go-to when other departments need traffic answers. Sales needs a delivery date, Purchasing needs an inbound ETA, Production needs to know what’s shipping – you have the answer and communicate it before they have to ask.
· You drive improvements in the traffic function. When you see time being lost or mistakes repeating, you fix the process. You make sure the team uses our tools effectively, keep work instructions current, and bring recommendations to the COO when something could work better.
What Success Looks Like
· Loads ship on time and arrive when promised. When delays happen, affected teams know about it with updated ETAs before customers call asking.
· Freight costs stay competitive over time. You know what lanes should cost, push for better pricing without sacrificing service, and track costs with context on what’s driving the numbers.
· Your team runs smoothly whether you’re there or not. Direct reports have clear expectations, cross-training keeps the function running during absences, and performance reviews happen on schedule.
· Phoenix trucks run full and profitable. You track utilization, find backhaul opportunities, and turn empty miles into revenue.
What You Bring
· 7+ years in transportation, logistics, or traffic management in a manufacturing or distribution environment
· Proven experience managing a team – hiring, training, coaching, and having hard conversations when needed
· Experience planning both inbound and outbound freight, including load building, carrier negotiation, and route optimization
· Comfortable working in TMS platforms and ERP systems for load planning, shipment tracking, and reporting
· Strong carrier relationship management – negotiating rates, tracking performance, and holding carriers accountable
· Ability to work across functions and communicate clearly with Sales, Purchasing, and Production teams
What Would Set You Apart
· Steel service center, metals, or heavy industrial logistics background
· Experience managing both company-owned trucks and outside carrier networks
· Track record of reducing freight costs through lane optimization, carrier diversification, or utilization improvements
· Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) for load planning and freight optimization
What You Get
· Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability coverage provided
· 401(k) with company contribution
· You own the traffic function with real authority and a direct line to the COO – this isn’t a middle management role where decisions get made three levels up
· Direct impact on company performance – when traffic runs well, Sales makes commitments confidently and Production stays on schedule
· A growing steel service center where you’ll build and lead the team, not just manage tasks
About Phoenix Steel
Phoenix Steel Service is a growing steel service center in Cleveland that processes and distributes flat-rolled steel products. We invest in our systems and our people, promote from within when possible, and maintain direct access between team members and senior leadership. Our low turnover speaks to the stability and opportunity we offer.
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and highly organized Traffic Manager to oversee the seamless coordination of transportation, logistics, and supply chain operations. In this pivotal role, you will ensure the efficient movement of goods, optimize warehouse distribution processes, and manage vendor relationships to support overall business objectives. Your proactive approach will drive process improvements, enhance inventory management, and ensure timely delivery across all channels. Join us to lead our logistics operations with energy, precision, and strategic insight!
Responsibilities
- Coordinate transportation planning and freight management to optimize delivery schedules and reduce costs
- Oversee warehouse distribution activities, including shipping & receiving, inventory control, and materials handling
- Manage procurement processes, sourcing vendors, and negotiating contracts to secure competitive pricing and reliable service
- Utilize data analysis skills and supply chain analytics tools such as Tableau, SQL, and ERP systems to monitor performance metrics and identify areas for improvement
- Lead root cause analysis for supply chain disruptions or delays, implementing effective process improvements
- Supervise warehouse management systems (WMS) and transportation management systems (TMS) to streamline operations
- Collaborate with third-party logistics providers (3PL), NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier), and other vendors to ensure efficient order fulfillment and dispatching
Requirements
- Proven experience in supply chain management, warehouse distribution, or logistics roles with a focus on transportation planning and inventory control
- Strong data collection and analysis skills using tools such as SQL, Tableau, or other analytics platforms
- Familiarity with ERP systems like SAP, AS400, or similar warehouse management systems (WMS) and transportation management systems (TMS)
- Knowledge of procurement processes including sourcing, vendor management, contracts, and pricing strategies
- Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement process improvements effectively
- Mechanical knowledge or forklift certification is a plus for understanding warehouse materials handling equipment
- Excellent negotiation skills combined with a strategic mindset for category management and supply chain optimization
Join us as a Traffic Manager to energize our logistics operations! Bring your expertise in transportation management systems, freight coordination, and supply chain analytics to help us deliver excellence every step of the way. Your proactive leadership will be instrumental in driving efficiency across our entire supply chain network!
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
