Job Title: Logistics Manager – Shipping/Receiving Operations
Location: McPherson, KS
Department: Shipping and Receiving
Reports To: President
FLSA Status: Exempt
Effective Date: July 10, 2025
Position Summary
The Logistics Manager – Shipping/Receiving Operations at Central Plastics Inc. (CPI) is responsible for leading all outbound logistics activities to support our plastic extrusion manufacturing processes. This role oversees daily order fulfillment, staging, packing, documentation, freight coordination, and the timely and accurate loading of finished goods onto outbound trucks. This role further coordinates freight, ensures carrier performance, manages 3PL relationships (if used), and works cross-functionally with materials, production, and customer service to meet internal and customer delivery expectations.
The Logistics Manager plays a key role in maintaining CPI’s high customer service standards, ensuring complete and accurate shipments, enforcing safety protocols, and directing a team of logistics technicians across various shifts. The position supports CPI’s mission to deliver quality extrusion products efficiently, securely, and on schedule.
Key Responsibilities
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Hires and supervises personnel responsible for all Shipping and Receiving functions.
- Oversees the day-to-day workflow of the Shipping and Receiving Department.
- Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
- Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy.
Shipping & Fulfillment Oversight
- Coordinate and supervise all outbound staging, order pulling, pallet wrapping, banding, and loading of finished extrusion products.
- Review daily shipment schedules and coordinate labor accordingly to meet delivery deadlines.
- Ensure all shipments include accurate documentation, such as BOLs, packing slips, photos, and labeling per customer or internal standards.
- Monitor truck arrivals/departures; confirm proper trailer loading, weight distribution, and securement of freight.
- Develop and manage an inventory strategy for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
- Lead material planning and inventory accuracy initiatives.
- Own cycle count program and root-cause investigations on inventory variances.
- Partner with purchasing and production to adjust forecasts and material requirements.
- Ensure warehouse layout and inventory storage aligns with FIFO and 5S practices.
- All other duties as assigned.
Inventory & Order Accuracy (Outbound Focus)
- Oversee the accuracy of pick tickets and fulfillment processes for all outbound orders.
- Collaborate with Production and QC to ensure only released, approved material is loaded for shipment.
- Track discrepancies, damages, or delays, and escalate issues promptly to management or customer service.
- Conduct monthly inventory reconciliation and oversee cycle counts.
Personnel Leadership & Scheduling
- Lead, schedule, and coach the shipping/Receiving team across all shifts and departments.
- Train employees on safe and efficient loading practices, use of MHE, and proper packaging procedures.
- Cross-train team members on all outbound tasks to ensure coverage and flexibility.
- Develop performance dashboards and ensure continuous improvement initiatives are implemented.
- Identifies and trains individuals that show potential and leadership qualities.
Safety, Equipment & Facility Standards
- Enforce all safety practices, including use of PPE and adherence to forklift safety protocols.
- Oversee maintenance and charging schedules for forklifts, pallet jacks, and other MHE used in shipping.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free shipping dock and warehouse environment.
Carrier & Logistics Communication
- Coordinate with freight carriers and third-party logistics providers to confirm pickups, schedule appointments, and resolve load issues.
- Maintain ongoing communication with Customer Service and Sales regarding special shipping instructions or rush orders.
- Implement and maintain transportation management system (TMS) functions.
- Ensure DOT and international trade compliance (ITAR, CTPAT, etc.).
Process Improvement & Documentation
- Identify bottlenecks or errors in shipping workflows and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain standardized outbound procedures and ensure team compliance with packaging and labeling specifications.
Qualifications & Experience
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field.
- 7+ years’ experience with increasing leadership in logistics operations, warehouse management or shipping supervisor role, preferably in manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of outbound logistics, freight scheduling, and load planning.
- Experience operating forklifts and directing safe equipment usage.
- Proficiency in ERP systems for order tracking and documentation. (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to lead, schedule, and train warehouse team members.
- Excellent managerial and supervisory skills.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks and a variety of duties.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proficient with computer-based management systems for inventory control, shipping operations, and fulfillment services.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
Preferred:
- Background in plastics manufacturing or experience handling extrusion product shipments.
- Familiarity with BOL preparation, load photo protocols, and packaging of long-length profiles or bundled goods.
- Intermediate Excel or data tracking knowledge (shipping metrics, logs, etc.).
- Strong customer service mindset when coordinating freight readiness.
Success Criteria
- On-Time Delivery: Shipments meet carrier and customer deadlines consistently.
- Accuracy: Outbound orders include correct quantities, documentation, and load integrity.
- Product Protection: Finished goods are handled, packaged, and loaded in a manner that prevents damage during transport; zero tolerance for preventable damage claims or returns.
- Quality Assurance: Only quality-approved, properly labeled, and released material is shipped; shipping staff work in coordination with QC to uphold product integrity.
- Leadership: Shipping team is engaged, cross-trained, and held to high standards of performance and safety.
- Safety: Zero recordable injuries; clean and compliant shipping dock.
- Responsiveness: Communicates clearly with internal teams and quickly resolves outbound challenges or carrier issues.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.
Acknowledgment
I have reviewed and understand the responsibilities of the Logistics Manager role at Central Plastics Inc. I understand this position’s responsibilities are specific to shipping and receiving operations and support the company’s production and customer fulfillment objectives.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.
I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the job description for my current position at Central Plastics Inc (CPI). I understand the duties, responsibilities, and expectations outlined in the job description, as well as the requirements for successful performance in this role.
By signing below, I affirm that:
- I have been given an opportunity to ask questions about the job description, and any questions have been answered to my satisfaction.
- I understand that the job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks and responsibilities, and that my duties may change or be modified as needed to meet the needs of the organization.
- I agree to perform the duties outlined in the job description to the best of my ability, in accordance with company policies and standards.
This acknowledgment does not constitute a contract of employment and does not alter the at-will nature of my employment.
