Company Overview
Nanoscience Instruments specializes in the sale and servicing of advanced scientific instrumentation utilized by universities, research institutions, startups, government agencies, and military laboratories. Our diverse portfolio includes electron microscopes, scanning probe microscopes, optical microscopes, and material analysis systems. We foster an informal yet professional environment supported by a team with strong engineering and scientific backgrounds.
About Logistics at Nanoscience Instruments
The Logistics department at Nanoscience Instruments plays a critical role in coordinating the movement of highly specialized scientific instruments and components between our European manufacturing partners, our logistics depot in Arizona, our support office in Virginia, and laboratories across North America.
This role sits at the center of a dynamic international supply chain that supports cutting-edge research and industry. As Logistics Manager, you will oversee the systems and processes that ensure our instruments move efficiently from factory to laboratory while maintaining the precision, care, and reliability required for advanced scientific equipment.
You will work closely with a diverse group of colleagues across the company—including scientists who sell and support the instruments, engineers who install and service them, and operations teams who ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. At the same time, you will interact with customers using these instruments in a wide range of applications such as academic research, nanomaterial manufacturing, forensics, failure analysis, and industrial quality control.
Because our instruments are sophisticated and often custom-configured, logistics at Nanoscience is far from routine. Each shipment requires coordination across suppliers, service teams, customs, and customers to ensure equipment arrives safely, on time, and ready for installation.
Position Summary
The Operations & Logistics Manager is responsible for managing and optimizing daily logistics, warehouse, and shipping operations to ensure safe, compliant, and on‑time delivery of products. This role provides direct people leadership, oversees international and domestic logistics activities, and serves as the primary subject matter expert for operational execution, import/export compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Manager is accountable for team performance, service provider execution, operational metrics, and adherence to company policies, trade regulations, and service level agreements.
Reports To: Director of Operations
Office/Shift: Phoenix AZ, Full Time, in Person
Key Responsibilities
Operations & People Management
- Lead and manage day‑to‑day Operations and Logistics activities to meet or exceed departmental objectives.
- Directly supervise and develop a team of 2–5 Operations employees, including coaching, performance management, and training.
- Set priorities, assign work, and ensure accountability for execution and results.
- Partner with HR and senior leadership on hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, corrective action, and employee development.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues requiring management‑level decision making.
- Act as the “go‑to” subject matter expert (SME) for Logistics and operational processes.
Logistics & International Shipping
- Own domestic and international shipping and receiving operations, including import/export formalities and Incoterms execution.
- Ensure compliance with trade regulations, customs requirements, and internal logistics policies.
- Coordinate with approved Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) for warehousing, transportation, and customs brokerage.
- Monitor Logistics center activities to ensure accurate booking, loading, shipping, and delivery performance.
- Actively track shipments, manage deviations, and implement preventive or corrective actions as required.
- Provide proactive communication and system updates (email, phone, Salesforce) to internal stakeholders regarding shipment status or changes.
- Support Order Management and other internal teams with Logistics guidance and execution options.
- Collaborate directly with NSI’s international suppliers, predominantly in Europe, to coordinate shipping schedules, documentation, Incoterms execution, and delivery performance.
- Serve as the primary Logistics liaison between NSI and European suppliers to ensure alignment on transportation, customs and compliance.
Process Improvement & Compliance
- Evaluate and improve operational processes to optimize product flow, warehouse layout, and material handling.
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S principles to drive efficiency, consistency, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure accurate and complete Logistics documentation for all transportation activities.
- Track and report operational metrics, responding to internal and external customer inquiries.
Financial & Administrative Oversight
- Manage logistics‑related purchase orders and approved freight spend.
- Review, match, and post freight invoices according to established accounting and logistics guidelines.
- Ensure freight invoices align with shipment details, orders, and financial controls.
- Operate within defined approval grids for booking, purchasing, and invoice authorization.
Expected Outcomes
- On‑time and accurate execution of Logistics activities from booking through invoicing.
- Full compliance with Logistics, trade, and transportation requirements.
- Consistent delivery performance aligned with customer agreements and service levels.
- Accurate documentation, reporting, and proactive communication.
- Continuous improvement in operational efficiency and team performance.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent experience in Logistics or Operations Management may be considered.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in Logistics or Operations, including prior supervisory or management responsibility.
- Strong people‑management and leadership skills.
- Advanced understanding of Incoterms and international import/export compliance.
- Working knowledge of U.S. trade compliance requirements for inbound and outbound shipments.
- Experience managing Logistics service providers, freight operations, and vendor performance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); Salesforce experience preferred.
- Experience with ERP systems; Salesforce CRM, and delivery modules preferred.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational metrics for decision‑making.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to meet the physical demands of a warehouse environment, including standing, lifting, bending, and kneeling for extended periods in a climate‑controlled setting.
Other Requirements
- Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Attributes for Success
- High emotional intelligence and customer‑focused mindset.
- Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and time‑management skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
- Attention to detail with strong documentation discipline.
- Strong supplier management, negotiation, and business acumen.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and results‑driven leadership style.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Prescription drug insurance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
