Manager Transportation

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Role Definition

This position leads end-to-end transportation operations across import, export, global and domestic logistics, and bonded material management. The role is responsible for optimizing transportation networks, controlling logistics costs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving service excellence. This position also manages carrier relationships, develops team capability, and drives continuous improvement through digitalization and process optimization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Import Operations

• Manage import shipments (air, LCL, FCL, consolidation) and ensure timely customs clearance.
• Collaborate with customs brokers, SSC classification teams, and internal stakeholders to mitigate risks related to HS classification, duties, and regulatory requirements.
• Proactively resolve customs clearance issues and supply chain disruptions.
• Improve inbound transportation visibility and lead-time predictability.
• Utilize digital tools (Power BI, Power Automate, etc.) to analyze transportation performance and costs and drive continuous improvement.
• Enhance integration and utilization of Caterpillar transportation-related systems and networks.

2. Export Operations

• Oversee export shipment execution, documentation accuracy, and on-time customer delivery.
• Collaborate with planning, warehouse, and order management teams to ensure shipment readiness.
• Manage urgent shipments, export restrictions, certification requirements, and other special cases.

3. Transportation Network Management

• Design and optimize global and domestic transportation networks.
• Drive carrier portfolio optimization, route improvements, and transit-time reduction.
• Monitor logistics performance and resolve operational bottlenecks.

4. Freight Cost Management

• Lead freight sourcing, bidding, contract negotiations, and carrier selection.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities through route optimization, shipment consolidation, and transportation mode conversion.
• Monitor freight spending and ensure achievement of cost targets.

5. Compliance, Risk & Bonded Material Management

• Ensure compliance with customs regulations, trade policies, bonded operations requirements, and internal controls.

• Manage bonded inventory, bonded transfers, processing trade operations, and bonded account reconciliation.
• Ensure accuracy of bonded material records, customs declarations, and regulatory reporting.
• Manage risks related to HS classification, duties, import/export licensing, and regulatory certifications.
• Support customs audits, AEO initiatives, and trade compliance programs.
• Lead logistics process standardization and improve operational visibility through data and digital tools.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Trade, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in logistics, transportation, import/export operations, customs compliance, or supply chain management within a multinational manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in transportation operations, customs clearance, bonded material management, and trade compliance.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations, processing trade operations, HS classification, import/export licensing, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and operational improvement initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Minimum 3 years of people management experience preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in bonded operations, processing trade, customs audits, and AEO certification.
• Experience in transportation sourcing, carrier management, and logistics cost optimization.
• Familiarity with SAP, Power BI, Power Automate, and other digital supply chain tools.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Customs Specialist, or related certifications preferred.

Required Skills

• Transportation & Trade Compliance Expertise

Deep understanding of transportation management, customs regulations, bonded operations, and global trade compliance requirements.

• People Leadership & Employee Engagement

Ability to engage, coach, develop, and motivate employees while building a high-performing team culture.

• Performance Management

Ability to effectively manage employee performance, including coaching, development, and addressing low-performance situations.

• Stakeholder Management

Ability to build strong relationships and effectively influence internal and external stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels. Proven capability to align priorities, resolve conflicts, and drive business results in a complex matrix organization.

• Analytical Thinking

Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.

• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Ability to quickly assess operational risks and implement practical solutions to minimize business disruption.

Preferred Skills

• Digital Capability

Ability to leverage digital tools and automation solutions to improve operational efficiency, visibility, and decision-making.

• Project Management

Proven experience leading cross-functional projects and managing multiple priorities to deliver business results.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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