Logistics Coordinator

The Inventory and Production (Logistics) Coordinator is primarily responsible for supporting production continuity at the La Vergne facility with inventory, and material flow, along with railcar placement, receiving schedules, bulk inventory movement, and related logistics. This position maintains accurate daily visibility of production, inventory, and railcar status; maintains bulk inventory using FIFO practices; and actively manages rail service to keep demurrage at the lowest possible level. The role works with Production Supervisors, Schedulers, Procurement, and Plant Operations to identify supply risks and maintain accurate inventory.

Key Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• In collaboration with Plant Operations, inventory, rail, and bulk logistics activities with a daily focus on safety, inventory accuracy, production continuity, service performance, and cost control (demurrage).
• Coordinates material requirements, and priorities with Production Supervisors and Schedulers.
• Maintain accurate records supplies and bulk inventory to support production requirements and inventory accuracy.
• Monitor material availability against expected usage and upcoming production needs; confirm bulk-on-hand levels with Production Supervisors and Schedulers.
• Manage all logistics related to railcar placement at the La Vergne, TN plant, and coordinate daily rail receiving and unloading schedules.
• Manage the CSX website, including monitoring railcar movement, deciding railcar placement per track, and tracking service requests and case status.
• Open, document, and follow up on service cases when CSX service does not meet requested timing or requirements.
• Maintain accurate daily records and report on the status, location, contents, and readiness of every railcar on plant tracks.
• Monitor railcar dwell time and take timely action to keep demurrage at the lowest possible level.
• Communicate daily with Bulk Procurement and Procurement staff regarding railcar arrivals, shortages, delays, transfer needs, and other risks to supply.
• Escalate potential bulk shortages, rail delays, demurrage exposure, unloading constraints, track issues, or production risks to the Plant Manager and appropriate partners.
• Coordinate timely movement and delivery of materials to production areas, and plan and coordinate daily bulk transfers to and from alternate warehouse locations, minimizing storage space at the production plant by maintaining efficient days-on-hand/weeks-on-hand (DOH/WOH) practices in a commodity-based environment, with a focus on minimizing pest activity.
• Recommend daily bulk unloader schedules and priorities to support production requirements and efficient railcar release.
• Support the operation when material shortages, labor constraints, equipment issues, backlogs, or other interruptions affect the plan; and communicate changes to affected departments.
• Record production information, including output, raw-material consumption, quality measures, and production or equipment status, as assigned.
• Perform or support cycle counts; investigate inventory variances and maintain accurate lot, usage, and production-history records to support traceability and mock recalls.
• Maintain bulk and other inventory using first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices and identify aging or at-risk inventory.
• Inspect and promptly report possible track-condition concerns, access issues, or other conditions that may affect safe and reliable rail service.
• Review records, materials, and work processes for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Run and review inventory and production reports using designated company systems; make inventory adjustments only as authorized.
• Maintain accurate production, rail, bulk inventory, transfer, receiving, and unloading records and provide reports as requested.
• Identify and support process improvements that improve rail utilization, inventory accuracy, inventory flow, service reliability, production continuity, and cost performance.
• Follow company safety policies and maintain a clean and orderly work area. Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Safe Quality Food (SQF) procedures, including timely and accurate completion of required documentation.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Required education and experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in an office, administrative, inventory, or production-support role.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of rail logistics, demurrage, bulk inventory control, FIFO practices, receiving schedules, and inventory transfers.
• Ability to use the CSX website or similar rail-service systems to track equipment, submit service requests, and manage cases.
• Strong planning, organization, and time-management skills with the ability to manage changing priorities and accommodate schedule changes or overtime as needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels, including plant personnel, procurement, carriers, and rail service providers, individually and in a team environment.
• Basic math skills, high attention to detail, and strong data-entry, recordkeeping, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license in good standing

Preferred education and experience

• Associate degree in logistics, supply chain, business, or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in logistics, rail operations, bulk inventory, material coordination, transportation, or a manufacturing environment.
• Experience coordinating railcars, bulk commodities, inventory transfers, or demurrage (strongly preferred).
• Experience in an inventory or production coordination role in a food-manufacturing operation.
• Experience with WMS, ERP, inventory, or production-scheduling systems.
• Familiarity with cycle counting, FIFO, lot traceability, and GMP/SQF documentation.
• Ability to evaluate risks, make timely decisions with limited guidance, and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Process-improvement mindset focused on safety, service, inventory accuracy, production continuity, and cost control.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.

Benefits

• Employee-owned
• Advancement opportunities
• Weekly pay
• Insurance coverage that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance and flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid holidays and competitive vacation/sick pay plans
• Tuition assistance program
• Employee stock ownership program (ESOP)