Senior Specialist, Container Management
Nova SourceSENIOR SPECIALIST, CONTAINER MANAGEMENT We are seeking a Senior Specialist, Container Management to lead the planning, design, and execution of container management and returnable packaging operations for a premier automotive OEM scaling next-generation electric vehicle manufacturing. Based out of our facility in the Columbia / Blythewood, SC area, this role is responsible for establishing a resilient, closed-loop supply chain for transport empties—ensuring seamless flow between our central assembly plant and tier-1 supplier networks. This high-impact, hands-on role requires an experienced automotive logistics professional who excels at bottleneck control, inventory tracking, empty container steering, and cross-functional supplier coordination to safeguard production uptime. Location: Blythewood, South Carolina Schedule: On-site 4–5 days/week; high attendance to travel required for events and meetings Compensation: $110,000.00 – $135,000.00 initial base salary + annual performance bonus RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the development, design, and implementation of planning concepts and projects for the Container Management Function. Support suppliers in transportation, infrastructure, packaging, scheduling, and equipment processes to ensure an optimal, reliable supply chain of empties. Schedule empties (pallets, containers, transport frames, etc.), track delivery backlogs, and steer empty containers in the loop between the plant and supplier plants to secure adequate container supply. Identify potential supply chain risks early, check transport container inventory, and actively develop, align, and follow up on cross-departmental countermeasures for bottleneck control. Identify, process, and maintain data for transport container inventory management and control, process complaints, and initiate inventories. Establish ongoing, constructive, and cooperative communication with suppliers. Responsibly carry out special tasks corresponding to skills and duties in factual, cooperative collaboration with supervisors, employees, and affected departments in compliance with guidelines, standards, and regulations. QUALIFICATIONS 8+ years of professional experience in automotive production and logistics (e.g., inbound/outbound logistics, supply chain management, container management, JIT/JIS); experience in automotive logistics container management preferred. Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, logistics, or related fields (equivalent relevant work experience considered in lieu of a degree). Strong technical skills in networking, hardware, and software systems, as well as process design. Ability to independently work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and exhibit high attendance to travel. Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to optimize complex processes. Proven ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, driving successful execution on container management. High integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, positive attitude, growth mindset, comfort with change, flexibility, and a collaborative approach. Benefits & Perks Medical, dental, vision, income protection; 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting; 20 days planned PTO, 40 hours unplanned PTO, 14 company/floating holidays; up to 16 weeks paid parental leave; paid leave for bereavement, jury duty, voting, or military leave Pay: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have at least 5 years of experience in automotive logistics or container management? Have you managed returnable containers, racks, pallets, or transport frames in a manufacturing environment? Have you used ERP, SAP, or other inventory management systems to manage container assets? Have you develope…