Transportation Excellence Specialist

Background & Purpose of the Role Unilever is seeking a highly motivated Transportation Excellence Specialist to support transportation performance, service excellence, and cost optimization across an assigned portfolio of customers and outbound transportation flows. The role supports customer shipments from US Distribution Centers, translating transportation data into focused action plans that improve speed, reliability, compliance, and freight cost efficiency. Unlike traditional transportation operations roles focused primarily on daily shipment execution, in time this position will serve as a strategic business partner responsible for driving key transportation performance indicators, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and driving programs that improve speed, reliability, and freight cost efficiency across the DC network. Key Responsibilities Transportation Performance Management • Monitor and manage transportation KPIs for the assigned customer portfolio, including On-Time Delivery (OTD), Logistics Cost per Tonne (CpT) and savings, carrier contract compliance, spot %, and Left of Dock. • Analyze performance trends, service failures, and cost drivers; complete root-cause analysis and recommend corrective actions. • Prepare regular performance reporting and support reviews with internal stakeholders and external transportation providers. • Track action plans, owners, due dates, and results to reinforce accountability for service and cost targets. Customer & Transportation Program Support • Support transportation optimization initiatives that improve customer service while reducing freight spend. • Identify opportunities to improve truckload utilization, network efficiency, mode selection, and transportation planning effectiveness within the assigned scope. • Contribute analysis and execution support for annual transportation savings programs. • Develop data-supported recommendations and assist with implementation plans for customer or lane-level improvements. Carrier & Partner Management • Monitor carrier performance for assigned customers, lanes, and outbound flows from the US Distribution Center network. • Support carrier performance reviews focused on service, capacity, compliance, and cost. • Partner with the Associate Manager and Procurement to provide performance data and operational input for sourcing events, negotiations, contract management, and RFPs. • Follow up on carrier adherence to contractual service requirements, operational commitments, and applicable Service Level Agreements (SLAs). • Coordinate issue resolution and support contingency planning and transportation risk mitigation activities. Cross-Functional Partnership • Serve as the transportation excellence contact for the assigned customer portfolio, partnering with Customer Service, Customer Operations, Distribution Centers, Warehousing, Logistics Finance, Procurement, transportation planning teams, and carrier partners. • Support cross-functional problem solving for service failures, capacity constraints, cost exceptions, and recurring operational issues. • Communicate performance insights, risks, and recommended actions clearly to stakeholders. • Participate in continuous improvement workshops and help implement agreed process changes. Continuous Improvement, Analytics & Technology • Use transportation data and analytics to identify opportunities and convert findings into practical action plans. • Perform scenario analysis and support transportation modeling, performance reviews, and business case development. • Support transportation technology adoption, reporting automation, process standardization, and data-quality improvements. • Work with internal and external stakeholders to test and implement technology or automation enhancements to operations and reporting. • Promote operational excellence, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement within the assigned scope. Qualifications Required • Bachelor's Degr…

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