Job Title: Interim Transportation Specialist (Contract)
Duration: 6–12 Months
Compensation: Up to $52/hour + Benefits (BCBS)
Other: Paid Holidays, PTO, 401k, Hybrid
Location: Near Evanston, IL
Industry: Manufacturing
We are partnering with a well-established and growing manufacturer with over 100 years of industry success to identify an Interim Transportation Specialist. This is a high-impact, contract opportunity where you will play a key role in stabilizing and optimizing transportation and logistics operations while supporting ongoing operational growth.
During the contract period, you will be eligible for benefits including medical (Blue Cross), dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and paid holidays.
Key Responsibilities:
Transportation & Logistics Execution:
- Manage day-to-day inbound and outbound transportation operations to support production and customer delivery requirements
- Coordinate shipments across multiple modes including LTL, FTL, and parcel
- Ensure on-time pickup and delivery performance while balancing cost and service levels
- Act as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight brokers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs)
- Resolve escalated shipping, delivery, and logistics issues in real time
Carrier & Freight Management:
- Analyze freight spend and identify cost-saving opportunities across transportation networks
- Negotiate rates and service agreements with carriers and logistics providers
- Monitor carrier performance using KPIs and drive corrective actions where needed
- Optimize routing, consolidation, and load planning strategies
Compliance & Documentation:
- Ensure compliance with all transportation regulations, documentation, and shipping requirements
- Maintain accurate records for shipments, freight billing, and claims management
- Support audit processes related to transportation and logistics activities
Process Improvement & Systems:
- Evaluate current transportation processes and implement improvements to increase efficiency and scalability
- Utilize ERP/MRP and TMS systems to manage shipment planning, tracking, and reporting
- Develop and maintain dashboards to monitor transportation performance metrics
- Partner cross-functionally with procurement, planning, warehouse, and customer service teams
Qualifications:
- 3–7+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment
- Hands-on experience managing freight, carriers, and shipping operations
- Strong understanding of transportation modes, rate structures, and logistics networks
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems; TMS experience is a plus
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with minimal ramp-up time
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
Why This Opportunity:
- Join a stable, century-old manufacturer experiencing growth and transformation
- High-visibility role with immediate impact on logistics and customer delivery performance
- Competitive hourly rate with full benefits during the contract period
