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 Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Operations, Carrier Management, Customer Service, and/or Transportation Analytics.
• Experience with transportation KPI reporting, data analysis, or performance management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and coordinate actions across multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Power BI and OTM (Oracle).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present performance insights and recommendations.
Preferred
• Experience with a transportation management system such as OTM, SAP TM, Oracle Transportation Management, or a similar platform.
• Knowledge of US domestic transportation and outbound logistics.
• Experience supporting transportation savings, carrier performance, or network optimization initiatives.
• Exposure to carrier sourcing, procurement, contract compliance, or Service Level Agreement management.
• Experience using automation or reporting tools to improve transportation visibility and decision making.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $71,400 to $107,200. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs. 

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible. 

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. 

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At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.

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Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at NA.Accommodations@unilever.com. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.

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