Logistics Program Manager (Chicago)

Location: Chicago, IL

Key Responsibilities:

Vendor Management:

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key vendor partners.
• Conduct regular business reviews, utilizing data analysis to assess performance against KPIs, identify trends, and drive improvement discussions.
• Utilize data analytics (Excel, BI tools) to rigorously assess vendor performance trends, cost-effectiveness, identify risks, and inform operational improvement strategies.
• Manage vendor performance rigorously, addressing issues proactively and implementing corrective action plans based on performance data.
• Ensure vendor compliance with contractual obligations, company policies, and relevant regulations.
• Ensure packaging guidelines are being met by suppliers and vendors.
• Verify vendor adherence to proper product handling and packaging procedures.
• Verify the accuracy of monthly vendor invoices against contracted rates and services performed.

Program Management:

• Implement and manage end-to-end reverse logistics programs.
• Define program scope, goals, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements, supported by forecasting and modeling.
• Utilize project management methodologies alongside data analysis to track progress, measure success, and identify areas needing adjustment.
• Employ analytical methodologies and tools to evaluate program effectiveness, identify process bottlenecks, forecast return volumes/costs, and quantify the financial and operational impact of implemented changes.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) informed by best practices and performance data.
• Stay current with industry best practices, emerging technologies (including analytical tools), and regulations.

Compliance & Operations:

• Ensure the integrity of import/export processes and documentation such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, repair declarations, and any other required import/export documentation.
• Possess knowledge of transportation trade compliance requirements and ensure adherence.
• Identify customs and trade compliance issues, collaborating effectively with carriers, customs brokers, and internal/external compliance teams to resolve customs issues and delays.

KPI Performance Management & Analytics:

• Define, establish, track, and own key performance indicators (KPIs) for logistics activities and vendor performance.
• Perform in-depth data analysis (trend analysis, root cause analysis, variance analysis, statistical modeling) using advanced Excel techniques and potentially BI platforms or databases to uncover actionable insights, identify optimization opportunities, and understand key performance drivers.
• Develop and maintain analytical models, reports, and dashboards (primarily in Excel, potentially leveraging other tools) to provide clear visibility into reverse logistics costs, efficiencies, cycle times, recovery rates, and vendor performance.
• Utilize robust data-driven insights, and potentially predictive modeling where applicable, to guide strategic decision-making, optimize processes, manage costs, and hold vendors accountable.
• Communicate analytical findings and performance results clearly to stakeholders and senior management.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding reverse logistics operations and performance.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Sales, Customer Service, IT, Data Analytics) ensuring alignment and data consistency.
• Present data-backed findings, program updates, risks, and recommendations clearly and concisely to various audiences.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in logistics or supply chain management, with a focus on reverse logistics operations.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in vendor management.
• Knowledgeable of transportation trade compliance requirements, including import/export processes and documentation.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with a proven ability to collect, organize, analyze, interpret, and disseminate significant amounts of complex data with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is mandatory, including mastery of complex formulas (XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, OFFSET, Nested IF/THEN statements, etc.), pivot tables, data modeling, scenario analysis, charting, and data validation.
• Demonstrated experience using data analysis (specifically within Excel or other tools) to drive operational improvements, cost reductions, and strategic decisions within a logistics or supply chain context.
• Proven experience in vendor management, including sourcing, negotiation, contract management, and data-driven performance management.
• Demonstrated program/project management experience.
• Experience extracting, manipulating, and analyzing data from ERP, WMS, or TMS systems.
• Exceptional communication (written, verbal, presentation) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex data insights to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to identify customs and trade compliance issues and collaborate effectively to resolve them.
• Strong business acumen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, Data Analytics, or a related quantitative field or equivalent experience.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CSCP, CLTD, PMP).
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in logistics or supply chain management.
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in vendor management.
• 5+ years of reverse logistics experience.
• Experience within the technology sector.