Logistics Planner

For more than 50 years, Celgard has been a proven global leader in the development and production of high-performance membrane technology.  Our products are used in a broad range of energy storage and other barrier-type applications, including lithium-ion batteries, lithium primary and other specialty battery solutions, technical textiles such as waterproof breathable apparel and medical personal protective equipment (PPE) and other specialty applications.  Headquartered in the United States, we operate manufacturing facilities in the USA and China and have sales and technical service staff located strategically throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. 

Celgard is part of Polypore International, a leading global high technology company specializing in microporous membranes. Polypore brings advanced development and manufacturing know-how as well as unique problem-solving capabilities to customers' lithium-ion and lead-acid battery development teams. Polypore is an Asahi Kasei Group company, which is a diversified group of companies led by holding company Asahi Kasei Corp., with operations in the material, homes, and health care business sectors.  We are creating for tomorrow!

Celgard is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Logistics Planner to join the team in Charlotte, NC. This position be responsible for selecting and managing freight forwarders, optimizing shipping processes, and ensuring the timely and efficient movement of goods across the supply chain. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of logistics, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to manage freight operations effectively.

This position directly reports to the Supply Chain Manager and does not supervise others.

• Sincerity – Being sincere with everyone
• Challenge – Bolding taking challenges, continually seeking change
• Creativity – Creating new value through unity and synergy

**This position will be located at the Charlotte Plant, but the employee should expect to spend 1 day per week at the Concord Plant.

• Freight Forwarder Selection:
  • Identify, evaluate, and select reliable freight forwarders based on service quality, pricing, and performance.
  • Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with freight forwarders to secure favorable rates and services.
  • Maintain an up-to-date database of approved freight forwarders and carriers, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Freight Management:
  • Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of shipments, ensuring on-time delivery and cost-efficiency.
  • Track shipments and ensure that all freight movements comply with legal, environmental, and safety regulations.
  • Manage the movement of goods through various transportation modes (e.g., air, sea, road, rail) from origin to destination.
  • Resolve any shipping-related issues or delays and ensure minimal disruption to the supply chain.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Prepare and manage all necessary shipping documentation (e.g., bills of lading, customs declarations, etc.).
  • Provide accurate and timely reports on freight status, costs, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Maintain communication with internal teams, customers, and vendors to provide updates on shipments and resolve any discrepancies.
• Cost Optimization & Budget Management:
  • Monitor and analyze shipping costs and identify opportunities for cost savings or process improvements.
  • Assist in the development and management of logistics budgets, ensuring freight expenses stay within financial targets.
• Vendor Relationship Management:
  • Foster strong relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, and third-party logistics providers.
  • Evaluate the performance of freight forwarders and address any issues to maintain strong partnerships.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Stay updated on industry trends, new transportation solutions, and emerging technologies to improve logistics operations.
  • Suggest and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs in the logistics process.

Education Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration preferred.

Certifications (Preferred but not required):

• Certification in Logistics or Supply Chain Management (e.g., CLTD, CPIM, or similar).
• Knowledge of Incoterms and international trade regulations.

Knowledge & Experience: 

• 3+ years of experience in logistics, transportation, or freight forwarding.
• Proven track record of selecting and managing freight forwarders and transportation providers.
• Knowledge of international shipping regulations, customs procedures, and import/export documentation.
• Experience with Duty Drawback a plus.
• Experience with 3PL selection a plus.

Key Attributes:

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel & Word required.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with freight cost analysis and optimization strategies.
• Highly self-motivated and enthusiastic with a methodical approach and good attention to detail
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of MES and ERP systems, especially AX a plus. Able to learn, use and master a system to support the business.
• Ability to effectively manage and resolve changing and/or competing priorities.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills a must. Interacts with Sales, Procurement, Warehouse, and Production Management & staff daily.

Travel:

• Must be able and willing to travel up to 10% for domestically and abroad for training and visiting other company locations.

This position is in a manufacturing plant setting that would require working in a production environment around chemicals.  Work will require standing and walking for up to 25% of the time.  Lighting and temperature are adequate.  You may be required to lift up to 35 pounds and/or force necessary to push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

Celgard manufacturing sites are IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified.

Charlotte, NC, known as the Queen City, is a thriving metropolitan area of over 2.6 million people across 15 counties and is situated just north of the South Carolina border, within a weekend drive to the mountains and the beach.  It is comprised of diversity in people, industries and living, from urban to rural.  It is ranked second among 25 largest cities for most desirable place to purchase a home by Nerdwallet.com and is ranked eight among the top 10 big booming cities by CNNmoney.com.  Charlotte is home of one of North Carolina’s largest college campuses, UNC Charlotte.  Along with a friendly southern culture, Charlotte offers dining, arts, museums, major league basketball, football and soccer teams, a minor league baseball team, NASCAR, shopping, festivals, a variety of amenities and quick access to several parks and reserves for people who love the outdoors.

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