Supply Chain/Freight Coordinator

Company Overview

Hickory Harvest Foods is a leading provider of products to retailers in the thriving healthy snacks sector. We’re a fast-growing company that values career development and promotes from within, offering benefits like medical, dental, vision coverage, profit sharing bonuses, and paid time off. Join us and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to quality and growth!

Position Summary

The Supply Chain / Freight Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the flow of raw materials and packaging to support production and customer requirements. This role works closely with Purchasing, Production, Warehouse, and external vendors to ensure timely material availability, efficient freight utilization, accurate documentation, and cost control. Success in this role requires strong organization, proactive communication, attention to detail, and the ability to react quickly to changing production needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purchasing & Material Planning

• Fulfill internal production and customer requirements for all ingredients and packaging materials by planning and executing purchase orders with approved vendors.
• Track and verify purchase order confirmations; follow up with vendors if confirmations are not received within 24 hours.
• Review open purchase orders weekly and adjust delivery dates by pulling forward or pushing out orders based on updated production schedules.
• Meet weekly with the Buyer to review vendor compliance, including PO confirmation timeliness, inbound order accuracy, pricing, and any current or potential issues.
• Escalate supply, pricing, or service issues to the Buyer as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the Buyer to develop and execute plans to meet inventory targets while supporting production flexibility.

Freight & Transportation Coordination

• Maintain and continuously update the Freight Log to ensure accurate tracking and visibility of inbound shipments.
• Schedule inbound freight in alignment with inventory requirements and production needs.
• Bundle freight to minimize transportation costs, including consistently scheduling full truckloads from the West Coast and maximizing efficiencies across all lanes.
• Analyze freight charges on an ongoing basis, balancing cost, service level, and reliability of carriers.
• Proactively identify potential freight disruptions and communicate risks and mitigation plans to internal stakeholders.

Production & Warehouse Collaboration

• Meet weekly with Production to confirm material needs and validate upcoming schedules.
• Communicate effectively with the Warehouse Manager to ensure smooth scheduling, receiving, and storage (S&R) processes.
• Proactively call out potential irregularities before they occur (e.g., additional loads needed due to increased production).

Inventory, Reporting & Documentation

• Create and publish a concise weekly inventory report, including follow-up questions or action items for Production and/or the Buyer when needed.
• Maintain current invoices by matching vendor invoices to receiving documentation and purchase orders.
• Verify pricing accuracy and route invoices appropriately or flag discrepancies for resolution.
• Provide demand forecasts to box and label vendors to support their production planning and service levels.

Qualifications & Skills

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of experience in supply chain coordination, purchasing, logistics, or freight management preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and with external vendors.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail, particularly related to inventory, freight costs, and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems; experience with freight or inventory tracking tools a plus.

Key Competencies

• Planning & execution
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Cost awareness and freight optimization
• Accountability and follow-through

Reports to Director of Procurement

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Prescription drug insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person