Supply Chain Specialist - Transportation - KURARAY AMERICA INC

Title: Supply Chain Specialist (Logistics)
Location: Houston, TX (Clear Lake)
Who we are:
Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI)is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 31 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.
Why Kuraray:
Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.
As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.
Position Summary:
The Supply Chain Specialist (Transportation) role is responsible for the procurement and administration of Kuraray America, Inc.'s domestic trucking for finished goods. Assists the Procurement team with the movement of raw materials and supplies from vendor site to Kuraray North America sites. Responsible for managing the carrier network, parcels, and overseeing railcar activities. This position acts as a liaison between KAI's logistics team and our preferred transportation service providers. The position is assigned with the task of strategy design and implementation for selecting, qualifying, contracting, and managing transportation partners that will deliver the best options for our customers' transportation needs: on time, intact, and at the best price. This position is responsible for developing and driving key initiatives that align with KAI's long-term goals, while also actively participating in the day-to-day operations and implementation of those strategies. Maintains market intelligence to support strategies and drive technological advancements. Acts as an escalation point for any transportation issues and develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of the customers.
An integral member of logistics team working to support departmental goals, projects, and cross-functional support. Works closely with vendors to build quality and service-driven SOPs, efficient electronic communications, and seeks out opportunities for improvement. Generates quality metrics, analysis, budget, and reporting. Runs annual vendor audits and supports the entire procure-to-pay process. The responsibilities of this role may evolve or shift over time to meet the changing needs of the business.
Responsibilities:
- Design and optimize complex supply chain solutions for internal and external customers
- Lead strategic sourcing and RFx events to procure logistics services
- Maintain collaborative relationships with internal Kuraray business units and vendors
- Negotiate rates and contracts with vendors
- Serve as escalation point for shipping issues
- Develop and implement vendor performance management programs
- Improve supply chain performance (cost and quality) through process standardization and application of best practices
- Maximize vendor performance using data analysis, collaboration, and cooperative innovation
- Raise KAI's profitability by reducing logi tical costs, controlling risks, and improving customer experience
- Improve logistical procedures for accuracy, efficiency, compliance and risk mitigation
- Create and monitor budgets, and prioritize activities to achieve continuous improvement
- Comply with all necessary rules and regulations
- Provide operational support to other team members; help the logistics team with tasks and/or projects as needed
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduating in December 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Business, or similar field
Minimum of 6 months of experience in transportation
Proven ability to design and manage complex RFx events and apply negotiation skills, resulting in significant cost savings and measurable service improvements
Practical experience managing third-party logistics (3PL) or in-house transportation management system (TMS)
Experience in interpreting regulations and applying them to logistics processes
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