Manager, Logistics

Position Summary

Planar Systems is seeking an experienced Manager, Logistics to manage and continuously improve the company's global logistics operations.

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this position is responsible for the operations, performance, cost, and service of Planar's domestic and international logistics network, including transportation, third-party logistics (3PL) providers, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, outsourced warehousing, distribution, and complex customer and project deliveries.

The successful candidate will combine strong logistics expertise with commercial, analytical, and leadership skills. This individual will evaluate existing operations and provider relationships, identify opportunities to improve service and reduce costs, and ensure scalable logistics capabilities to support Planar's growth.

The Manager will oversee the logistics team, work closely with leadership, and collaborate across the organization effectively supporting Planar’s business and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Logistics Strategy & Management

• Manage and execute global logistics strategies aligned with business objectives, customer commitments, cost targets, and growth plans.
• Manage overall logistics performance, balancing cost, service, speed, reliability, and risk.
• Assess existing logistics operations, processes, systems, and provider relationships; identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide data-driven analysis and recommendations to the VP of Operations and executive management.
• Partners with Sales, Engineering, Planning, Procurement, Finance, Customer Service, and IT to support business and customer requirements.

Transportation & Logistics Partners

• Manage relationships with 3PLs, freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, parcel providers, and outsourced warehouse partners.
• Establish provider performance expectations, KPIs, and regular business reviews.
• Negotiate freight rates, contracts, and service agreements; evaluate pricing structures and benchmark costs against market alternatives.
• Oversee domestic and international transportation across ocean, air, ground, parcel, and expedited services.
• Develop routing, carrier selection, and transportation strategies that optimize cost and service.
• Ensure reliable execution of high-value, fragile display shipments and complex customer and project deliveries requiring specialized handling and coordination.
• Establish effective processes for managing transportation disruptions, delivery exceptions, and time-critical shipments.

International Logistics & Distribution

• Manage import/export logistics, customs brokerage, international freight forwarding, and related documentation and compliance processes.
• Oversee outsourced warehousing and distribution, including inventory accuracy, fulfillment, shipping, and reverse logistics.
• Ensure appropriate processes for Incoterms, country of origin, duties, tariffs, and international shipping requirements in partnership with internal compliance resources.
• Support new suppliers, manufacturing locations, international markets, and evolving distribution requirements.
• Monitor transportation markets, regulatory changes, and geopolitical developments that may impact the supply chain.

Financial Management, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Manage logistics budgeting, forecasting, and cost-control initiatives in partnership with Finance.
• Develop visibility into logistics spending, analyze cost drivers, and identify savings and cost-avoidance opportunities.
• Establish and report meaningful KPIs covering transportation costs, on-time delivery, service performance, provider performance, and warehouse operations.
• Evaluate logistics technology and systems, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), Boomi integrations, warehouse systems, shipment visibility, and potential Transportation Management System (TMS) investments.
• Improve processes, automation, reporting, documentation, and operational controls to support efficiency and scalability.

Team Management & Development

• Manage, coach, and develop the logistics team, establishing clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and ensure the logistics team is integrated into Planar's broader operations and culture.
• Establish documentation, cross-training, and knowledge-sharing practices to support operational continuity and reduce key-person dependency.
• Maintain an engaged presence at Planar's Hillsboro headquarters and build strong relationships with internal and external partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in logistics, transportation, or supply-chain management, including team management.
• Demonstrated experience managing 3PLs, freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and outsourced warehousing or distribution providers.
• Strong knowledge of domestic and international transportation, including ocean, air, and ground freight.
• Experience negotiating freight rates, managing contracts, evaluating pricing structures, and benchmarking logistics costs.
• Experience leveraging financial and analytical skills to evaluate logistics spending and develop business recommendations.
• Working knowledge of international shipping, customs processes, Incoterms, freight documentation, and import/export requirements.
• Experience with ERP, WMS, TMS, systems integration, logistics reporting, and related technology.
• Strong communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive management, internal teams, customers, suppliers, and external logistics partners.

• Flexibility to support international business needs and occasional off-hours issues when necessary.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in manufacturing, technology hardware, electronics, AV/display, capital equipment, medical equipment, or similar industries.
• Experience managing high-value, fragile, or project-driven shipments with specialized delivery requirements.
• Experience managing international freight flows from Asia and Europe into North America.
• Experience evaluating and improving established logistics networks and outsourced provider relationships.
• Experience with logistics technology improvements, ERP integrations, or TMS evaluation and implementation.

Benefits

All benefits start on first day of employment!

• 75% employer-paid medical for employee. Family coverage also included. 
• 100% employer paid dental, and vision for employee and dependents
• 100% employer paid long-term, short-term disability, and life insurance policy
• 401k Match, if you’re contributing 5% we match 4%. 100% vested immediately.
• 10 paid holidays
• Starting at 15 days paid PTO (inclusive of sick and vacation time) annually
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

EEOC Statement:

Planar is an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusivity. Our commitment to this goal is clearly expressed in our zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment of any kind, including on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our hiring practices ensure that decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and current business needs, while extending to all aspects of our operations - from recruitment and promotion to layoff and recall, to leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.  We are committed to remaining a drug free workplace