Job Description

Job Summary (Position can be in Laredo, TX or Monterrey, Mexico)

The Cross Border Carriers Procurement and Operations Manager is responsible for procuring Mexico-U.S. carriers on all the 33 crossing points in this border, as well as overseeing the day-to-day management of all of these carriers. The primary goal of this position is to ensure we have one SME point of contact for carriers that provide cross border drayage between these two countries.

Ensure we maintain on-time delivery of shipments while optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. This role involves leading the constant procurement and addition of new carriers, personally validating the competencies of each carrier, evaluating their performance, negotiating rates as well as knowing all details of all border crossing points. Border crossing rates per border crossing point, tolls on SB moves, tolls on NB moves, annual CTPAT, OEA and Safety audits and additional duties and responsibilities as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Carrier Procurement :

• Ensuring we have at least, ten carrier options per border crossing point between the U.S. Mexico border. Validating the competencies of each with physical visit and audit to ensure compliance with TA Service level and certification requirements and standards.

Operational Day to Day :

• Oversee and plan the daily management of such carriers, through proper carrier relations, evaluations and feedback from operations. Ensuring we have all types of carriers capacity and valid rate sheets from each carrier, to assign capacity as required amongst TA customer base.

Customer Satisfaction :

• Maintain close communication with carriers to ensure TA pays them on time, make sure they respond to TA service requirements timely and keeping our mutual final customer’s satisfied and happy with our combined services.

Cost Optimization :

• Make sure we are constantly aware of tolls costs, border crossing times, number of drivers and equipment being utilized for TA needs, in order to make sure our rates are always the most efficient and optimized.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Full transparency and real time EDI visibility from carriers must be ensured at all times as much as technologically capable. Reporting on average waiting lines per border crossing, average number of customs systems down, red lights for inspections and or commercial traffic shut downs per border crossing point is required from TA or TA customers customs brokers, is also required.

Problem-Solving :

• Address operational challenges such as late arrivals, unexpected issues, or process inefficiencies. Collaborate with internal teams and external carriers, customers or governmental entities, to resolve problems promptly.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure that all carriers are CBP’s CTPAT Certified or compliant, same with Mexico’s OEA and Transporte limpio requirements. That all shipments are planned and executed according to customer and suppliers contracts and that any errors or delays are addressed swiftly to avoid potential penalties or additional costs.

Tools and Software

• Logistics Systems : McLeod, WMS, YMS and TMS.
• Communication Tools : Microsoft Teams, email, phone systems, whats app’s, texts.
• Border Crossing Monitoring Tools : Internet for government cameras access, personal relationship with carriers and governmental entities at border points.

Qualifications

Education & Qualifications

Education : A bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, logistics, or a related field is preferred. Proficient on safe and secure carrier operations, requirements and audits for CTPAT and OEA certifications and Transporte Limpio.

Experience : Minimum of 3 + years of experience in carrier operations, procurement, border crossing logistics, U.S. and Mexico Customs supply chain management and transportation, with 1 year of experience in project management preferred.

Technical Skills : Proficiency in transportation management systems (TMS), yard management systems (YMS), Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), and other logistics tools such as web tracking tools, DOT U.S. and Mexico requirements and transportation programs.

Leadership : Strong procurement and carrier management skills, including mentoring and training team members, conducting carrier evaluations, and continually developing efficient responses and rates to Cross Border RFQ’s.

Communication : Fully bi-lingual is a must, with excellent verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with internal teams, customers, and external carriers.

Problem-Solving : Ability to make data-driven decisions quickly, address discrepancies, and develop solutions to optimize the logistics process.

Additional Information

Working Conditions

• Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with on-call responsibilities due to the 24/7 nature of the logistics industry. Occasional weekend work may be required to address urgent operational issues.
• The role primarily operates in an office environment, but occasional visits to carrier facilities, travel and or customer or government facilities may be required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cost per border crossing point NB and SB.
• On-time delivery performance for SB and NB shipments.
• Optimization of carrier and border crossing utilization.
• Customer satisfaction scores and feedback.
• Reduction of operational costs, including carrier charges, hours of operation and safe and secure border crossing routes.