Inbound Freight & Process Optimization Manager

Inbound Freight & Process Optimization Manager

Join the Movement. Fuel the Future of Snacking.

At Utz, we're not just making snacks-we're crafting moments of joy. With over a century of heritage and a powerhouse portfolio of brands like Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border, we're on a mission to become the fastest-growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale. And we want YOU to be part of that journey.

Why This Role Matters:

The Inbound Freight and Process Optimization Manager is responsible for both the inbound freight program and driving continuous improvement activities/process optimization. This role will oversee the day to inbound operations and deliver the strategic plan to drive cost out via inbound conversion. This role will also work on a daily basis cross functionally to optimize transportation process and metrics while driving cost out of the business via continuous improvement management

*This is a remote opportunity with travel as needed.

What You'll Own:

• Inbound freight
  
  
  
  • Oversight of day to day inbound operations team
    
    
    
    • Supervise and coordinate daily activities of the inbound freight team.
    • Ensure timely and efficient processing of inbound shipments to meet established standards and service levels
    
    
    
    
  • Rate procurement activities for inbound lanes including seasonal potato freight RFPs
  • Collaborate with procurement to identify and implement new opportunities
  • Supervise and coordinate daily activities of the inbound freight team.
  • Ensure timely and efficient processing of inbound shipments to meet established standards and service levels
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives at the operational level to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align inbound freight operations with overall supply chain objectives
  • Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders to enhance collaboration and problem-solving
  • Assist in vendor and third-party logistics provider management, addressing operational challenges
  
  
  
  
• Process Optimization and Operational Excellence
  
  
  
  • Lead initiatives focused on streamlining inbound logistics workflows and removing inefficiencies
  • Identify and implement best practices to improve service quality, cost-effectiveness, and delivery performance
  • Utilize process mapping and improvement tools (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to optimize transportation workflows
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate operational effectiveness
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and quality in logistics execution
  • Collaborate with strategic partners and internal stakeholders to position transportation as a competitive advantage
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational discipline across the inbound team
  
  
  
  
• Operational Continuous Improvement
  
  
  
  • Lead end-to-end continuous improvement programs, from initial problem identification through solution design, implementation, and sustainment
  • Facilitate structured root cause analysis, opportunity assessments, and business case development
  • Define and manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure effective execution
  • Partner with cross-functional teams and external partners to drive sustainable change and measurable impact
  • Track and report on program success metrics, benefits realization, and adoption across the organization
  • Champion a mindset of innovation, adaptability, and results orientation in all improvement efforts
  • Build internal capability by mentoring team members on CI tools, techniques, and change leadership
  
  
  
  

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 2-4 years of experience in transportation or logistics operations.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team in a remote, fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and PowerBi
• Familiarity with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) is preferred.
• Effective communication skills to interface with carrier representatives.
• Demonstrated organizational and priority-setting skills.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with employer match, profit sharing, and employee stock purchase plan.
• A culture that values growth, inclusion, and well-being.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.