Operational Specialist

Operations Specialist

Employment Type: Exempt

(Occasional long working hours, nights, and weekend work may be required.)

Location: New York City

Office Hours:

Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST)

Product

• Approximately 200,000 metric tons of methanol annually (approximately USD 70 million in sales)

Target Market

• Formaldehyde
• Acetic acid
• Other downstream chemical manufacturers

Sales Territory

• North America, with potential expansion into South America

Key Qualifications

• Positive, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to openly discuss ideas, share findings, and contribute to marketing strategies and business initiatives.
• Creative thinker with the ability to work independently toward business objectives.
• Minimum of 3 years of logistics experience, preferably within the chemical industry.
• Experience managing chemical logistics throughout the U.S., including terminals, chemical tankers, barges, railcars, and trucks, as well as coordinating international shipments.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms® 2020.
• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong willingness to learn and quickly assume responsibilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.

Responsibilities

Logistics Coordination

• Schedule and coordinate transportation for domestic and international shipments, including vessels and barges.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate inventory levels across U.S. storage facilities by coordinating transportation and collecting sales forecasts.
• Resolve logistics issues including delays, demurrage, product damage, contamination, and related operational matters through effective communication with suppliers, customers, and service providers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with logistics vendors to ensure smooth operations.

Logistics Analysis & Cost Optimization

• Develop a thorough understanding of logistics agreements and contracts involving terminals, vessels, barges, railcars, railroads, and related transportation providers.
• Understand logistics-related terms within sales and purchase contracts.
• Identify opportunities to optimize logistics costs through efficient transportation planning and terminal utilization.
• Analyze sales pricing, purchase pricing, logistics costs, and their impact on profitability, and provide recommendations for operational improvements.
• Maintain a database of logistics agreements and contracts, and participate in strategic negotiations with logistics vendors.

Sales Support

• Provide logistics cost analysis and operational support to the sales and marketing team.
• Communicate with customers to understand logistics requirements and proactively address operational concerns.
• Resolve customer issues related to transportation, demurrage, contamination, and other logistics matters.
• Advise internal sales teams on logistics-related provisions in sales contracts during both drafting and execution.

Business Travel

• Travel with sales team members to meet customers and logistics vendors as needed (approximately five or more days per month).
• Prepare meeting agendas, discussion materials, and presentations in advance, and follow up on action items after meetings.
• Occasionally participate in global meetings held in Japan.

Routine Responsibilities

• Prepare internal reports including business trip reports, monthly reports, sales forecasts, and operational updates.
• Manage regulatory compliance matters, including FDA and TSCA requirements.
• Support customer service team members during monthly account closing activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $77,000 – $93,000 annually
• Attractive performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation and company holidays