Shipping & Logistics Specialist

Job description

Role: Shipping & Logistics Specialist Location: Nelson, BC Reports To: Supply Chain Manager Direct Reports: N/A Role Status: Full-time, Permanent FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date of Last Review: July 2026 Role Overview The Shipping & Logistics Specialist is responsible for managing domestic and international transportation activities to support production, project execution, and client delivery requirements. The role acts as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight brokers, customs brokers, and internal teams, ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods. Working closely with Supply Chain, digital planning, manufacturing and fabrication teams, the Shipping & Logistics Specialist oversees shipments from planning through to delivery, including documentation accuracy, carrier coordination, and issue resolution. The role also plays a key part in developing and maintaining logistics and customs processes, with a focus on standardization, SOP development, and continuous improvement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Freight Planning & Scheduling Build and maintain inbound/outbound truck schedules, coordinating pickup and delivery windows with carriers and internal stakeholders Track active shipments and escalate delays proactively Optimize load consolidation to reduce per-unit freight cost Coordinate with Supply Chain, manufacturing and fabrication, and project teams to align shipment readiness with carrier availability Manage spot freight bookings when regular carriers can't cover capacity or destination Trade Compliance & Documentation Prepare and review all cross-border documentation: commercial invoices, bills of lading, CUSMA certificates of origin, packing lists, shipper's export declarations Coordinate with customs brokers on entry filing, classification questions, and any holds or examinations Maintain a document retention system compliant with customs audit requirements Maintain current working knowledge of Canada-US customs regulations, including CUSMA rules of origin, tariff classifications, Section 232 on steel and metal contents, and duty rates Monitor regulatory changes (CBP, CBSA, CFIA where applicable) and brief internal stakeholders on impacts Identify duty minimization opportunities: tariff classification, first sale valuation, free trade agreement eligibility Carrier & Vendor Management Maintain the approved carrier list and conduct periodic performance reviews (on-time, damage rate, responsiveness) Negotiate rates and service terms with carriers, brokers, etc. Serve as primary point of contact for day-to-day carrier communication Escalate and resolve freight claims (damage, delay, etc.) Onboard new carriers: qualification, insurance verification, contract execution Procurement & Invoice Control Issue purchase requests for freight and logistics services Three-way match: PO, service confirmation, and invoice before approving payment Identify and dispute billing errors, accessorial charges, or rate discrepancies Maintain accurate freight cost data to support budget tracking and reporting Reporting, Process Improvement & Continuous Development Track KPIs including freight cost per shipment, on-time delivery rate, claims frequency and carrier scorecards Flag cost overruns or service failures and recommend corrective action Support supply chain team with data for contract renewals or carrier changes Contribute to the development and documentation of SOPs for all logistics and customs processes Core Competencies Innovation & Problem-Solving - applies creative thinking to solve work challenges by combining traditional methods with new approaches. Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes and outcomes within their area of expertise Technical Excellence & Craft Mastery - maintains high standards of technical skill and craftsmanship in their specialized area. Continuously develops expertise whether in design, fabrication, finishing, operations, supply chain or finance Collaborative Partnership & Communication - works effectively with others through clear communication and knowledge sharing. Builds strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners based on trust and mutual support Long-term Stewardship & Responsibility - prioritizes safety and invests in developing future capabilities and relationships Ownership & Continuous Growth - takes responsibility for work outcomes and commitments while maintaining focus on growth and improvement. Demonstrates reliability and proactive communication while seeking opportunities Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Attributes Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field Minimum 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, freight coordination, supply chain operations, or a related role Experience coordinating domestic and international freight movements across multiple transportation modes, including extensive cross-border shipments between Canada and the United States Working knowledge of customs regulations, tariff classifications, trade compliance requirements, and free trade agreements such as CUSMA Strong understanding of transportation documentation, freight procurement, and shipment execution processes Experience working with freight carriers, customs brokers, and third-party logistics providers Excellent communication, and relationship-management skills Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Schedule and Working Conditions Ability to work 08:30-17:00 Monday to Friday with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break Ability to work on-site at Spearhead headquarters Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other common office equipment on a daily basis Ability to work sitting or standing at a desk for work shifts Compensation Pay range is $75k-$85k commensurate with experience and qualifications Extended Health and Dental benefits Weekly Indemnity Insurance Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Statement of Inclusion Spearhead is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The unique experiences, talents, and perspectives of our employees drive our success and contribute to both our culture and reputation. We believe that embracing diversity and inclusion is essential to attracting, developing, and retaining a talented workforce. By prioritizing these principles, we enhance innovation, improve problem-solving, and strengthen company performance. Our commitment to diversity ensures that every individual’s contributions are valued, empowering us to achieve sustainable success and continued growth. Spearhead Culture Spearhead is a multi-faceted, innovation-based manufacturing Company specializing in the fabrication of architecture. From our humble beginnings 35 years ago, we have grown into an industry leading, internationally recognized organization – known for our innovative approach, our strategic use of technology, and our deep appreciation of craft and design. We strive to continually improve upon everything that we do, and we feel fortunate to engage with exceptional industry partners who share our vision and contribute to our relentless pursuit of excellence. Harnessing the expertise and knowledge of our entire organization, we add value to our projects through global efficiencies and masterful execution. As industry leaders in design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA), we have built strong and enduring relationships with esteemed architects, engineers, educational institutions, and industry partners – relationships that now generate the bulk of our work and allow us to build momentum across consecutive projects. Resultingly, Spearhead’s industry presence continues to expand and diversify as we collectively address unique and exciting challenges. We take pride in our positive work environment, value the expertise and contributions of each employee, and celebrate the success of our efforts. Our growing portfolio of work continues to speak to the tremendous momentum that Spearhead has created – a testament to the remarkable ingenuity, dedication, and progressiveness of the entire Spearhead team.