Traffic Planner

Purpose The Traffic Planner performs the critical role of ensuring materials and resources flow thru the facility in a timely manner to provide the on-time fulfillment of shipments.   The Traffic Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining direct, timely communication with various Ravago departments and carriers as it relates to Inbound and Outbound Shipments. By interfacing with the various departments and carriers, the Traffic Planner schedules, monitors, and troubleshoots issues to make sure shipments remain on schedule.   Areas of Responsibility / Tasks Performance must reflect an appropriate level of expertise and achievement of the desired results for the items listed below.      The Traffic Planner is the main point of contact at Ravago Baytown for carriers. The Planner is the liaison between the traffic team and shipping team. Primary responsibilities include:   Coordinate equipment needs based on product availability to meet order deadlines. Building sustainable relationships and trust with carriers through open and interactive communication. Maintain Schedule and manage container deliveries with carriers. Maintain the live load schedule daily. Maintain the inbound schedule daily. Identify and communicate potential problems to appropriate teams. Daily tracking and updating of equipment delivery schedule. Identify opportunities to adjust and revise the equipment delivery process for increased efficiency. Perform reconciliation of the delivery schedule at the close of business daily. Communicate carrier issues with the Corporate Transportation teams. Provide accurate, valid, and complete information using the right methods and tools to appropriate persons as required. Maintain the organization of the loading packets based on order cut-off date and dwell time. Coordinate and maintain the delivery of loading packets to the Warehouse Shipping team based on loading priority. Monitor order loading status and follow up as necessary. Develop the strategy to ensure effective and efficient container flow through the warehouse. Empowered to investigate the root cause of container issues and propose solutions to the appropriate leadership team. Escalation point for the organization to communicate priorities and issues. Must be able to follow work instructions and safety procedures. Other tasks may be assigned by Management   Key Partnerships A team player must cultivate successful relationships with the following individuals to achieve alignment and support.   Internal: PBS Team, Rail Team, Transportation Teams, Warehouse Shipping, Customer Solutions Team External: Carriers, Customer’s Transportation Teams   Competencies; Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA) To perform this role successfully, an individual must have experience achieving desired result(s) in their areas of responsibility. The requirements listed below are representative of observable behaviors and essential knowledge, skill, and abilities required of a successful incumbent within our culture.            Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Proficient in Microsoft Office: specifically, Outlook, Word, and Excel with the aptitude to quickly learn and understand additional applications Willingness to adapt in an evolving environment Ability to maintain a high level of organization and prioritization Strong phone etiquette and active listening skills Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations. Proven ability to work well within a team and promote strong working relationships meanwhile, maintaining a professional attitude and positive outlook Capacity to produce a large quantity of error-free work in a timely fashion Problem-solving skills Organization Must possess excellent interpersonal skills Innate sense of urgency that provides proactive and consistent work Excellent multitasking ability Proactive, approachable, and accountable Work well under pressure Flexible / Adaptable Able to efficiently work under minimal supervision   Minimum Qualifications/ Education / Experience / Certifications Education: High School Diploma/GED Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in similar title and scope of responsibility. Systems Experience: Familiar with various systems, including WMS and the interacting applications Microsoft suite: Outlook, Excel - Required (Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint preferred)   Work Environment / Conditions The work environment/conditions described herein are representative of those that an incumbent may experience.   This job primarily operates in an office setting.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and mobile communications devices. Must be comfortable working in a shared space, with constant noise, with/or without the use of a private office. Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands in excess of 40 hours with or without notice.   Physical Requirements / Demands The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions & physical demands of this role.   This is a largely sedentary role, however a variety of standing, sitting and walking throughout the day is required. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to communicate verbally, listen, read and comprehend information, and type on a consistent and daily basis.  Ability to work in a fast-paced office setting.