Logistics Operations Lead

Vaco
$85,000.00 - $90,000.00 / yr
401(k), retirement plan
United States, North Carolina, Raleigh
Apr 14, 2026
Our client is seeking a hands-on Logistics Operations Lead to play a critical role in stabilizing and scaling the U.S. and Mexico logistics operations. This position serves as the senior problem-solver and escalation point within our logistics function-owning complex exceptions, driving process improvements, and supporting a fast-growing manufacturing business. This is not a purely strategic or project-only role. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a lean, entrepreneurial environment, enjoys rolling up their sleeves, and is comfortable owning problems from start to finish. You'll work closely with senior leadership and the Logistics Manager, providing the operational depth needed to support growth while gradually stepping into broader leadership responsibility. What You'll Be Responsible For Logistics Operations & Exception Management Serve as the primary escalation point for complex logistics issues across inbound, outbound, inventory, and customs processes. Troubleshoot and resolve high-impact exceptions related to shipments, documentation, pricing discrepancies, inventory variances, and vendor issues. Own follow-through and resolution-not just identification-of operational problems. Inventory, Shipping & Invoicing Oversight Support and improve processes related to inventory receipts, accuracy, and reconciliation across U.S. and Mexico operations. Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics (primarily ocean freight; air freight as needed for exceptions). Oversee invoice-to-receipt validation, freight cost accuracy, and coordination with accounting. Work closely with 3PL partners, carriers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders. Trade Compliance & International Logistics Support import/export compliance activities including HTS classification, tariffs, duties, and broker coordination. Interface with customs brokers and forwarders for U.S. and Mexico trade lanes. Help ensure compliance continuity and audit readiness as volumes increase and regulations change. Projects & Process Improvement Lead or support logistics-driven projects such as: Warehouse transitions or new warehouse onboarding Process improvements tied to growth and scalability Preparation for ISO / IATF and other operational certifications Help identify and close gaps that could create financial, compliance, or service risk. Help identify and close gaps that could create financial, compliance, or service risk. What We're Looking For Required Qualifications 8+ years of experience in logistics, supply chain, import/export, or manufacturing operations. Strong hands-on experience with international shipping and trade compliance. Proven ability to solve problems independently in fast-paced, low-structure environments. High attention to detail with strong ownership and follow-through. Comfortable working daily in ERP systems (Sage 100 or similar) and Excel Pivot tables required; advanced Excel or Power BI a plus. Experience in small to mid-sized manufacturing or lower-middle-market organizations. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting U.S. and Mexico operations (Mexico trade experience a plus). Exposure to inventory management, invoicing, and accounting interfaces. Experience partnering with 3PLs, customs brokers, and freight forwarders. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.