Lead Logistics Specialist

About us:

Target is an iconic brand, a Fortune 50 company and one of America’s leading retailers. Target Global Supply Chain and Logistics is evolving at an incredible pace. We are constantly reimagining how we get the right product to the guest even better, faster and more cost effectively than before. We are becoming more intelligent, automated and algorithmic in our decision-making, so that no matter how guests shop—in stores or on Target.com—we deliver the convenience and immediate gratification they demand and deserve. We are on a mission to win decisively over any competitor, with a seamless and superior guest service experience unlike any they can offer. Our teams work with the agility our mission requires, and we constantly come together to implement new processes in record time. So we’re looking for exceptional people who are proactive, creative, independent, innovative, risk-savvy and comfortable working in varying degrees of ambiguity. Are you a critical thinker who seeks the root cause and can analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively? Are you a creative problem-solver who simplifies problems, quickly identifies solutions, commits to a plan and then positively influences others to execute it? If so, you will have success on one of our dynamic teams.

The Lead Specialist, Transportation & Supply Chain Operations, plays a critical role in ensuring efficient execution across the transportation network from pickup through final delivery. This role partners cross-functionally with internal stakeholders, carriers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to proactively manage transportation operations, resolve disruptions, optimize network capacity, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven decision making.

The team currently uses a wide variety of analytics tools such as Excel, SQL to work with small, sparse datasets as well as big data platforms like Bigdata and Google cloud. In situations where reliable data does not exist, you will look for creative ways to obtain data, influence system owners to build data, or create processes to capture data.

As a Lead Logistics Specialist, you will:

 Support daily transportation and supply chain operations by coordinating with internal teams and third-party logistics providers (3PLs).

 Monitor shipments throughout the pickup-to-delivery lifecycle and assist in resolving operational issues including appointment scheduling conflicts, container delays, shipment delays reschedules, transit delays, and weather-related disruptions.

 Assist with transportation execution activities including:

1. Load scheduling and tracking
2. Container Tracking and monitoring
3. Load cancellations and rescheduling
4. Equipment coordination and availability checks
5. Carrier communication and follow-ups
6. Basic network capacity support

 Maintain operational reports, dashboards, and trackers with high levels of accuracy and timeliness.

 Analyze transportation and operational data to identify trends, exceptions, and opportunities for process improvement.

 Support execution of supply chain initiatives including peak events, network changes, and new store or facility support activities.

 Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure smooth operational execution and timely issue resolution.

 Escalate operational risks, shipment delays, or recurring issues to leadership in a timely manner.

 Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and contribute to process documentation updates when needed.

 Support KPI tracking and reporting to help measure operational performance and service levels.

 Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving transportation efficiency, service execution, and operational accuracy.

 Demonstrate a guest-focused mindset and support decisions that positively impact the broader supply chain network.

Job Requirement

 Experience of 2-5 years

 Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Operations, Analytics, or a related field preferred.

 Robust critical thinking skillset with knowledge of root cause identification techniques.

 Expertise in Microsoft Excel

 Excellent communication skills (verbal / written) – Ability to effectively communicate with both business and technical teams

 Manage relationships with internal partners to keep them informed on the perspective and impact related to supply chain initiatives.

 Communicates to share knowledge and findings

 Presents results in a manner that the business partners can understand

 Communicate impact of proposed solutions to business partners

 Should be a team player

 Should be able to demonstrate learning ability

 Is curious and has a willingness to learn be it new skills/tools etc.

 Ability to follow through with ideas and deliver on commitments