Transportation Manager

About This Role

This role oversees the organization and coordination of seed and research material shipments, both within France and internationally, for a leading seed company. It suits a manager who can ensure every shipment reaches its destination on time while meeting quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance, and who can drive continuous process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 3 employees on a day-to-day basis, providing clear direction, setting objectives, fostering team spirit, and supporting professional development
• Ensure workplace safety and strengthen collaboration with the wider Breeding Support teams
• Coordinate with all internal and external stakeholders involved in transport activities, understanding their needs and priorities, and making decisions when necessary
• Manage and coordinate the flow of seeds and research materials across France and internationally
• Organize shipments according to team needs, manage urgent deliveries during critical periods, and ensure the reliability, compliance, and traceability of all shipments
• Regularly monitor transport operations and take appropriate action when unexpected issues arise to ensure secure and timely deliveries
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and quality requirements related to research activities, particularly international transportation, customs procedures, phytosanitary regulations, and traceability
• Manage approved transport service providers, ensuring service quality, operational reliability, and compliance with contractual commitments
• Contribute to monitoring service performance and continuously improving transport operations, working closely with Group teams
• Investigate and manage transport incidents, define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and implement appropriate corrective actions
• Identify and develop suitable transport solutions in an international environment with tight deadlines and fluctuating requirements, balancing service quality, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and shipment security
• Drive continuous improvement and digitalization initiatives within transport operations
• Lead projects aimed at improving overall process performance, reducing lead times, costs, and handling operations, while enhancing operational reliability
• Identify risks associated with activities and develop appropriate action plans
• Work closely with international R&D teams to develop integrated solutions that contribute to the overall efficiency of research operations
• Oversee budget monitoring within scope of responsibility, including invoice verification, expenditure tracking, and transport cost analysis
• Provide hands-on operational support when required, acting as a back-up for import-export operations as well as certain goods receiving and shipping activities