Role Summary
The Regional Supply Chain Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting the regional supply chain team by driving disciplined, on-time month-end close processes and improving cost visibility across markets.
The role manages coordination with market teams, 3PLs, forwarders, and HQ functions to ensure billing accuracy, timely accruals, and closure of disputes/claims. Build practical landed cost and cost-to-serve views to support operational decisions.
Responsibilities
Month-end close support (regional)
- Run a standardized close checklist across markets for supply chain cost items (3PL, freight, customs-related charges where applicable).
- Consolidate market close inputs (open items, pending invoices, accruals required) into a regional close pack.
- Follow up on missing documents, cut-off gaps, and open items; escalate blockers with clear context and options.
Billing & contract governance
- Maintain a centralized repository of logistics/3PL contracts and rate cards (latest signed copies, appendices, SLAs, contacts).
- Track contract validity, renewal timelines, and pricing effective dates; run an expiry/renewal tracker and notify owners ahead of deadlines.
- Perform invoice reasonableness checks against agreed rate cards/quotes and required supporting documents (e.g., POD, delivery records, billing breakdowns).
- Maintain a billing issue and dispute log; coordinate resolution with vendors and market PICs through to credit note/closure.
- Identify recurring billing problems and propose process fixes to prevent repeat cases.
Claims and recoveries
- Coordinate claims for shortages/damages/service failures by collecting evidence, submitting claims, and tracking recovery/credits.
- Maintain a claims tracker and ensure recoveries are reflected during closing.
Cost visibility (landed cost and cost-to-serve)
- Maintain an actual cost log for key cost components (freight, 3PL handling/storage, accessorials) using available invoices and references.
- Produce simple cost-to-serve summaries by market/category/lane to support decisions (ship mode, consolidation, buffer strategy, expedite justification).
- Partner with Planning/Logistics/W&D to translate cost drivers into actionable improvements.
Stakeholder coordination
- Work closely with market SC/finance teams who process local billing, ensuring consistent standards and on-time submission.
- Liaise with regional leads and cross-functions (Finance, Logistics/IMEX, Warehousing, Systems) to align cut-offs, documentation standards, and issue resolution.
Requirements
- 13 years of relevant experience in supply chain operations, logistics coordination, 3PL/freight administration, or operations support roles.
- Comfortable working with invoices, basic reconciliations, and structured trackers; strong Excel required.
- Strong follow-through and coordination skills across multiple markets and stakeholders.
- Able to work with imperfect data, organize information clearly, and drive closure.
- Attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive cost information appropriately.
