Logistics Manager

Job Description

Job Description

American Vanguard Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of crop protection products including agrochemicals and soil fumigants. With five U.S. manufacturing sites and a primary operating hub in Axis, Alabama, the Logistics Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective movement of raw materials and finished goods across multiple transportation modes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Logistics Manager who will ensure that critical crop protection products are transported safely, efficiently and within full regulatory compliance. This role has direct accountability for Hazardous Materials (HazMat) transportation compliance and DOT regulatory adherence across all logistics operations. The position ensures that all shipments, fleet assets and logistics processes meet or exceed applicable federal, state, and local transportation regulations. The Logistics Manager directly safeguards the company from regulatory risk, supports environmental and transportation safety, protects company assets, and drives cost optimization across all logistics operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Transportation, Fleet & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage company-controlled assets including ISO containers, chassis, bulk trailers, and railcars.
• Oversee transportation across multiple domestic modes: rail, bulk truck, van/trailer (FTL/LTL), and other ground modes (excluding ocean).
• Ensure full compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR).
• Maintain compliance with applicable requirements from agencies such as the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Railroad Administration.
• Ensure proper hazmat classification, packaging, labeling, placarding, documentation, and shipping papers for all regulated products.
• Oversee carrier hazmat certifications, safety ratings, and insurance requirements.
• Develop and execute freight bidding strategies for all domestic transportation modes.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships to ensure competitive pricing and high service performance.
• Monitor and control demurrage, detention, and accessorial charges.

Product Segment Logistics Management (Metam)

• Lead logistics strategy for Metam.
• Ensure strict hazmat compliance for rail movements of regulated fumigants.
• Manage railcar allocation, cycle times, and turnaround performance.
• Oversee liquid bulk public and customer-owned terminal relationships.
• Manage storage capacity constraints at Metam terminals and optimize inventory flow.
• Negotiate and manage terminal storage and service contracts.

Distribution Management (Non-Metam)

• Oversee palletized product distribution from manufacturing sites via truck.
• Ensure hazmat compliance for packaged goods shipments where applicable.
• Manage third-party public warehouse providers to ensure safe handling and storage of regulated materials.
• Coordinate cross-functional planning with manufacturing, sales, and customer service teams.

3PL, Carrier & Vendor Compliance Management

• Manage third-party logistics providers, bulk terminals, and transportation carriers.
• Conduct periodic compliance audits and/or due diligence of 3PLs and carriers for DOT and hazmat adherence.
• Establish and track KPIs including on-time delivery, freight cost per unit, asset utilization, damage rates, safety metrics, regulatory compliance performance and other KPIs.
• Lead corrective actions related to safety violations, non-compliance findings, or near-miss incidents related to shipping and warehousing.
• Conduct quarterly business reviews with key logistics partners

Personnel Leadership & Safety Oversight

• Directly manage DRP (Distribution Requirements Planning) planners, loading crews, and shipping coordinators.
• Promote a strong safety culture focused on regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
• Establish performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations.
• Provide training and development to strengthen logistics and compliance capabilities.
• Ensure safe loading, securement, and documentation of hazardous materials shipments.

Financial & Performance Management

• Work with Trade Compliance & Logistics Director in developing and managing the annual logistics budget.
• Monitor and control freight spend across all domestic modes.
• Track KPIs related to freight costs, service levels, asset utilization, demurrage, and safety/compliance.
• Identify and implement cost savings initiatives while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
• Prepare monthly performance and compliance reports for senior leadership.

Operational Oversight

• Provide oversight of daily logistics operations across multiple sites.
• Ensure distribution capacity is aligned with production and regulatory requirements.
• Resolve escalated shipping, compliance, or transportation issues.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in logistics systems, processes, and compliance controls.
• Maintain readiness for regulatory inspections and audits.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• 5+ years of progressive logistics or supply chain experience.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing hazmat transportation and DOT compliance.
• Experience with rail logistics and bulk liquid transportation.
• Strong background in freight negotiation and domestic transportation bidding.
• Knowledge of 49 CFR hazmat regulations and rail compliance standards.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field.
• Experience in agrochemical, chemical manufacturing, or hazardous materials logistics.
• Experience managing contracts.
• ERP and Transportation Management System (TMS) experience.

Core Competencies

• Regulatory & HazMat compliance expertise
• Competent financial acumen
• Negotiation & contract management
• Leadership & team development
• Safety-first mindset
• Analytical & data-driven decision making
• Operational execution & problem-solving
• Cross-functional collaboration

WHAT WE OFFER:

American Vanguard company values our employees and their families. We offer exceptional benefits and invest in our employees’ future.

• Industry leading Medical (PPO Insurance), Dental, and Vision care with low employee costs
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Employee Stock Purchasing Plan (ESPP) offered
  

The Logistics Manager thrives in a collaborative environment and is growth-minded with an entrepreneurial business mindset. If you are looking for a challenge where your individual efforts are key to the organization’s success, let’s talk!

American Vanguard Company, (NYSE: AVD)

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.