Manager Transportation Automotive NAM
Location: Blue Bell, PA
Salary Range: $ 111,000.00 to $ 132,000.00
About SKF: SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!
SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.
We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.
We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.
Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.
The Manager, Transportation & Trade Lane plays a critical role in optimizing logistics across North America, ensuring the efficient, compliant, and cost-effective movement of goods through our end-to-end supply chain. This leadership role will shape trade lanes, strengthen carrier relationships, and drive strategic transportation solutions that fuel business success.
Are you ready to navigate global supply chains with agility and precision? Join SKF and help drive the future of logistics innovation.
About the Role
As Manager of Transportation & Trade Lane, you will be responsible for overseeing domestic and international logistics, negotiating agreements, and optimizing trade lanes to ensure seamless operations. You will collaborate across multiple teams, enhance carrier performance, and implement best-in-class processes to drive efficiency and compliance.
This role requires strategic thinking, innovative problem-solving, and strong communication skills to navigate complexities and support the long-term growth of SKF’s Automotive business.
What You Will Do
- Trade Lane Management – Develop and optimize US domestic and international trade lanes for predictability, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
- Carrier & Vendor Negotiation – Strengthen partnerships with carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers, negotiating contracts that enhance service and cost performance.
- Logistics Performance Oversight – Monitor 3PL and 4PL partners to ensure timely and efficient delivery while driving continuous improvements.
- Regulatory Compliance – Ensure full adherence to customs, trade laws, and transportation standards to mitigate risks and maintain operational integrity.
- Cost Optimization – Develop Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models, identifying opportunities to reduce expenses and enhance network efficiency.
- Risk Mitigation – Assess and proactively manage potential risks associated with transportation and trade lane activities.
- Leadership & Team Development – Guide and develop a high-performing team of Transport Coordinators, fostering collaboration and strategic execution.
- Global Sourcing Support – Lead logistics planning for sourcing changes and new trade lanes, ensuring successful implementation and scalability.
What You Bring
- 6+ years of progressive experience in logistics, transportation, or supply chain management.
- Background in automotive, industrial, or consumer goods industries, with expertise in transportation sourcing (ocean, air, LTL, parcel, truckload).
- Proven negotiation skills for freight agreements with carriers and brokers.
- Strong analytical mindset, with expertise in freight brokerage models, total cost modeling, and rate benchmarking.
- Experience using analytics tools such as PowerBI, Qlik, Snowflake to drive data-driven decision-making.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
- Project management experience, including critical thinking, multitasking, and execution-focused problem-solving.
- Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and market intelligence strategies
What You’ll Love About SKF: Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.
Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.
Diversity in the Workplace. ?At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.
Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment. Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!
Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.
Invest in your Future.
Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution: 100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.
Reports to: Head of Supply Chain and Logistics, NAM
Location: Blue Bell, PA
Job ID: 22373
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