Operations coordinator Jobs in Detroit, MI

Logistics Coordinator About the Job:

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Logistics Coordinator to oversee the planning, scheduling, and coordination of inbound and outbound shipments for heavy industrial machinery, including CNC machines, robotics, MRO equipment, and other large-scale assets. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced industrial environment and enjoys managing complex logistics operations involving transportation, rigging, warehouse coordination, and compliance.

As a key operational partner, you will serve as the central point of communication between freight carriers, rigging crews, warehouse personnel, vendors, and customers to ensure equipment is prepared, loaded, transported, and delivered safely and efficiently. The position combines hands-on warehouse coordination with strategic logistics planning and offers the opportunity to play a critical role in high-value industrial projects.

What You'll Do:

Transportation & Scheduling
Coordinate and dispatch inbound and outbound freight, including LTL, flatbed, step-deck, lowboy, and specialized heavy-haul carriers
Source and negotiate with freight brokers and direct carriers to secure capacity and competitive pricing
Coordinate rigging crews, crane services, and transportation schedules for machine moves, loading, and unloading
Build and manage daily and weekly shipping schedules that align warehouse preparation timelines, rigging availability, and carrier arrivals

Warehouse & Load Coordination
Direct warehouse personnel on machine preparation requirements, including skidding, blocking, bracing, shrink-wrapping, disassembly, and crating
Develop and communicate load plans and lift plans for each shipment
Conduct regular warehouse floor walkthroughs to inspect prep work, address issues, and ensure shipment readiness
Verify all machines are properly secured, labeled, and documented prior to release

Compliance & Documentation
Prepare and review bills of lading, packing lists, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and export documentation
Coordinate oversize and overweight permit applications across multiple jurisdictions
Arrange escort vehicles and route surveys for permit-required loads
Maintain detailed shipment records, signed documentation, and photo documentation for claims support and audit purposes

Communication & Customer Support
Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, vendors, drivers, brokers, riggers, and internal teams regarding shipment schedules and status updates
Provide proactive communication regarding pickup windows, delivery timelines, and operational changes
Escalate operational issues to leadership when necessary and assist in developing solutions quickly and effectively

Safety & Process Improvement
Enforce OSHA, DOT, and company safety standards during all loading and unloading operations
Stop any operation that presents an unsafe condition or risk
Identify opportunities to reduce freight costs, improve turnaround times, and streamline warehouse and shipping workflows
Support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for shipping and receiving operations

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, or related field preferred
Minimum 3 5 years of logistics or shipping coordination experience, including at least 2 years involving heavy industrial machinery, rigging operations, or oversize loads
Proven experience scheduling LTL, flatbed, step-deck, or specialized freight shipments

Technical Knowledge
Working knowledge of rigging principles, including center of gravity, lift points, sling angles, and crane/forklift capacity ratings
Familiarity with DOT regulations, oversize and overweight permits, and multi-state routing requirements
Understanding of export documentation, HAZMAT fundamentals, and international shipping requirements
Knowledge of industrial crating, blocking, and bracing standards

Skills & Competencies
Strong organizational, scheduling, and time-management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities simultaneously
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using TMS, WMS, or ERP systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across warehouse, transportation, and customer-facing teams
Ability to lead and direct warehouse personnel without formal supervisory authority
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure
High attention to detail in shipment verification and documentation
Commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence

Preferred Qualifications
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
Experience with international freight forwarding and customs documentation
Forklift or crane operator certification, or willingness to obtain certification
Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills
Prior experience within manufacturing, industrial equipment distribution, machine tool, or heavy equipment environments

Physical Requirements:

This role requires time both in an office setting and on an active warehouse floor. The position involves frequent walking throughout the warehouse and yard, climbing onto trailer decks to inspect loads, and occasionally working outdoors in varying weather conditions during loading operations.

Candidates must be able to:
Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
Wear required PPE including steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and high-visibility apparel
Travel occasionally to customer sites or carrier terminals as needed

Why Join Us:

This is an opportunity to join a growing and team-oriented industrial operation where your expertise directly impacts the success of critical shipments and customer satisfaction. You will work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative environment that values operational excellence, safety, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

We offer:
Exposure to complex and large-scale industrial logistics operations
A dynamic role with variety and high levels of responsibility
Opportunities to contribute ideas that improve efficiency and workflow
A strong safety-focused culture
Career growth potential within logistics and operations leadership
A collaborative environment where your experience and decision-making are valued

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