Supply Chain & In-Plant Logistics Planning Manager (New Plant Operations)

Inside the Role

The Manager, Supply Chain & In-Plant Logistics Planning leads the design, implementation, launch, and stabilization of end-to-end supply chain and in-plant logistics model for DTNA’s new production facility.

The role defines how materials are transported, received, stored, handled, sequenced, and delivered to production. Scope includes inbound transportation, 3PL, material flow, packaging, warehousing, line feeding, logistics equipment, staffing, inventory controls, material quality, scrap, reverse logistics, and pre-series material.

Working within DTNA’s Commercial Vehicle Development System (CVDS), the manager leads a logistics planning team and partners across Manufacturing, Engineering, Transportation, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, IT, and external providers. The position ensures logistics concepts are safe, efficient, scalable, cost-effective, and ready for operation.

Accountability extends from concept development through commissioning, ramp-up, stabilization, and transition to sustainable operations.

This position will be relocated to DTNA’s new production facility. DTNA is currently evaluating multiple potential locations for the facility.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

Position offers a starting salary range of $128,000 - $164,000 USD

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience​

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Benefits include annual variable pay bonus program; eligible for the use of a company vehicle; 401k company contribution with company match up to 8% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age.; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive health care plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.

What You Drive at DTNA

Supply Chain and Logistics Planning

• Lead the new facility’s supply chain and in-plant logistics strategy, centered on efficiency, automation, digitalization, and scalability
• Develop and execute holistic supply chain strategies that connect suppliers, transportation, in-plant logistics, warehousing, and operations, ensuring end-to-end visibility, operational excellence, and network optimization
• Drive game-changing supply chain solutions including 3PL strategies, supplier park integration, digital visibility platforms, and logistics network optimizations
• Define the end-to-end supply chain and in-plant logistics concept in alignment with Commercial Vehicle Development System requirements and project quality gates.
• Design receiving, storage, picking, sequencing, replenishment, line-feeding, point-of-use, and material-return processes.
• Define material-flow routes, inventory strategies, space, staffing, equipment, infrastructure, and service requirements.
• Translate supply chain strategy and future-state concepts into practical plant processes, layouts, equipment requirements, standards, and implementation plans.
• Ensure concepts meet safety, quality, capacity, cost, flexibility, and operational-readiness targets.

Packaging, Material Flow, and Equipment

• Develop packaging strategies, standards, and specifications for new products, imported parts, supplier packaging, and returnable containers.
• Ensure packaging protects material quality and enables efficient transportation, storage, handling, and line-side presentation.
• Establish packaging lifecycle requirements covering inventory, maintenance, repair, empty containers, budgets, suppliers, and service providers.
• Define material-handling equipment and technologies, including forklifts, tugger systems, racks, conveyors, AGVs/AMRs, and storage solutions.
• Lead equipment specifications, investment planning, sourcing, testing, commissioning, and acceptance.
• Drive standardization, innovation, quality improvement, and cost optimization across packaging and material flow.

Process Design and Operational Controls

• Establish controls for inventory accuracy, cycle counting, variance resolution, audits, and corrective actions.
• Define processes for auxiliary materials, material changes, controlled exits, in-plant expediting, and quantity discrepancies.
• Establish standards for material-quality issues, scrap, disposition, reverse logistics, and pre-series material.
• Integrate physical logistics processes with the systems, data, and digital capabilities required to support efficient plant operations.

Implementation, Launch, and Stabilization

• Convert logistics concepts into layouts, standards, specifications, work packages, and implementation plans.
• Lead process validation, testing, training, commissioning, and launch-readiness activities.
• Manage project milestones, dependencies, budgets, risks, and deliverables.
• Validate staffing, equipment, packaging, and material-flow performance against production and launch requirements.
• Resolve ramp-up gaps and stabilize processes as the facility transitions to steady state operations.
• Establish process ownership, KPIs, escalation paths, and continuous-improvement routines.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead and develop supply chain, logistics planning, packaging, and material-flow professionals.
• Partner across Manufacturing, Engineering, Transportation, Production Planning, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, IT, and external providers.
• Manage delivery against scope, schedule, budget, quality, and readiness targets.
• Communicate decisions, risks, progress, and business value to operational and executive stakeholders.
• Lead launch and ramp-up readiness for supply chain and in-plant logistics requirements
• Establish readiness criteria, performance indicators, governance, and risk-management routines
• Promote standardization, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, , or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, in-plant logistics, material-flow planning, packaging, logistics engineering, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience designing and implementing receiving, warehousing, inventory, material handling, replenishment, and line-feeding processes.
• Strong knowledge of lean material flow, packaging, line-side presentation, logistics equipment, staffing, inventory controls, and operational standards.
• Experience defining layouts, routes, capacity, equipment specifications, operating concepts, and investment requirements.
• Experience with packaging development, returnable containers, suppliers, service providers, and packaging lifecycle management.
• Experience leading implementation, commissioning, plant launch, ramp-up, and operational stabilization.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP, warehouse-management, material-flow, and production systems. Proven ability to lead teams, projects, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proven expertise in designing and optimizing end-to-end supply chain and logistics networks
• Experience applying automation, digital systems, and advanced technologies to improve efficiency, inventory accuracy, visibility, and reliability

 

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Greenfield plant, manufacturing startup, product launch, or logistics-transformation experience.
• Automotive, commercial-vehicle, or complex manufacturing experience.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD certification.
• Lean Six Sigma, PMP, packaging, or logistics-engineering certification.
• Experience with material-flow simulation, warehouse and layout design, data analytics, business cases, budgets, suppliers, and 3PLs.

 

Additional Notes: This is a project position.  While you may be able to start your position from your current location both significant travel and an eventual relocation to the new plant location are required of this project position. This role is also open to expat assignment. 

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)- 

Detroit, MI US, Fort Mill, SC US, Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance for this position is available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By

listening to the needs of today, we’re building solutions with cutting-edge advancements in

sustainability and future driving technologies - across electric, hydrogen, and autonomous innovation.

Backed by decades of proven success, these efforts continue DTNA’s legacy as an industry leader. Our

evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Detroit, Thomas

Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we operate as one team -

driving toward a cleaner, safer, and more efficient future for all.​

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How we move forward together is defined by the DTNA Way - our shared approach to showing up for our

customers, our colleagues, and the world we help move. We start with our customers, grounding every

product, service, and decision in their success, knowing that when they move forward, so do we. At the

same time, we act with urgency and intention, balancing speed with thoughtful decision-making to

deliver results with integrity, accountability, and clarity. Across our entire organization, we collaborate

as one team - bringing diverse perspectives, strengths, and expertise together with trust and respect -

because we know we achieve more together than any one of us could alone.​

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Guided by these principles, we’re not just responding to change - we’re leading it. Together, we are

building the future of transportation for all who keep the world moving. ​

U.S. Visa sponsorship available if you qualify under the following:

• Hold a valid existing Visa (L1A, L1B, L2, TN, H1B, H4 EAD, OPT EAD, CPT)
• Daimler Truck North America employees working under an existing U.S. Daimler Truck North America Visa
• Those eligible for a TN Visa (Canadian or Mexican National working in an Engineering, Accounting or Scientific Technologist capacity with an aligning degree)
• Those eligible for an L-1 (inter-company) Daimler Truck visa under the Corporate Blanket L-1 program would require at least one-year of qualifying experience in the last three years

Additional Information

• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.