Overview
Logistics & Receiving Specialist Jobs in Willmar, MN at Duluth Steel Trading
Title: Logistics & Receiving Specialist
Company: Duluth Steel Trading
Location: Willmar, MN
About Us
Duluth Steel Trading is a rapidly growing steel supply company providing hot rolled and cold rolled steel products including master coils, slit coils, sheets, and value-added processing solutions. We specialize in sourcing, processing, and delivering steel products to customers across a variety of industries throughout the United States. Our team is committed to exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and building long-term relationships with mills, processors, and customers. Our culture and values are the most important parts of what we do.
Our team is built on four core values: Courage, Creativity, Curiosity, and Credibility. We believe technical skills can be taught, but integrity, work ethic, humility, and a willingness to learn are essential. We are looking for team members who embrace continuous improvement and enjoy contributing to a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.
Position Overview
The Receiving & Logistics Specialist is responsible for receiving product information on both inbound and outbound steel shipments, helping maintain inventory accuracy, and supporting the movement of material from mills to processors through the delivery to customers. This position plays an important role in supporting the customer experience by ensuring steel moves accurately, efficiently, and on time throughout the supply chain.
This position serves as a key link between suppliers, processors, freight carriers, inside sales representatives, and customers to ensure materials are received accurately, processed efficiently, and delivered on time.
The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, organized, proactive, efficient, and able to manage an environment with multiple competing priorities.
If the candidate is the right culture and values fit, we will train the right person with these qualities to perform the job.
*Must be able to work from our corporate office in Willmar, MN*
Key Responsibilities
Receiving & Inventory Management
- Coordinate and verify inbound steel shipments from mills, processors, and freight carriers.
- Enter and maintain inventory information within company systems.
- Review steel information, bills of lading, mill test reports, inventory entries, and related documentation for accuracy in the company system.
- Investigate and resolve receiving discrepancies, shortages or surpluses, damages, or documentation issues.
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate inventory concerns to appropriate team members.
Logistics Coordination
- Schedule and coordinate inbound and outbound freight shipments.
- Analyze shipping rates and negotiate with freight vendors to secure cost-effective shipping solutions.
- Communicate with freight carriers, processors, warehouses, and customers regarding shipment status and delivery schedules.
- Obtain freight quotes and assist in selecting cost-effective transportation options.
- Track shipments and proactively address delays or service issues, ensuring on-time delivery.
- Ensure delivery documentation is accurate and completed in a timely manner.
Operations Support
- Coordinate processing orders with vendors and service providers.
- Enter and maintain processing instructions, shipment details, and logistics information in company systems.
- Support Inside Sales team and Accounting team by providing shipment updates and inventory information.
- Assist in managing vendor relationships and communication.
Customer Service
- Provide proactive communication regarding order status, shipment updates, and delivery expectations to Inside Sales team and customers (as appropriate).
- Resolve customer concerns related to deliveries, logistics, and inventory availability.
- Work collaboratively with customers and internal teams to ensure a positive customer experience.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve logistics efficiency, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
- Support company initiatives focused on growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
- Receive feedback and coaching with an open mindset focused on growth and improvement.
Qualifications
Required Skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
- Problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook
- Ability to learn and effectively utilize company software and business systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in logistics, freight coordination, inventory management, supply chain, receiving, operations, or customer service.
- Experience in steel, metals, manufacturing, transportation, distribution, or industrial industries is preferred but not required.
- Familiarity with bills of lading, freight documentation, inventory systems, and shipping processes is a plus.
*We will train the right person for the job even if the preferred qualifications aren’t all met.
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate degree or related education preferred but not required.
- 2+ years of experience in logistics, receiving, operations, inventory management, customer service, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of experience, training, and demonstrated capability will be considered.
What Success Looks Like
- Inventory records are accurate and up to date.
- Logistics updates are consistently updated and reviewed for accuracy in company software.
- Shipments are coordinated efficiently and delivered on time.
- Communication between suppliers, carriers, customers, and internal teams is clear and proactive.
- Freight and logistics issues are resolved quickly and professionally.
- Customers receive excellent service and reliable delivery support.
- The company maintains strong operational efficiency while supporting continued growth.
