Senior Logistics Specialist Merchant & Vendor, Inbound Logistics

At Five Below our growth is a result of the people who embrace our purpose: We know life is way better when you are free to Let Go & Have Fun in an amazing experience, filled with unlimited possibilities, priced so low, you can always say yes to the newest, coolest stuff! Just ask any of our over 27,000 associates who work at Five Below and they’ll tell you there’s no other place like it. It all starts with our purpose and then, The Five Below Way, which is our values and behaviors that each and every associate believes in.

It’s all about culture at Five Below, making this a place that can inspire you as much as you inspire us with big ideas, super energy, passion, and the ability to make the workplace a WOWplace!

Location: WowTown, Philadelphia, PA Hybrid

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manager, Inbound Logistics, the Sr. Logistics Specialist, Domestic Inbound Merchant & Vendor Management is responsible for coordinating and optimizing the flow of inbound merchandise from domestic vendors to distribution centers while serving as the primary liaison between Merchandising, Vendors, Transportation Providers, and Supply Chain Operations. This role ensures inventory is delivered on time, at the lowest total landed cost, and in compliance with company transportation, routing, and vendor standards.

The Sr. Logistics Specialist manages vendor relationships, oversees inbound transportation execution, monitors service and compliance performance, and proactively resolves supply chain disruptions that may impact inventory availability. This position plays a critical role in aligning transportation strategies with merchandising priorities by partnering closely with Merchants, Inventory Planning, Distribution Center Operations, Carriers, and third-party logistics providers.

The successful candidate will leverage strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to drive operational excellence, improve vendor compliance, enhance transportation visibility, identify cost-saving opportunities, and support continuous improvement initiatives across the inbound supply chain. In a fast-paced retail environment, this role is instrumental in ensuring inventory flows efficiently through the network to support seasonal programs, promotional events, and overall business objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, Transportation, Business, (or equivalent experience)
• 5–8+ years of experience in domestic transportation or logistics operations
• Strong knowledge of U.S. domestic freight modes and carrier operations
• Hands‑on experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret freight data and KPIs
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
•  Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient in using transportation management systems (Manhattan TMS preferred) and related software.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Problem-solving skills to address issues related to shipments and transportation.
• Negotiation skills for contract management with carriers and service providers.

• Microsoft Office products (i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, etc.)

Job Responsibilities:

Merchant Partnership & Inventory Flow Management

• Act as the primary transportation contact for assigned Merchandising categories and business units.
• Collaborate with Merchants, Inventory Planning, Replenishment, and Sourcing teams to understand inventory needs, promotional events, seasonal builds, and product launch timelines.
• Ensure transportation capacity and execution plans align with forecasted inventory requirements.
• Communicate transportation risks, delays, and inventory impacts to business partners in a timely manner.

Vendor Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with domestic vendors and suppliers.
• Educate vendors on transportation programs, routing guides, shipping standards, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor vendor shipping performance and compliance metrics.
• Resolve vendor-related transportation issues that impact inventory flow, delivery schedules, or supply chain costs.
• Conduct recurring business reviews with strategic vendors to drive continuous improvement.

Inbound Transportation Coordination

• Manage inbound freight movements from vendors to distribution centers through company-managed transportation programs.
• Coordinate shipment scheduling, tendering, load building, appointment management, and carrier communication.
• Track freight movement from origin to destination and proactively resolve exceptions.
• Support capacity planning during seasonal peaks, promotional events, and supply chain disruptions.

Vendor Compliance Management

• Maintain and enforce vendor routing compliance standards.
• Analyze chargeback and compliance trends to identify opportunities for improved vendor performance.
• Partner with vendors to reduce routing violations, scheduling issues, and shipment errors.
• Support implementation and communication of vendor compliance program enhancements.

Data Analysis & Performance Reporting

• Monitor key transportation and vendor performance metrics.
• Develop scorecards and performance dashboards for merchants, vendors, and transportation providers.
• Analyze transportation costs, freight trends, vendor compliance performance, and service metrics.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend process improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Distribution Center Operations, Transportation, Inventory Planning, Merchandising, Finance, Procurement, and IT teams.
• Support new vendor onboarding, product launches, distribution center shifts, and network changes.
• Participate in strategic supply chain initiatives focused on improving service, efficiency, and cost performance.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve inbound transportation efficiency and inventory flow.
• Support transportation automation, process standardization, and technology enhancements.
• Create and maintain SOPs, training materials, and best-practice documentation.
• Lead projects that improve vendor compliance, transportation visibility, and operational performance

Leadership Expectations

• Serve as a subject matter expert for inbound transportation and vendor operations.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts involving merchants, vendors, and carriers.
• Present operational performance, risks, and recommendations to leadership teams.
• Drive accountability among internal stakeholders and external partners to achieve service and cost objectives.

Explore our benefits site to discover all the perks and support we offer! From health coverage to financial and personal wellness, we've got you covered—check it out today! benefits.fivebelow.com/public/welcome

Five Below is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Five Below is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please submit a request and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. crewservices.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

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