Order Operations Manager in Chicago

Job DescriptionJob Description

We're looking for a highly organized, process-driven Order Operations Manager to own the full lifecycle of every order — from entry through final delivery. You'll serve as the central hub connecting sales, warehousing, 3PL partners, and carriers, ensuring orders are executed accurately, efficiently, and on time. This is a hands-on operations role for someone who thrives on bringing structure to complexity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Order Entry

• Receive, review, and enter all inbound orders — wholesale, retail, and e-commerce — into NetSuite ERP accurately and without delay
• Validate order details against customer agreements, pricing, and inventory availability before confirming
• Maintain clean, complete order records throughout the full order cycle

Order Planning

• Translate confirmed orders into clear fulfillment instructions, sequencing and prioritizing based on ship dates, customer requirements, and inventory
• Coordinate with warehouse teams to align pick/pack/ship schedules with order demand
• Plan carrier and 3PL assignments by shipment type, lane, and service requirement — LTL, FTL, parcel
• Anticipate and resolve conflicts between order volume, warehouse capacity, and delivery windows before they become problems

Order Oversight

• Monitor all open orders across the pipeline — from entry to delivery — and proactively flag anything at risk
• Resolve order discrepancies, customer issues, and fulfillment errors quickly and with clear communication
• Own order documentation: BOLs, commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipping instructions
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for order issues across internal teams and external partners

3PL & Carrier Management

• Own day-to-day relationships with 3PL partners and freight carriers, holding them accountable to cost, accuracy, and service standards
• Manage 10–20+ daily shipments across LTL, FTL, and parcel — from pickup through delivery
• Negotiate spot rates and evaluate carrier pricing to optimize freight spend
• Enforce routing guide compliance and resolve carrier performance issues in real time

Tracking & Delivery

• Track all shipments end-to-end, maintaining real-time visibility from pickup confirmation through final delivery
• Communicate proactively with customers and internal stakeholders on delivery status and any exceptions
• Report on on-time delivery rates, order accuracy, and freight spend — and drive continuous improvement
• Support inbound scheduling from suppliers and coordinate inventory replenishment timing

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 3–5 years of experience in order management, logistics, or operations — carrier side, 3PL, or shipper side all welcome
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume order pipelines with accuracy and urgency
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP/TMS (required — not a nice to have)
• Proven track record managing 3PL relationships and holding external partners to SLAs
• Strong understanding of freight modes, pricing, and carrier dynamics (LTL, FTL, parcel)
• A natural systems thinker — someone who builds process, not just reacts to problems
• Clear, direct communicator who can manage multiple open orders and stakeholders simultaneously
• CPG or beverage industry background is a plus, but not required
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or equivalent experience

HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS

• On-time delivery rate and order accuracy
• Freight spend efficiency vs. benchmark
• 3PL and carrier performance scores
• Speed of issue resolution on delayed or problem shipments

Company DescriptionFire Brands is a leading manufacturer of fun and innovative beverages and snack foods such as Skittles Drinks, Kool-Aid Soda, Snickers Chocolate Milk and JIF Peanut Butter Cookies. We are growing and looking for talented people to join our team!

We offer market competitive salary, bonuses and benefits to our growing team.

Fire Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: Fire Brands is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Fire Brands are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to , , religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Fire Brands will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Fire Brands encourages applicants of all ages.Company DescriptionFire Brands is a leading manufacturer of fun and innovative beverages and snack foods such as Skittles Drinks, Kool-Aid Soda, Snickers Chocolate Milk and JIF Peanut Butter Cookies. We are growing and looking for talented people to join our team!\n\nWe offer market competitive salary, bonuses and benefits to our growing team.\n\nFire Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: Fire Brands is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Fire Brands are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to , , religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Fire Brands will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Fire Brands encourages applicants of all ages.