Forward Deployed Consultant- Supply Chain Solutions

Job Overview

As a Forward Deployed Consultant- Supply Chain Solutions at Flexport, you will embed directly on the operational frontline alongside enterprise clients to architect, build, and deploy real-time supply chain solutions. You will serve as a technical subject matter expert sitting at the intersection of Operations Research, data science, supply chain strategy, and executive client delivery.

Responsibilities

• Deploy directly to client headquarters and logistics hubs to map physical and digital processes, audit supply chain data, uncover root-cause bottlenecks, and quantify hard-dollar ROI across freight, tariffs, and inventory.
• Design, prototype, and scale mathematical supply chain models using Python, SQL, and proprietary tools. Focus on mode mix planning, 3D origin bin-packing, container payload balancing, dynamic safety stock, and supplier consolidation.
• Serve as the technical solution design lead across Flexport capabilities (Order & Shipment Management, Transportation Planning, Data Integration). Partner with Forward Deployed Engineers and core engineering teams to turn mathematical models into production workflows inside the Flexport Control Tower and Workflows platform.
• Partner with commercial teams to co-create high-impact client proposals. Translate complex data models into clear business stories, presenting ROI projections directly to executive stakeholders (COOs, CFOs, VPs of Supply Chain).
• Work side-by-side with frontline operations teams at ports, cross-docks, and client sites to validate models in live workflows, collect operational feedback, and ensure lasting adoption.
• Manage 90-day deployment sprints from start to finish,building project roadmaps, running data pipelines, eliminating roadblocks, and delivering measurable results against aggressive timelines.
• Rigorously monitor project metrics, measuring hard-dollar cost reductions (demurrage saved, modal savings, etc.).
• Identify root causes of logistics losses, build reusable playbooks, and partner with product managers to transform solutions into permanent platform features.

Requirements

• Educational Background: BA/BS or higher in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Computer Science, Applied Physics, Supply Chain, or a related technical field.
• Supply Chain & Logistics Expertise: 4+ years of professional experience in supply chain management/consulting, logistics engineering, freight forwarding, or product management.
• Technical & Analytical: Proficiency in Python, SQL, and data visualization tools (Looker, Tableau).
• Mathematical Modeling & Systems Thinking: Proven ability for systems-thinking to build decision-support systems, reason about end-to-end physical dependencies, and handle imperfect enterprise data.
• Technical Program Management: Demonstrated success overseeing project workstreams from problem definition through setting goals, prototyping, delivery management, risk management, adoption, and impact measurement.
• Executive Communication & Influence: Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to whiteboard complex workflows, build deep trust with technical and business stakeholders, and push back constructively on the status quo.
• Frontline Grit: Willingness to get your hands dirty learning ground operations on-site at ports, warehouses, and client logistics hubs.
• Mindset: Self-starter mentality, comfortable navigating high ambiguity, with a relentless bias toward action and value delivery. Strong attention to detail and proficient problem-solving skills.

Nice to Have

• Formal certifications or experience in Lean, Six Sigma, PMP, Agile, SCRUM, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Deep expertise in global freight forwarding, customs compliance, TMS/WMS software (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Manhattan), or trade finance.
• Prior experience in high-growth tech startups, top-tier management/supply chain consulting firms, or product management environments.

Location and Salary

• Location: San Francisco, CA (up to 50% travel required)
• Salary Range: $120,000-$144,000 USD per year