Senior Manager, USPS Programs - Lob

Lob is seeking an experienced and innovative Program Manager to lead and optimize our direct mail operations and be at the forefront of our relationship with the USPS. The ideal candidate will work closely with our logistics, operations, sales, and product teams to ensure cost-effective, compliant, and efficient mail production and delivery. This role is critical in navigating the complex landscape of USPS regulations and leveraging postal strategies to drive customer success and company growth.

Key Responsibilities

• USPS Compliance and Strategy: Act as USPS liaison and work as the SME to internal personnel and the point of contact with the USPS.
  • Stay current on all USPS regulations, requirements, and postal rate structures, ensuring company mailings are fully compliant while optimizing for cost savings and delivery speed.
• Data Analysis: Utilize data-driven insights to monitor mail efficiency, delivery performance, and identify areas for improvement. Analyze USPS trends to anticipate regulatory changes and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Reporting: Develop and maintain comprehensive reports on mailing performance, cost efficiency, and compliance. Present findings and recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders. Keep detailed trending of all USPS promotions and their impact on the Lob customer base.
• Lead the end-to-end management of USPS promotions, including interpreting program guidelines, coordinating cross-functional execution with Product and Sales, and ensuring customer participation and compliance to maximize postage savings.
• Vendor & Partner Relationships: Collaborate with key logistics stakeholders internally and externally, as well as USPS representatives, to negotiate better rates and improve mailing workflows. Work closely with industry organizations such as Keep US Posted and MTAC to influence and stay informed on postal industry changes.
  • Industry Voice: Represent the company’s interests within MTAC and other affiliate USPS organizations, ensuring that the specific needs and challenges of the direct mail manufacturing sector are heard by USPS leadership and policy makers.
  • Influencing Postal Policy: Actively participate in logistics and postal organizational discussions and working groups to advocate for postal rate adjustments, new service offerings, or changes in regulations that would benefit the company and its customers. Scope these projects in collaboration with product to build solutions for customers of all sizes and qualifications.
  • Postage Construction Influence: Work with Keep Us Posted to influence USPS pricing structures and service offerings, helping to shape postage constructions that directly support the company’s strategic initiatives.
• Actionable Insights: Translate industry changes into actionable recommendations that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, or create new service offerings for customers.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to implement new USPS products, services, or technologies that enhance delivery efficiency and customer experience.
• Internal Training Programs: Educate and train internal teams on new USPS policies, technological innovations, and best practices, ensuring staff across the company remain compliant and effective in their roles.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in a USPS-related role within a direct mail, logistics, or manufacturing environment. Experience working with USPS regulations, including mail preparation, entry, and rate structures.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, supply chain, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of USPS rules, mail classification, and postal optimization strategies such as presort, commingling, and drop shipping. Familiarity with postal software (e.g., PostalOne!, Mail.dat, etc.) and relevant logistics platforms.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to think strategically and troubleshoot complex mailing challenges, with a track record of finding innovative solutions.
• Detail-Oriented: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Industry Involvement: Active involvement with industry associations (e.g., MTAC, NAPM, PostCom) and a proven ability to influence postal policies and practices is a plus.