Cooler Manager

Dairy Farmers of America•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

The Cooler Manager provides leadership to warehouse and cooler supervisors and employees and manages daily operational activities to maximize productivity and efficiency. The role serves as the primary liaison between plant management and departments such as sales, distribution, and customer service to ensure appropriate inventory and product levels are available for load-out and finished products are delivered accurately and on time. The manager oversees operational coordination, inventory control, quality assurance, employee management, safety, and expense control while promoting effective communication across management and warehouse/cooler personnel. The position requires an undergraduate degree in business administration, supply chain and logistics, or a related curriculum, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates should have 5 to 8 years of experience in a warehouse, cooler, distribution, production, logistics, or related environment, together with supervisory experience. Management experience is preferred. Certification and/or licensing may be required during employment.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in business administration, supply chain and logistics, or a related curriculum, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
5 to 8 years of experience in a warehouse, cooler, distribution, production, logistics, or related environment, coupled with supervisory experience.
Strong team leadership skills and the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines.
Knowledge and understanding of organizational financial and budgeting functions.
Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
Knowledge of supervision, training, and personnel management principles and practices.
Ability to promote a team environment and select, coach, develop, engage, and retain employees.
Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs and lead others through change.
Ability to interact positively and work effectively with others.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate with personnel at various levels to ensure customer needs and requirements are met.
Ability to problem-solve, multitask, and prioritize work activities.
Ability to consider strategic and practical implications of proposed courses of action.
Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Nice To Haves

Management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, and coordinate departmental activities in an organized, safe, and sanitary environment that complies with company policies, OSHA requirements, and government regulations.
Coordinate load-out schedules with in-house distribution and outside contractors to ensure timely and accurate product load-out and receipt.
Coordinate shipping and receiving with other departments to maximize operational efficiency and minimize customer service issues.
Establish and ensure compliance with procedures for production efficiency, product quality, employee safety, and state and federal guidelines.
Monitor product inventory and codes daily to ensure proper rotation and traceability, and prepare warehouse and storage systems for physical inventories.
Ensure transactions—including shipments, donations, product loss, and damage—are recorded accurately and promptly to maintain correct inventory positions.
Ensure compliance with quality assurance standards, including housekeeping and cleanliness of products and work areas.
Collaborate across departments as a change agent and communicate company values, safety policies, loss-control targets, and quality assurance standards.
Manage and control expenses, including cooler dump, labor, and overhead costs, using approved methods.
Manage and escalate complex or new issues and remove barriers to employee and workplace success.
Lead union and/or non-union employees, promote productive working relationships, and apply work rules, applicable union contract provisions, and employment policies.
Manage assigned employees, including selection, retention, feedback, discipline, and performance management; work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve grievances.
Participate in collective bargaining agreement or other contract-related activities and discussions as requested.
Communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods.
Promote safe work behaviors, ensure compliance with safety rules, investigate accidents and injuries, and submit injury reports to Human Resources promptly.
Coordinate and/or facilitate plant safety meetings, training, and incentive programs as needed.
Identify ways to improve operational efficiency and contain costs; establish best practices for SOPs, labor management, and applicable certifications.
Develop alternative approaches to drive operational improvement.