Cooler Manager

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

The Cooler Manager provides leadership to warehouse/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 other departments, including sales, distribution, and customer service, to ensure appropriate inventory and product levels are available for load-out and finished product is delivered accurately and on time. The manager maintains effective interdepartmental communication between management and warehouse/cooler personnel. The position oversees department planning, shipping and receiving, inventory accuracy and rotation, quality assurance, safety, employee management, and expense control. It promotes operational efficiency, compliance with company policies and applicable regulations, and positive working relationships with employees and other departments.

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 teamwork and leadership skills, including the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines.
Knowledge 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.
Interpersonal skills and ability to interact positively and work effectively with others.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, including communication with personnel at various levels to meet customer needs and requirements.
Ability to problem-solve, multitask, and prioritize work activities.
Ability to consider strategic and practical implications of proposed actions.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Management experience preferred.
Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, and coordinate department activities in an organized, safe, and sanitary work environment that complies with company policies, OSHA, and government regulations.
Coordinate load-out schedules with in-house distribution and outside contractors to ensure timely and accurate load-out and receipt of products.
Coordinate shipping and receiving activities with other departments to maximize operational efficiency and minimize customer service issues.
Ensure procedures are established and followed for production efficiency, product quality, employee safety, and compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Monitor cooler inventory and product codes daily to ensure proper rotation and traceability; prepare the warehouse and storage systems for physical inventories.
Ensure shipments, donations, product loss, and damage transactions are recorded accurately and promptly to maintain correct inventory records.
Ensure compliance with quality assurance standards, including housekeeping and cleanliness of products and work areas.
Collaborate across departments as a change agent.
Promote and communicate company values, safety policies, loss-control targets, and quality assurance standards to the department.
Manage and control expenses, including cooler dump, labor, and overhead costs, using approved methods.
Manage issues, resolve complex or new problems, 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 contract-related activities as requested; and communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods.
Promote safe work behaviors and hold self and direct reports accountable for safety rules; investigate accidents and injuries and submit timely reports to Human Resources; may coordinate or facilitate plant safety meetings, training, and incentive programs.
Identify ways to improve operational efficiency and contain costs; develop and implement best practices for SOPs, labor management, and applicable certifications.