Router

Houston Food Bank•Houston, TX

25d

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: The Router is responsible for scheduling, planning, and routing orders to sites utilizing available routing tools to develop route plans according to established scheduling and routing guidelines. This role works closely with Transportation Supervisors and other Houston Food Bank personnel on route scheduling, planning, and assigning/allocating available resources (drivers, equipment, contract carriers, etc.) to ensure routing meets customer requirements. This position, with the leadership team, proactively works on routing projects and running “What If” scenarios to drive productivity, efficiency, and expense/cost control within the service area. Adhere to PACT values. (Purpose: Using our strengths passionately to contribute to our mission. Accountability: Choosing to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrating ownership to achieve results. See It. Own It. Solve It. Do It. Courage: Standing up for what’s right and acting. Transparency: Doing things openly and honestly).

Requirements

High School Diploma from an accredited school or general education development (GED) certificate required
1 to 3 years of experience within the distribution and/or transportation industry
Experience using routing and scheduling software and GPS systems preferred
Experience in planning and managing route activity preferred
Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance
Knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations as it pertains to commercial drivers’ hours of service and truck size/weight configurations
Knowledge of the distribution and transportation industry
Advance knowledge of Transportation Management System and Warehouse Management system software
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Ability to work with a diverse population
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to accurately prepare and maintain files, reports, and records
Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions
Strong customer service skills and willingness to assist others
Ability to work on and adapt to multiple tasks with attention to detail and accuracy while adhering to deadlines in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
Able to work cooperatively and coordinate well with other departments, partners, and neighbors
Strong time-management skills, self-starter, self-motivated
Strong problem-solving abilities
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
Familiarity with service area required to coordinate driver’s deliveries and pick-ups
Ability to work a flexible schedule in order to complete work (i.e., may require changes in starting times and occasional weekend work)

Responsibilities

Utilizes available dynamic logistics and routing technology to develop and manage route plans and daily maintenance of routing data based on the destination, shipment size, available fleet vehicles, and customer time requirements as well as other customer needs for each delivery address.
Develops the most cost-effective and efficient routes while achieving service requirements.
Verifies equipment and vehicle “readiness” with Logistics Management.
Sets up daily equipment and vehicle assignments for drivers.
Oversees routes and reroutes based on feedback from the Transportation team.
Works with Transportation Management on routing projects and running “What If” scenarios to drive productivity and efficiency within the service area.
Verifies orders, including re-deliveries to be routed daily with all departments (i.e., Program Services, Brighter Bites, School Market, Teacher’s Aid, Kids’ Café) to ensure that all orders are entered into the system.
Provides timely reports to Transportation Management.
Acts proactively in researching advancements in routing and technology to continuously improve routing processes and fleet efficiency.
Proactively communicates all issues that impact service to our customers to Transportation Leadership.