Senior Manager of Transportation

Dairy Farmers of America•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

GENERAL PURPOSE Manage transportation and distribution operations including one or more transportation related disciplines such as fleet maintenance, dispatch services, logistics support, warehouse, development of fleet specifications, procurement and disposal processes, supervisor and driver training and compliance (DFA and Department of Transportation), and/or safety compliance. Ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery through staff and in coordination with other departments to exceed customer expectations within budgetary constraints. Identify and implement training and development programs and processes in the areas of quality, technical competency (SOP), and leadership. Oversee special project audits. Manage and provide leadership to managers, supervisors, and professional staff.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
8 or more years of distribution, logistics, and/or transportation experience, including supervisory or management experience
Class A commercial driver’s license in state of residence as required
Have or able to obtain tanker endorsement, as required, and within 30 days of employment, as required
Have or able to obtain doubles or triples endorsement as required
Have or able to obtain state issued milk sampler/hauler license as required
Have current medical card as required
May be required to obtain and maintain other certifications and/or licenses for continued employment
Strong knowledge of dairy industry production practices, processes, regulations, and equipment
Strong knowledge of distribution and transportation practices
Strong understanding of DOT transportation regulations related to lawful operation
Solid understanding of industry, safety, quality, etc., policies (PMO, OSHA, SQF, GMP)
Knowledge of best practices in transportation and distribution
Able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action
Able to elicit cooperation from variety of sources, including upper management, plant locations, and others
Able to manage multiple various projects
Solid knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
Skill in leadership, coaching, and team building
Able to use company computer applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, routing software, telematics and handhelds
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
Able to determine direction though ambiguous situations
Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
Skill in budgeting and financial analysis techniques
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree preferred
2+ years of management experience preferred

Responsibilities

Manage the optimal planning and execution of transportation and distribution operations activities in compliance with company and regulatory rules and regulations; develop best in class transportation policies and procedures
Analyze and document processes and problems. Develop processes, strategies, and techniques to improve the operating quality and efficiency with the department; to determine optimal truck and trailer equipment requirements based on current and future production needs, milk pickup, and/or delivery transportation needs; and to minimize expenses while maintaining or increasing current service levels
Communicate with production facilities, corporate staff, and others regarding potential problems, issues, coordination, and resolution. Present findings to organizational leadership
Establish positive working relationships with members or customers to ensure optimal service
Oversee the management of scheduling, work assignments, and optimization of incoming/outgoing trucks. Ensure staff and deliveries are utilized in most efficient and cost-effective manner and minimize time and errors; adapt to necessary changes based on production or farm variances and seasonal production
Coordinate activities of contracted services and actively review for best cost benefit available; may negotiate rates and lanes with carriers as needed to support new business; may review carrier agreements and recommend changes in conjunction with our internal legal department
Effectively manage and analyze the distribution budget and proactively seek ways to reduce costs through continuous improvement of transportation and distribution operations. Oversee and control costs for labor, supplies, and maintenance
Track, reconcile, and report on metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) compared to established targets for communication to various audiences
Hold staff accountable for providing professional interactions and courteous service to members, customers, regulatory personnel, and co-workers; handle escalated customer inquiries/concerns or internal issues
Assist in environmental, safety, and transportation compliance and reporting for assigned location; direct staff in the preparation and distribution of operational reports (KPI’s)
Interview and hire new employees and identify training needs to continually develop and improve the workforce in conjunction with human resources
Function as a resource and coach to transportation managers and supervisors. Support employees to reach performance expectations through training and coaching. Establish and communicate department goals.
Work with leadership and/or human resources on investigations and corrective actions in response to injuries, accidents, audits, or employee concerns.