Shipping Manager

Pratt Industries•Lathrop, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Lead a high-velocity, 24-hour shipping department, overseeing forklift operations, supports carrier scheduling, and internal logistics. The successful candidate will be a leader of character who builds disciplined crews capable of maintaining elite standards of safety and quality around the clock, even during unsupervised shifts.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years in a high-velocity manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years in a dedicated shipping/logistics leadership role.
Proven experience managing 24-hour/3-shift operations, ensuring seamless transitions and consistent standards across all "dark hours."
Deep understanding of freight coordination, carrier relations, and the physical constraints of loading custom-manufactured goods (non-standardized loads).
High School Diploma or GED; proficient in ERP/WMS systems and Microsoft Excel for data-driven decision-making.
Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to communicate with clarity and candor across all levels of the organization—from frontline loaders to executive leadership—ensuring that information is accurate and unfiltered.
Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy.
Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurement, volume and rate.
Able to apply concepts of high school math.
Ability to apply critical thinking to identify root causes in non-standard situations; must be capable of independent decision-making during high-pressure scenarios to maintain operational integrity and transparency.
Working knowledge of Asset Stewardship: Responsible for the care of high-value equipment; ensures all damage or maintenance needs for trailers, forklifts, and dock assets are reported immediately and accurately.
Working knowledge of Financial Acumen: Utilize data to identify operational variances and execute cost-reduction strategies (e.g., freight spend, labor efficiency) that align with plant-wide P&L goals.
Working knowledge of Quality & Load Integrity: Mastery of unitization standards and loading patterns to ensure product arrives at the customer in "as-manufactured" condition. Must be able to identify and intercept manufacturing defects before they are loaded.
Working knowledge of Regulatory & Compliance: Knowledge of wage and hour laws, environmental waste minimization, OSHA, DEQ, and EEO.
Working knowledge of Ethical Integrity: Strict adherence to ethical reporting standards and company investigative protocols, specifically regarding safety incidents and equipment damage.
May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator License.
Regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear.
Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Occasionally required to sit.
Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Unyielding Integrity: Serves as a managerial representative of the company with a commitment to honest reporting and ethical decision-making, especially under pressure.
The Supervisor as Teacher: Actively trains personnel in both technical loading skills and administrative accuracy, fostering a department that values "doing the right thing" over "taking the shortcut".
High EQ Crisis Management: Maintains emotional control and decisive leadership during peak high-velocity loading periods to ensure customer satisfaction without compromising safety or quality.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, or Accounting (or current enrollment in a related degree program).
4+ years of experience specifically within the corrugated packaging industry or heavy industrial manufacturing.
Experience leading diverse teams of 15+ employees, with a track record of improving retention and safety through "Firm but Fair" mentorship.
Demonstrated experience in roles requiring high levels of transparency, equipment asset management, and accurate incident reporting.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain an environment of high morale through fairness, consistency, and absolute transparency in all departmental dealings.
Develop and coach 24-hour crews to execute elite "best practices" in loading and safety during all shifts, ensuring operational excellence continues when leadership is off-site.
Ensure 100% compliance with company reporting policies regarding equipment damage, safety incidents, and operational anomalies; lead by example in honest and direct communication with management.
Continually analyze and optimize the shipping schedule to meet fluctuating customer requirements while minimizing freight costs and maximizing trailer utilization.
Coordinate with Sales and Scheduling to execute the daily production plan, optimizing driver runs and freight lines for maximum cost-efficiency and on-time delivery.
Supervise high-velocity loading operations to ensure loads are neat, accurate, and meet customer specifications, while maintaining seamless communication across all 24-hour shift changes.
Oversee the maintenance and repair of all fleet and dock equipment (trucks, forklifts, dock plates) and ensure 100% compliance with drivers’ logs, safety programs, and housekeeping standards.
Build high departmental morale through fair and consistent employee relations; lead safety meetings and manage corrective actions or with transparency and integrity.
Keep senior leadership informed of operational risks and proactively recommend schedule or process optimizations to meet cost, quality, and service goals.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding company data and personnel issues, serving as a reliable managerial representative of the company in all internal and external interactions.
Commit to continuous improvement of leadership and technical skills through approved seminars and related college coursework.