Sr. Manager, Transportation/Distribution

Dairy Farmers of America•City of Amsterdam, NY

23h

About The Position

Manage transportation and distribution operations across one or more related disciplines, which may include fleet maintenance, dispatch, logistics support, warehousing, fleet specifications, procurement and disposal, supervisor and driver training, regulatory compliance, and safety. Ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery through staff and coordination with other departments, while meeting customer expectations within budgetary constraints. Lead managers, supervisors, and professional staff; oversee special project audits; and develop training and development programs in quality, technical competency, and leadership. The role oversees planning and execution of transportation and distribution activities, process improvement, equipment requirements, scheduling and truck utilization, contracted services, budgets, operating costs, metrics, customer concerns, and environmental, safety, and transportation compliance. It also involves hiring, workforce development, coaching managers and supervisors, setting department goals, and working with leadership or Human Resources on investigations and corrective actions. Travel is 25%–50%, up to one week per month. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 8 years of distribution, logistics, and/or transportation experience, including supervisory or management experience.
Have or be able to obtain a tanker endorsement, as required, within 30 days of employment.
Have or be able to obtain doubles or triples endorsement, as required.
Have or be able to obtain a state-issued milk sampler/hauler license, as required.
Have a current medical card, as required.
May be required to obtain and maintain other certifications and/or licenses for continued employment.
Strong knowledge of dairy production practices, processes, regulations, and equipment; distribution and transportation practices; and DOT regulations related to lawful operation.
Solid understanding of industry, safety, and quality policies, including PMO, OSHA, SQF, and GMP.
Knowledge of transportation and distribution best practices and ability to assess strategic and practical implications of proposed actions.
Ability to elicit cooperation from upper management, plant locations, and others; manage multiple projects; and apply principles of supervision, training, and personnel management.
Leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
Ability to use company computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, routing software, telematics, and handhelds.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to adapt to and manage change, determine direction in ambiguous situations, and handle challenging or conflict situations tactfully and professionally.
Skill in budgeting and financial analysis techniques.
Willingness to travel 25%–50%, up to one week per month.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree.
At least 2 years of management experience.

Responsibilities

Manage planning and execution of transportation and distribution operations in compliance with company and regulatory requirements; develop transportation policies and procedures.
Analyze and document processes and problems, and develop improvements to operating quality and efficiency, equipment requirements, service levels, and expenses.
Communicate and coordinate with production facilities, corporate staff, and others regarding potential problems and resolutions; present findings to organizational leadership.
Establish positive working relationships with members or customers to ensure optimal service.
Oversee scheduling, work assignments, and incoming and outgoing truck optimization; adapt operations to production or farm variances and seasonal production.
Coordinate contracted services, review cost benefits, and as needed negotiate carrier rates and lanes or review carrier agreements with the internal legal department.
Manage and analyze the distribution budget; pursue cost reductions and oversee labor, supply, and maintenance costs.
Track, reconcile, and report metrics and key performance indicators against established targets.
Hold staff accountable for professional and courteous service, and handle escalated customer inquiries, concerns, or internal issues.
Assist with environmental, safety, and transportation compliance and reporting; direct preparation and distribution of operational reports.
Interview and hire employees and identify training needs in coordination with Human Resources.
Coach and support transportation managers and supervisors, help employees meet performance expectations, and establish and communicate department goals.
Work with leadership and/or Human Resources on investigations and corrective actions related to injuries, accidents, audits, or employee concerns.
Oversee special project audits and manage managers, supervisors, and professional staff.