Dispatch Manager

AP Professionals has partnered with a food manufacturing company in search of a Dispatch Manager. The Dispatch Manager plays a crucial role in supply chain management, encompassing manufacturing and logistics relationships. Their primary responsibilities involve overseeing the dispatch function to optimize capacity, enhance productivity, and deliver prompt, courteous, and efficient service to customers. They are accountable for managing dispatch operations and ensuring the safe and effective utilization of company drivers and equipment to achieve successful order fulfillment. Additionally, the Dispatch Manager collaborates closely with the Production and Safety Departments to ensure seamless coordination and alignment.

This is a direct hire opportunity.

This opportunity is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

• Cultivate a positive company and department culture.
• Plan and supervise the entire shipment process, from order acceptance to production, transit, and delivery, ensuring seamless paperwork flow.
• Assist Sales and Accounting in effectively managing customer contracts and promoting efficient and accurate invoicing.
• Optimize pick-up and delivery schedules by scheduling drivers or providing guidance to Driver Managers, improving driver and equipment utilization.
• Ensure the availability of equipment by assigning drivers, trucks, and extra drivers when necessary.
• Support maintenance and facilities in efficiently managing driver and trailer capacity, including tracking equipment preventive maintenance and maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with DOT Safety & Compliance to maintain accurate driver records, ensuring compliance with drug testing, medical certifications, license renewals, etc.
• Proactively anticipate and address weather-related complications along routes and at drivers' destinations, communicating delays and route changes as required.
• Direct Driver Supervisors to maintain regular contact with drivers, offering necessary responses and emergency aid when needed.
• Maintain and review operational records, monitoring daily logs for errors and compliance violations. Provide coaching to Driver Supervisors on driver hours of service compliance and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Monitor drivers' working hours to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, delivering training and feedback to Driver Supervisors.
• Manage the driver payroll process, ensuring accurate weekly payroll submission. Establish driver pay policies, provide training to Drivers and Driver Managers, and verify accurate pay calculations by driver supervisors.
• Oversee vehicle maintenance and repair schedules.
• Maximize productivity by efficiently routing vehicles, encouraging autonomy, initiative, and independent thinking.
• Assist in the evaluation, implementation, and establishment of a training program for a new dispatch system.
• Handle incoming calls, emails, and texts from Drivers, Operations, customers, Customer Service, and Sales departments.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to provide support outside of regular business hours.
• Schedule and plan company meetings and training sessions for drivers, Driver Supervisors, and Customer Service personnel.
• Proactively troubleshoot and resolve potential delivery and service issues before they cause service interruptions.
• Communicate with maintenance shop personnel and serve as an emergency point of contact for mechanical downtime and other issues when necessary.
• Assign loads to drivers based on the most advantageous routes and driver location.
• Manage the collection and maintenance of documentation for pick-ups, route completions, and driver locations. Ensure drivers adhere to service and paperwork policies and procedures.
• Provide professional and courteous interactions with external and internal customers.
• Receive and address reports on driver performance issues or concerns, assisting in appropriate resolutions.
• Collaborate with the Safety Department to enforce company policies and procedures.
• Perform or delegate other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in Logistics/Transportation management.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates independent thinking, a positive demeanor, and a proactive approach.
• Strong organizational skills to effectively prepare and assign routes.
• Excellent leadership abilities to ensure drivers comply with instructions and assignments.
• Takes responsibility for personal and assigned drivers' adherence to state, federal, and company regulations and policies.
• Proficient in dispatch and recordkeeping systems or quick to learn them.
• Capable of working efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.
• Thorough understanding of the shipping industry.
• Familiarity with Office 365 products.
• Customer service experience is desirable.
• Extended periods of desk work involving computer usage, including typing.
• Occasional standing, crouching, or kneeling may be required.
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 15 pounds.
• The primary office location for this role is specified at the beginning of the job description. Occasional travel to other Ingredients Plus locations may be necessary based on business needs.