Distribution Lead Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

General Purpose

Supervise assigned drivers and related activities at assigned terminal and/or distribution center. Create work schedules for drivers. Identify and implement effective and timely solutions to transportation and distribution routing and delivery challenges. Develop and promote safety, customer service, and operational excellence.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide daily work direction to professional drivers to ensure safe and efficient operations and to meet customer requirements; maintain daily activity assignments of tractors, trailers, trucks, and drivers
• Monitor daily activity to make necessary adjustments in load assignments, special delivery, or pick-up instructions while effectively communicating with members, customers, drivers, dispatch, and/or other DFA transportation or distribution locations
• Maintain up-to-date copies of routes; manage the utilization of routing software to increase route efficiency, lower cost, and meet customer demands
• Create employee schedules, approve time, resolve timekeeping issues, monitor overtime, and take appropriate actions to meet established goals
• Ensure all daily paperwork associated with each load is properly completed. This may include trip information to provide mileage information for reports to DOT, driver vehicle inspection and driver logs (as appropriate), repair/maintenance activity, billing activity, delivery tickets, etc.
• Prepare and distribute operational reports (KPI's)
• Establish positive working relationships with members or customers to know the facility and equipment to ensure optimal service
• Hold drivers accountable for providing professional interactions and courteous service to members, customers, regulatory personnel, and co-workers; assist in resolving issues
• Work closely with fleet maintenance to ensure assigned equipment is maintained and cared for properly
• Ensure employees achieve performance expectations through training/coaching; routine driver audits or observations for safety; operational efficiency; compliance requirements (Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, Department of Transportation, etc.); and annual reviews
• Train and coach drivers on proper procedures for all activities including equipment and machinery
• Conduct investigations and work on corrective actions for employee accidents and employee safety concerns in conjunction with appropriate safety personnel or management
• Work closely with human resources to address driver counseling, disciplinary actions, new employee recruitment, employee behavior improvement, and driver training and development programs
• Communicate with supervisors, employees, and customers (internal and external) to promote and improve transportation department functions
• Be available to respond to emergencies or other unexpected operational requirements (i.e., nights, weekends, or holidays). Participate in on-call rotation if applicable
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Other duties may be assigned as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of dairy industry production practices, processes, regulations, and equipment
• Knowledge of distribution and transportation practices
• Solid understanding of DOT transportation regulations related to lawful operation
• Understanding of industry, safety, quality, etc., policies (PMO, OSHA, SQF, GMP)
• Knowledge of geographic area (pick-up and delivery area)
• 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 consider impact of actions and decisions on employees, coworkers, and customers
• Able to multi-task and problem solve
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to organize time, energy, and activities effectively to achieve goals (i.e., organizational skills)
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to demonstrate strong initiative and follow through on day-to-day responsibilities
• Record keeping skills
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Reporting to this Position

• Entry level to lead level drivers

backup support to position(s)

• N/A

Travel

No travel required

5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

15%-25% (1-2 times per quarter)

25%-50% (up to 1 week per month)

50%-75% (up to 2 weeks per month)

75%-100% (3+ weeks per month)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans