Dock Operations Manager Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

About Element Event Solutions

Element Event Solutions, is Canada's premier provider of tent and event services, orchestrating over 30,000 memorable events annually in partnership with top venues, caterers, planners, corporate partners, and private hosts. Established in 1911 as Chair-man Mills, our company has grown through a legacy of excellence with renowned brands including Event Rental Group, Contemporary Furniture Rentals, Regal Tents & Structures, Advanced Tent Rental, A&B Partytime, Loungeworks, MacFarlands, and Higgins Event Rentals. Driven by our mission to craft engaging spaces that foster remarkable experiences and connections, we provide the infrastructure essential for Canadians to unite through social, corporate, philanthropic, and community gatherings. Proudly Canadian-owned and operated, we are committed to family values and investing in our local communities.

Position Summary
The Dock Master oversees evening and overnight dock operations to ensure freight, vehicles, transfers, pickups, and outbound loads move safely, accurately, and on schedule. This role maintains dock flow, coordinates truck and dock door activity, supervises vehicle preloading, and acts as the main communication point between dock staff, drivers, warehouse teams, dispatch, and leadership. The Dock Master is expected to identify issues early, make sound operational decisions, and complete the shift with strong accuracy, organization, and accountability.

Schedule
Start time: Between 8:00 pm or 10:00 pm to 4:00 am or 6:00 am with the flexibility to work between Monday - Sunday

Location
210 Wicksteed Avenue, East York, ON. and/or

501 Consumers Road, Toronto, ON.

Key Responsibilities

Dock Coordination and Shift Execution
Coordinate dock activity throughout the shift, including loading, unloading, truck movement, staging, and overall dock flow.
Oversee evening and overnight dock operations to maintain productivity, organization, and timely execution of scheduled activity.
Manage dock door allocation, truck and trailer placement, and yard organization to minimize congestion and support efficient freight movement.
Monitor inbound and outbound freight, including transfers, customer pickups, returns, late shipments, and priority loads.
Ensure end-of-shift pickups and outbound freight are accounted for, staged correctly, and ready within operational timelines.

Vehicle Preloading and Dispatch Readiness
Supervise and manage vehicle preloading for next-day deliveries, pickups, transfers, and scheduled outbound activity.
Ensure vehicles are loaded according to route plans, delivery sequence, order size, truck capacity, and any special handling or site-specific requirements.
Verify preloaded freight against the assigned route, contract, load sheet, transfer document, or delivery package before release for dispatch.
Monitor preload progress and inspect loaded vehicles for accuracy, load security, damage risk, missing items, and overall dispatch readiness.
Escalate preload exceptions such as missing product, incomplete orders, capacity concerns, damaged items, misloads, or unclear delivery instructions before they impact next-day operations.

Transfers, Documentation, and Accuracy
Coordinate transfers between warehouse locations, ensuring transfer loads are communicated, prepared, loaded accurately, and dispatched on time.
Maintain accurate shipping, receiving, transfer documentation, and nightly reporting, ensuring required records are complete and up to date.
Verify freight is handled and staged properly to reduce damage, loading errors, inventory discrepancies, and service failures.
Respond quickly to operational exceptions, including missed transfers, incomplete loads, misloads, delayed pickups, dock congestion, and inventory issues.

Team Leadership, Communication, and Safety
Lead, support, and provide clear direction to dock staff, ensuring assigned tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and safely.
Maintain clear communication with drivers, warehouse teams, dispatch, and leadership regarding priorities, timing, delays, shortages, service risks, and shift updates.
Support real-time problem-solving and decision-making while balancing multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
Escalate service, safety, staffing, equipment, or capacity concerns promptly and professionally.
Ensure all dock activity follows company policies, procedures, dock standards, and applicable health and safety requirements.

Requirements & Qualifications
Previous experience in dock operations, shipping and receiving, warehouse coordination, transportation, or a similar logistics environment.
Experience leading, supervising, or directing employees in a warehouse or dock setting is strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of dock flow, freight handling, load preparation, truck movement, staging, and operational coordination.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with changing priorities and tight timelines.
Strong communication, organization, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to complete shipping, receiving, transfer, and operational documentation accurately.
Comfortable working evenings, overnights, and extended hours as required by operational needs.
Working knowledge of warehouse safety practices, dock operating standards, and basic shipping or dispatch documentation.

Key Competencies
Operational urgency and follow-through; leadership under pressure; clear communication and escalation; accuracy and attention to detail; safety awareness; practical problem-solving; strong organization and shift discipline.

Working Conditions
This position is based in a warehouse and dock environment and requires regular movement between dock doors, staging areas, yard space, vehicles, and warehouse operations. The role involves evening and overnight shift work and may require standing, walking, active coordination, and working around trucks, trailers, material handling equipment, and loading areas throughout the shift. Personal protective equipment and adherence to all site safety requirements are required.