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Dock Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Manager, Operations is responsible for translating strategy into execution-aligning people ... Oversee daily operations across pickup and delivery, dock operations, OS&D, inbound/outbound ...

The Manager, Operations is responsible for translating strategy into execution-aligning people ... Oversee daily operations across pickup and delivery, dock operations, OS&D, inbound/outbound ...

The Manager, Operations is responsible for translating strategy into execution-aligning people ... Oversee daily operations across pickup and delivery, dock operations, OS&D, inbound/outbound ...

The Manager, Operations is responsible for translating strategy into execution-aligning people ... Oversee daily operations across pickup and delivery, dock operations, OS&D, inbound/outbound ...

Operations Manager

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Cross-Dock/RDC - IB & OB Shift: 11:00am Start to completion Salary: $60,000/year - $80,000/year The Operations Manager is a key leader responsible for directing, optimizing, and executing daily ...

Cross-Dock/RDC - IB & OB Shift: 11:00am Start to completion Salary: $60,000/year - $80,000/year The Operations Manager is a key leader responsible for directing, optimizing, and executing daily ...

Dock Supervisor

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$61K - $76K/yr

Position Summary Supervises terminal operations, including sorting, handling, loading, and unloading freight. Manages daily dockworker activities and ensures compliance with company policies and ...

Dock Supervisor

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$61K - $76K/yr

Position Summary Supervises terminal operations, including sorting, handling, loading, and unloading freight. Manages daily dockworker activities and ensures compliance with company policies and ...

Position Summary Supervises terminal operations, including sorting, handling, loading, and unloading freight. Manages daily dockworker activities and ensures compliance with company policies and ...

Dock Supervisor

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$61K - $76K/yr

Position Summary Supervises terminal operations, including sorting, handling, loading, and unloading freight. Manages daily dockworker activities and ensures compliance with company policies and ...

What you'll do 1. Execute dock and terminal operations with precision * Oversee daily dock ... Provide real-time feedback, performance management, and development support * Foster a culture of ...

Join Our Dock Operations Team At CDN, we don't just move freight; we deliver promises. We are ... You aren't just moving boxes; you are managing the "First In, First Out" flow that keeps our entire ...

What you'll do 1. Execute dock and terminal operations with precision * Oversee daily dock ... Provide real-time feedback, performance management, and development support * Foster a culture of ...

What you'll do 1. Execute dock and terminal operations with precision * Oversee daily dock ... Provide real-time feedback, performance management, and development support * Foster a culture of ...

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Dock Operations Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$92.2K

$96.8K

$101K

How much do dock operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for dock operations manager in Chicago, IL is $96,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,800.00 and $98,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Dock Operations Manager do?

A Dock Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of loading docks, ensuring the efficient movement of goods and materials. Their responsibilities typically include managing dock staff, coordinating inbound and outbound shipments, enforcing safety protocols, and optimizing workflow for timely deliveries. They often work closely with warehouse teams, truck drivers, and logistics personnel to resolve issues and maintain productivity. Strong organizational and leadership skills are essential in this role to ensure operations run smoothly and safely.

What is a port operations manager?

A port operations manager oversees the daily activities of a port or terminal, including cargo handling, vessel scheduling, safety compliance, and staff management. They coordinate logistics, ensure efficient operations, and often use management software to optimize workflows.

Is operations manager a high position?

An operations manager is generally considered a mid- to senior-level management position responsible for overseeing daily business activities, implementing policies, and improving efficiency. The role often requires leadership skills, experience, and sometimes certifications, and it can serve as a stepping stone to higher executive roles such as director or vice president.

What does a dock manager do?

A dock operations manager oversees the loading and unloading of goods at a dock or warehouse, coordinating staff, ensuring safety protocols, and managing schedules to maintain efficient operations. They often use inventory management systems and require knowledge of safety regulations and logistics. The role involves supervising workers, maintaining equipment, and ensuring timely delivery and receipt of shipments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dock Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dock Operations Manager, you need expertise in logistics, inventory management, and safety compliance, often supported by a degree in supply chain management or relevant experience. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), forklift operation certifications, and scheduling software is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and coordinating with multiple departments. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring efficient dock operations, minimizing errors, and maintaining a safe, productive work environment.

How much should an operations manager get paid?

The average salary for a Dock Operations Manager typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Salaries can be higher with specialized skills such as logistics management, certifications, or experience in large-scale operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Dock Operations Managers, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Dock Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules to minimize loading and unloading delays, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and managing a diverse team of dockworkers. Effective communication, proactive problem-solving, and the use of technology for scheduling and inventory tracking can greatly help address these issues. Building strong relationships with transportation providers and fostering a safety-first culture are also key to maintaining efficient dock operations and reducing workplace incidents.
What are popular job titles related to Dock Operations Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Dock Operations Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Coordinator, Cross-Dock Operations

Estes Forwarding Worldwide

Bensenville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Estes Forwarding Worldwide rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) is a leading domestic and international freight forwarder in the United States, providing customized logistics and warehousing solutions for clients around the world and across all industries via air, ground, and ocean freight. A subsidiary of Estes Express lines with corporate located in Richmond, Virginia, EFW is uniquely backed by Estes Express Lines' extensive line haul network providing EFW clients with a hybrid transportation network. The company has received industry awards, including Specialty Carrier of the Year and E-Commerce Delivery Carrier of the Year, and has been recognized by Global Trade Americas as a leading 3PL to watch.
We are proud to offer highly competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability plans
  • Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Job referral bonus program
  • Position Pay Range: $21-$25/HR & Shift/Hours will be M-F 12pm-9pm

Responsibilities
The Coordinator, Cross-Dock Operations, is responsible for evaluating pricing and transportation options in order to provide exceptional customer service while supporting the Operations Department and its domestic clients. The Coordinator, Cross-Dock Operations will also assist with day-to-day activity of the dock as well as integrity of freight and warehouse operations.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
  • Through a network of internal and external transportation suppliers, use company training and experience to determine the most efficient, cost effective, time sensitive process of providing the requested Estes Forwarding Service.
  • Carry out assignments in conducting work for EFW and its clients, including evaluating multiple options regarding transportation; pricing, timing, availability, volume and other factors with frequent direction from management when appropriate. Interpret and implement standardized management policies and operate company practices when arranging transportation with vendors and clients.
  • Serve as the front-line communicator for customer and vendor disputes. Handle such complaints and resolve them using exceptional customer service to preserve customer satisfaction, vendor relationships, and company reputation. Use discretion when determining situations that need to be escalated to management.
  • Effectively manage multiple tasks and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Proactively identify shipments at risk of service failure and take control of shipments to ensure on time delivery.
  • Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with service providers.
  • Work flexible hours and various shifts.
  • Research all possible routings via airlines, line-haul, pick-up/delivery, scheduling, and geographic servicing. Utilize the most efficient and cost effective routes.
  • Document all shipments with detailed trace notes and accurate data entry. Complete additional shipping documents as required. Thoroughly document all information for every shipment including special customer requests, documentation of agent specials, the assignment of special authorization numbers, ship tracing information and OS&D information. Maintain with accuracy, appropriate TSA and DOT documents including documents for the movement of Dangerous Goods.
  • Maintain on-time service integrity with a goal of 100% on time. Continually monitor and update shipments as defined by EFW Forwarding Services management policies.
  • Be available for 24-hour on call rotation when requested by management.
  • Communicate promptly and effectively any issues that place shipments in jeopardy with internal customers, external customers and service providers. Escalate issues to management when appropriate.
  • Per company policy, ensure 100% compliance with all TSA regulations regarding the Indirect Air Carrier Standard Security Program and Shipper's Security Endorsements.
  • Utilize current and developing Internet tracking applications to effectively update, communicate and monitor shipment status.
  • Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.
  • Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
  • Comply with company C-TPAT and TSA security procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
The qualifications listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, internet, web-based and job specific software applications.
  • Must be able to proficiently complete air and ground shipping documents both electronically and manually.
  • Work outside of normal business hours in order to meet deadlines where necessary and as directed by management.
  • Maintain a strong work ethic, including a positive demeanor at all times and work in a cooperative and friendly manner with customers, co-workers and those with whom the employee comes into contact while fulfilling the obligations of the position.
  • Present a professional appearance, attitude, and image with internal and external clients.
  • Demonstrate effective problem solving, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to clearly convey short and long-term defined goals.
  • Ability to speak English is a requirement of the customer.
  • Ensure complete customer satisfaction and to create repeat business opportunities.
  • Meet all deadlines 100% of the time.
  • Regular, reliable attendance.
  • Knowledge of continental United States geography.
  • Effective time management.
  • Excellent problem solving skills.
  • Ability to multi-task and change course quickly.
  • Interpret information to accomplish business objectives.
  • Plan and prepare for the needs of the organization within the employee's span of control.
  • Exceptional organizational skills.
  • Ability to work with groups of people such as other departments and communicate known concepts.
  • Ability to solve problems with a variety of concrete variables through standardized solutions that require some ingenuity and analysis.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.
  • At this time, EFW will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.
  • EFW offers an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status.

SUPERVISION
Position functions with supervision and has no direct reports.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Minimum of an Associate's degree (or equivalent) in a related field and 1- 3 years of experience in transportation, logistics or other transportation business. Experience working with Dangerous Goods/HAZ-MAT certification desired. However, a combination of experience and/or education will be taken into consideration.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
None required.
TRAVEL
None required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.
Typically sitting at a desk or table.
The employee is intermittently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be capable of individually lifting a minimum of 30lbs and team lifting a minimum of 70 lbs. The employee is often required to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects and repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue. The employee is frequently required to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is required to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) and at a distance.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.
Normal office situation. However, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly on the dock exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme cold and/or heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
EFW is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veteran.

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