Transportation/Distribution Manager

Join our team at Country Fresh in Grand Rapids, MI, where we proudly produce renowned fluid milk, cultured products, and ice cream! Due to an internal promotion, we are seeking a Transportation/Distribution Manager to oversee daily transportation operations at our facility. In this role, you will collaborate with supervisors, employees, and customers to enhance efficiency, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and uphold DFA's safety, customer service, and operational excellence standards. If you're a results-driven leader passionate about logistics and teamwork, we'd love to hear from you!

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage transportation and/or distribution operations activities in compliance with company and regulatory rules and regulations, including operational efficiency, safety, and a professional and organized atmosphere.
• Function as a resource and coach to transportation supervisors. Support employees to reach performance expectations through training and coaching. Establish and communicate department goals.
• Oversee daily operations of the shop to include: drivers, fleet management or maintenance, wash bay, and logistics support.
• Work with leadership and/or human resources on investigations and corrective actions in response to injuries, accidents, audits, or employee concerns.
• Monitor daily operations to make necessary adjustments while effectively communicating with customers, drivers, dispatch, and/or other DFA transportation or distribution locations.
• Monitor and control costs for labor, supplies, and maintenance; approve expense reports and department expenditures within established guidelines.
• Analyze and document business processes and problems; develop solutions and procedures to improve the operating quality and efficiency with the department and with other operating facilities.
• Hold supervisors and drivers accountable for providing professional interactions and courteous service to members, customers, regulatory personnel, and co-workers; handle escalated customer inquiries/concerns or internal issues.
• Assist in environmental, safety, and transportation compliance and reporting for assigned location; direct staff in the preparation and distribution of operational reports (KPI's).
• Inspect and schedule fleet maintenance to ensure preventative maintenance/repairs are done in a timely and efficient manner; ensure equipment is maintained and cared for properly.
• Interview and hire new employees and identify training needs to continually develop and improve the workforce in conjunction with human resources.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Undergraduate degree preferred.
• 5 to 8 years of distribution, logistics, and/or transportation experience, including team leadership or supervisory experience required.
• May be required to obtain and maintain other certifications and/or licenses for continued employment.
• Knowledge of dairy industry production practices, processes, regulations, and equipment a plus.
• Strong understanding of DOT transportation regulations related to lawful operation.
• Understanding of industry, safety, quality, etc., policies (PMO, OSHA, SQF, GMP).
• Skill in leadership, coaching, and team building a logistics/transportation shop.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, routing software, TMS (Transportation Management Systems), camera systems (Samsara is a plus) and handheld scanners required.
• Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package available 1st of the month after start date
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career growth opportunities – we promote from within!
• Service recognition and employee rewards
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Work for dairy farm families

An Equal Opportunity Employer