What are the responsibilities and job description for the Warehouse Dispatcher position at Gulf Winds International Inc.?
Job Title: Warehouse Dispatcher
Department: Warehouse Operations
Location: Houston
Reports To: Terminal Manager
Position Type: Full-time
Company Overview
Gulf Winds International, Inc.is a leading provider of drayage, transloading, and storage, serving importers and exporters globally. The Company prides itself on innovation, people, and purpose, redefining expectations for intermodal trucking. With a robust presence at major ports, including Houston, Dallas, Mobile, Memphis, Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore, and Chicago, Gulf Winds is dedicated to delivering top-notch services through continuous investment in technology and infrastructure.
Ownership: The company is backed by The Sterling Group, a Houston-based private equity firm. Since 1982, The Sterling Group has partnered with management teams to grow and build winning businesses in the industrial sector. Over 75% of Sterlings past partnerships have been with family businesses and corporate carve-outs. Sterling excels as a partner bringing its operational focus and expertise to support company objectives. Today, Sterling has over $5.7 billion in assets under management.
Purpose of Position
The Dispatcher position is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate, and efficient service to GWI customers and drivers, with a primary focus on utilizing mules and owner-operators to move containers to and from our warehouses. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, leadership, mentoring abilities, multi-tasking, and superior communication skills.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
- Ensure Independent Contractor satisfaction by facilitating load distribution, with an emphasis on warehouse-focused container movement.
- Achieve driver retention and growth goals by ensuring driver success while maintaining strong relationships with the independent contractors and employee drivers.
- Coordinate the efficient deployment of mules and owner-operators for container transport between warehouses, optimizing routes and schedules for maximum efficiency.
- Work closely with critical departments (e.g., Safety, Driver Recruitment, Customer Service, Sales) to best serve our drivers and internal and external customers.
- Promote a culture of Operational Excellence focused on safety, quality, and reliability.
- Execute daily workload while ensuring customer requirements are met to achieve World Class service.
- Track and manage all Gulf Winds equipment to ensure proper utilization, with particular attention to equipment used for warehouse transfers.
- Cross-train to cover workload distribution when the Terminal Manager is out.
- Openly communicate challenges and opportunities as they arise, along with creative solutions to overcome.
- Manage costs with a focus on increasing terminal profitability while minimizing costs for our customers.
- Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of the facility and ensure the facility is stocked with necessary supplies and materials.
- Manage quarterly KPIs to support company goals.
Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong organizational skills.
- Professional communication and writing skills.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
- Excellent problem-solving and resolution skills.
- Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook (Internet and Prism Software preferred).
- Logistics and Intermodal experience preferred, particularly with container movement to and from warehouse facilities.
- Ability to adapt to changing operational needs and prioritize tasks accordingly.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Must be dependable and able to work independently.
- Previous transportation experience preferred, especially in intermodal and warehouse-focused container movement.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
