Senior Dispatch Supervisor

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative Members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Markets®, Gourmet Garage®, and Di Bruno Bros.® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative Members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About You

Summary

As a member of the Transportation Team, you will be responsible for leading a team of five dispatchers in a 24/7 transportation operation, overseeing the coordination of 100 drivers to ensure efficient and timely deliveries. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and multitasking skills to optimize dispatch operations, enforce compliance, and resolve escalated issues in a fast-paced environment. You will also conduct performance reviews, train dispatch staff, and implement strategies to improve efficiency and service quality.

Essential Functions

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervise and support a team of five dispatchers in a 24/7 operation, ensuring smooth scheduling and communication with 100 drivers.
• Conduct regular performance reviews for dispatchers, providing feedback, coaching, and implementing performance improvement plans.
• Train and mentor dispatch staff, ensuring they are equipped to handle high-volume operations effectively.
• Monitor real-time dispatch activities, optimize routes, and manage workflow to maintain efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible with the number of hours worked daily and weekly. Flexible work schedule, ability to work all shifts and working six or seven days a week, if needed.
• Schedule and oversee initial dispatch of all outbound and inbound loads to ensure drivers are following the most efficient and effective methods.
• Oversee Dispatchers to ensure proper dispatch procedures are being followed.
• Ability to oversee and direct affiliated drivers.
• Schedule driver shifts and schedules including Employee Drivers, Owner Operators and Third-Party Fleets.
• Enforce safety regulations, DOT and HOS compliance, and company policies while ensuring drivers adhere to operational guidelines.
• Maintain Omnitracs On-Board Computer System.
• Monitor driver performance by analyzing idle time, MPG’s, and GPS tracking.
• Review weekly Omnitracs reports with Supervisors and Dispatchers.
• Train dispatchers and drivers to properly utilize telematics such as Omnitracs, Motive, and CargoWatch Systems.
• Approve and maintain payroll for all employee drivers.
• Maintain employee driver attendance in accordance with attendance policy; disciplinary action enforced when required.
• Maintain trailer control, maintenance, fueling and utilization of equipment assigned to the operation,
• Oversee tracking of customers late deliveries to compile weekly report for Customer Service and develop plans to correct.
• Communicate with tractor leasing company on status of equipment daily.
• Communicate with customers on delivery status, any emergencies, shortages, etc.
• Communicate with third party warehouse provider to ensure timely and quality loading of products for customers.
• Monitor customer feedback reports to determine root cause and provide corrective actions for improvement.
• Review and present weekly financials.
• Participate in divisional meetings.
• Participate in annual budget process.
• Assist Manager in all aspects of operation.

Qualifications

• Two years of college or 1-2 years equivalent technical experience in Transportation or Distribution preferred.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills to include professional email, telephone, and in person communications
• Ability to perform multiple functions simultaneously while handling heavy telephone call volume.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Experience conducting performance reviews and staff development initiatives.
• Proficiency in dispatch management software and GPS tracking systems.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, safety compliance, and best practices in transportation logistics.
• Flexibility regarding working hours, shift rotations, work locations, weekends, overtime, and holidays in a 24/7 Sunday through Saturday operation. Split work week is required (Any 5 out of 7) and days off will be based on business need and may not include traditional Saturday/Sunday off days.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to balance prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and standing at a counter while working on a computer.
• Ability to move efficiently between inbound and outbound workstations.
• Ability to travel to various transportation terminal locations.

Leadership Competencies

• Think Strategically: Create a compelling vision, develop a strategy and empower others to achieve it
• Influence Others: The ability to effectively collaborate, inspire, persuade and align others
• Drive Change: Create the vision and drive the momentum for change
• Talent Planning: Build organizational and associate capability to achieve business goals
• Take Accountability: Drive a culture of ownership throughout the organization
• Inclusive Leadership: Role model inclusive leadership to leverage diversity

Core Competencies

• Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
• Build Relationships: Creates cross functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.