Department Manager - Freight Flow

Kent Building Supplies Inc.; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent Building Supplies Inc. in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is seeking a Freight Flow Department Manager to lead the overnight freight team, uphold safety and service standards, and ensure the store is ready for customers each morning.

You will set priorities, communicate expectations to associates, and support performance through coaching and targeted training while maintaining accurate inventory and merchandising.

Qualifications

• Previous supervisory experience in a retail environment is an asset.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and operate machinery; forklift training may be provided.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overnight freight team by setting safety, customer service, and merchandising standards.
• Communicate priorities and expectations clearly to associates.
• Monitor and support associate performance through coaching and training.
• Resolve associate concerns professionally and promote an inclusive environment.
• Oversee freight movement including unloading, sorting, staging, and stocking.
• Ensure freight is processed safely and accurately while maintaining safety protocols.
• Support inventory tasks such as cycle counts and stock rotation.
• Participate in merchandising execution to keep the sales floor customer-ready each morning.
• Maintain compliance with operational standards and company policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Retail operations

Leadership & coaching

Job description

Job Description

Build More Than a Career. Build a Future.

At KENT, people don't just take jobs. They build careers. Whether you're leading a team, serving customers, creating content, managing projects, or building expertise in your field, you'll find opportunities to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and grow your career. Many of our leaders started in frontline roles and advanced through experience, development, and hard work. If you're looking for a place where your contribution matters, your growth is supported, and your work helps shape communities across Atlantic Canada, we'd love to hear from you.

Join one. Grow with many.

If you are a leader who thrives on coaching others, optimizing processes, and supporting a culture of safety and accountability, we invite you to join us as a Freight Flow Department Manager. This role offers an opportunity to lead a dedicated team and make a meaningful impact on store readiness and operational success.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead the overnight freight team by setting the example in safety, customer service, and merchandising standards.
• Communicate priorities and expectations clearly to associates, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed to succeed.
• Monitor and support associate performance through coaching, feedback, and identifying training or development needs.
• Resolve associate concerns professionally, promoting a respectful and inclusive environment.

Freight Flow & Operations

• Oversee freight movement, including unloading, sorting, staging, and stocking.
• Ensure freight is processed efficiently and accurately while maintaining safety protocols.
• Support inventory management tasks, including cycle counts, stock rotation, and shrink reduction practices.
• Participate in marketing and merchandising execution to ensure the sales floor is customer‑ready each morning.
• Maintain compliance with operational standards, company policies, and health and safety requirements.

Additional Duties

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to meet departmental and store needs.

Qualifications

• Previous supervisory experience in a retail environment is an asset.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Positive attitude with a passion for motivating and developing others.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving goals and continuous improvement.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Physically capable of performing manual labour, including lifting up to 55 lbs and standing for extended periods.
• CSA‑approved steel‑toed footwear is required.
• Willingness to learn and operate machinery (must be 21+ for forklift training; in‑house certification provided).
• Product knowledge within the freight or building materials department is an asset.

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team

Kent is the largest retail building supply chain in Atlantic Canada. With 48 locations and an ecommerce website, our mission is to be the best source of home improvement products through superior customer service and know-how, quality products, and everyday great prices. We protect our customers and staff by hiring and training associates committed to our safety values. We employ over 3,700 people and work hard to increase our market share through strategic investment in training and technology. We focus on the development of our people and promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In addition to our retail stores, we operate truss manufacturing facilities and a wholesale drywall company. We are a member of Independent Lumber Dealers Co-operative and the ARENA buying group which ensures our great product selection and pricing.