Operations Supervisor

Van Kam Freightways Ltd.; Surrey; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Kam Freightways Ltd. in Surrey, BC, is seeking an Operations Supervisor to manage daily terminal operations, coordinate dock staff and sustain safety standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with drivers, customers, and internal teams to ensure efficient shipments. You will supervise loading and unloading, oversee trailer movement, conduct equipment checks, and lead weekly staff meetings while driving continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with a team.
• Experience in freight industry and AS400 familiarity is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily terminal operations, scheduling, and dock staff coordination while enforcing safety protocols.
• Direct loading, unloading, and trailer management to maximize efficiency and accuracy.
• Conduct pre-operational checks on forklifts and equipment for safety.
• Lead weekly meetings to coach staff and address operational concerns.
• Communicate with drivers, customers, and internal teams to provide shipment updates.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Keyboarding

Telephone etiquette

Customer service

Teamwork

AS400 familiarity

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Position Overview:

The Operations Supervisor plays a critical role in managing day-to-day terminal operations, coordinating staff, and maintaining a high standard of safety and efficiency. This position requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. The supervisor will act as a key link between drivers, staff, customers, and internal teams, ensuring seamless communication and operational excellence.

About Us:

Van-Kam Freightways Ltd. (Van Kam) is one of the largest regional carriers in Western Canada specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation. With 8 terminal locations across British Columbia, we fulfill shipments to communities within 1-3 days throughout BC and Alberta. Between our own resources and our partner network, our coverage extends beyond Western Canada into the U.S. and Eastern Canada.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations Management: Oversee daily terminal operations, including scheduling, coordinating dock staff, and optimizing workflow to meet operational demands. Ensure all workplace procedures and safety protocols are strictly followed.
• Freight Handling: Direct loading, unloading, and trailer management activities to maximize efficiency. Validate trailer stripping and loading processes to ensure compliance with operational requirements. Ensure all inbound and outbound freight is handled accurately, timely, and efficiently.
• Equipment & Safety: Conduct pre-operational checks to ensure all equipment, including forklifts and dock plates, is functional and safe for use. Monitor equipment selection based on weather and destination requirements to maintain operational safety and effectiveness.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead weekly meetings with terminal staff to provide coaching, mentorship, and address any operational or personnel concerns. Foster a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
• Customer Service & Communication: Maintain regular communication with drivers, customers, and internal teams to provide shipment updates, resolve service issues, and ensure overall customer satisfaction. Address customer inquiries, concerns, and requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and manage all necessary transportation documents, including shipping manifests, delivery confirmations, and compliance records. Ensure data entry and administrative tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other departments to streamline processes, enhance operational efficiency, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Above-average keyboarding skills, professional telephone etiquette, and strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while working independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in the freight industry and familiarity with AS400 is an asset, though not required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and understanding of the trucking and logistics industry

Why Work for Van Kam?

There is a reason over 30% of our staff have been with us for more than 10 years!

• Work-life balance. We treat our customers like friends and our employees like family. As a family-owned company, we understand the importance of work-life balance which is why we offer competitive time-off benefits and commit to providing a balanced schedule for our drivers so they can spend less time on the road and more time with the ones they love.
• Competitive wages. We offer competitive wages and are committed to staying competitive within our industry.
• Benefits. We cover 100% of our employees benefit premiums and contribute to a company funded pension plan. Enjoy the benefits, all while keeping more of your paycheck in your pocket.
• Development. True to our values, we are committed to helping our employees succeed. Whether it is through career growth and advancement opportunities or investing in your training and education, we are here to support you along the way.
• We care about the things that matter to you. We regularly send out surveys to our employees to understand their experiences and learn how we can make their time at work better. We work hard to have an open-door management policy and cultivate an environment that welcomes and supports new ideas and ways of doing things.
• Make a difference. Trucking is vital to our communities. Here at Van Kam, we serve a broad range of industries from forestry and mining to retail, food, and auto. Come to work every day knowing you are making a difference and contributing to our purpose of uniting communities and improving lives.
• Giving Back. Van Kam supports over 25 non-profit organizations and local charities each year through both financial contributions and volunteer efforts. We also match employee donations up to $150 per employee per year to ensure we can support the organizations that matter to you.
• Environmental Sustainability. We have Green Initiative programs to limit our carbon footprint which include things like governing road speeds to reduce fuel consumption, equipping new tractors with clean emissions technology and investing in technology to limit paper use, just to name a few!

Job Location

Surrey, BC

Our Values

Develop, Care, Achieve

"Van Kam is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Environmental Responsibility."