Dispatch Specialist - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

GROWMARK, Inc.; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

GROWMARK, Inc. is seeking a full-time dispatcher in Bloomington, IL, to manage dry cargo freight order entry, route configurations, and scheduling that meet customer needs while minimizing costs.

The role handles LTL functions, carrier relationships, rate negotiations, and progress monitoring with customers and carriers, ensuring timely deliveries and cost efficiency. Strong communication and coordination skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires college degree in transportation or equivalent.
• At least 2 years related experience in transportation and dispatching.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and customer service abilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintains dry cargo freight order entry, route load configurations, and scheduling for deliveries while minimizing GROWMARK costs.
• Handles all LTL functions including order entry, dispatch, brokerage, freight bill audit/payment, reconciliations, rate quotes, claims, and rate negotiations.
• Manages carrier relationships and tenders loads based on transit time, cost, and service levels.
• Monitors carrier progress and maintains daily contact with customers and carriers.
• Tracks and traces deliveries and handles problems and exceptions.
• Coordinates with customers and distribution centers to meet expectations.
• Audits carrier bills against miles and rate tables; monitors demurrage costs.
• Supports sales by collaborating with product managers, Fleet Operations Managers, and Brokerage Sales & Marketing.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Decision making

Collaboration

Education

College degree in transportation or related field

Job description

SALARY RANGE: $60,100.00 - $82,662.50

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

SCHEDULE: 11:00 AM – 7:15 PM

Purpose And Summary Statement

Maintains information on customer orders, product prices, product cost, and selects the best priced product / freight combination for member cooperatives and tenders to carriers and / or schedules deliveries in a manner that meets customer requirements while minimizing overall GROWMARK costs.

Provides service solutions to all customers both internal and external.

Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for dry cargo freight order entry, route load configurations, and scheduling product division pick-ups in a manner that meets member cooperative and product division delivery expectations while minimizing overall GROWMARK cost.
• Responsible for all LTL functions including order entry, dispatch, brokerage, freight bill audit/payment, reconciliations, rate quotes, claims, and rate negotiations.
• Manage carrier relationships and tender loads to appropriate carriers based on transit time, cost, and service levels.
• Monitors carrier progress at fulfilling customer requirements via monthly quality calls and daily contacts with customers and carriers.
• Track and trace deliveries and manage problems and exceptions when they arise.
• Communicate and coordinate with customers and distribution centers to ensure expectations are met.
• Audits carrier bills by comparing carrier miles and rates to GROWMARK miles and the carriers’ freight rate tables and/or contract. Monitors demurrage costs to ensure customers are invoiced for the proper amounts.
• Supports sales by working with product managers, Fleet Operation Managers, and Manager, Brokerage Sales and Marketing.

Other Job Functions

• Maintains distribution center loading/unloading instructions and montiors data integrity as problems arise.
• Responsible for working with the Fleet Operations Managers and Manager,Brokerage Sale & Marketing to approve or disapprove reconciled freight charges.
• Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Normally requires a college degree in transportation or equivalent thereof and at least 2 years related experience to demonstrate transportation and dispatching knowledge.
• Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
• Proven professional communication, persuasion, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated planning, organization, problem-solving skills, and the ability to coordinate extreme peak demands and time pressures.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends, as demand requires.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job‑related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.

At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long‑term financial well‑being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work‑life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well‑being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.