Distribution Assistant

Houston Chronicle; Webster (TX); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Houston Chronicle is seeking a Distribution Assistant to support home delivery, single copy and third‑party distribution in Houston. The role may be full time or part time and involves ensuring contractor compliance, monitoring deliveries, and assisting in various distribution tasks.

You will work with Distributors and contractors to resolve service issues, verify contractor information, prepare reports, and recruit new contractors, all while upholding safety and accuracy in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to change.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word and Excel; willingness to learn RouteSmart.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Reliable transportation; valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance.
• Able to lift/pull/push up to 75 pounds.
• Able to climb stairs frequently.
• Standing 50% of the time.
• Walking 50% of the time.
• Kneeling 25% of the time.
• Hearing 100% of the time.
• Depth perception 100% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with independent contractor agreement; recommend corrective action for violations.
• Monitor delivery of all products distributed by contractors within the delivery area.
• Assume delivery responsibilities for open routes when necessary.
• Contact customers with service-related problems; work with distributors and independent contractors to resolve service issues in a timely and permanent manner.
• Verify the accuracy of information submitted by independent contractors.
• Monitor and assist in delivery of customer issues such as missed, damaged, or late delivered papers.
• Regularly attend departmental meetings to maintain a cohesive, well-informed unit.
• Assist other departments as necessary.
• Regularly communicate progress and concerns to supervisor.
• Prepare requested reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Periodically audit routes to evaluate service performance and route structure efficiency.
• Actively recruit independent contractors.
• Ensure that the distribution center is maintained in a safe, secure, and clean manner.
• Other essential duties and tasks as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Adaptability

Schedule flexibility

Driving/Transportation

Physical stamina

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

RouteSmart

Job description

Job Description

Distribution Assistant - Houston

Chronicle

Join a team that is dedicated, customer centric, able to adapt to change and enjoys working in the field making sure customers are receiving the best experience in a fast-paced environment.

Assist Distribution Managers Areas of responsibility include home delivery, single copy, third party distribution of the Houston Chronicle along with several third-party distribution partner contracts. The Distribution Assistant may also receive work assignments within many areas of the distribution function, which may include transportation, customer service, and redelivery operations. This position may be full time or part time.

What will you do?

• Ensure compliance with independent contractor agreement; recommend corrective action for violations.
• Monitor delivery of all products distributed by contractors within the delivery area.
• Assume delivery responsibilities for open routes when necessary.
• Contact customers with service-related problems; Work with Distributors and independent contractors to resolve service issues in a timely and permanent manner.
• Verify the accuracy of information submitted by independent contractors.
• Monitor and assist in delivery of customer issues such as missed, damaged, or late delivered papers.
• Regularly attend departmental meetings to maintain a cohesive, well-informed unit.
• Assist other departments as necessary.
• Regularly communicate progress and concerns to supervisor.
• Prepare requested reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Periodically audit routes to evaluate service performance and route structure efficiency.
• Actively recruit independent contractors.
• Ensure that the distribution center is maintained in a safe, secure, and clean manner.
• Other essential duties and tasks as assigned.

What will it take to be successful?

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt and react to change.
• Some Computer skills using Outlook, Word, and Excel. Ability to learn 3 rd Party programs such as RouteSmart.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and proof of auto liability insurance.
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to frequently climb stairs.
• Standing – 50% of the time.
• Walking – 50% of the time.
• Kneeling – 25% of the time.
• Hearing – 100% of the time.
• Depth Perception – 100% of the time.

The Houston Chronicle serves Houston’s 2.3 million residents — as well as all of Texas — with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites, HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our newspaper and magazine brands. The content and innovative business solutions we provide invite readers to join conversations about communities we’ve been helping prosper for more than 120 years.

The Houston Chronicle is a division of Hearst Newspapers (HNP)

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate.

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.

Be a part of something bigger – Your Headline Awaits.