Distribution Assistant

Hearst; Webster (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Houston Chronicle, a Hearst Newspapers division, is seeking a Distribution Assistant to support home delivery, single copy, and third‑party distribution in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities include monitoring contractor deliveries, resolving service issues, and maintaining accurate records. The role may be full time or part time and requires reliable transportation and physical suitability for the duties.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt and react to change.
• Some computer skills using Outlook, Word, and Excel. Ability to learn RouteSmart.

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 issues.
• 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.
• Attend departmental meetings to maintain a cohesive 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 distribution center is safe, secure, and clean.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Adaptability

Outlook

Word

Excel

RouteSmart

Flexible schedule

Driver's license

Physical stamina

Tools

RouteSmart

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 3rd 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.

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.