Senior Dock Operations Leader

cw; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CW in Richmond, VA, seeks a Senior Dock Master to lead dock operations, coordinate shipping/receiving, and ensure safety and efficiency in a high-volume logistics environment. You will drive carrier relationships, workforce planning, and continuous improvement across all dock activities.

Responsibilities include directing dock scheduling, capacity planning, process optimization, and compliance with OSHA/DOT requirements, while aligning with senior leadership to optimize throughput and client

Qualifications

• Job Description

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all shipping, receiving, dock scheduling, freight handling and transportation activities.
• Establish operational priorities to ensure efficient dock utilization and uninterrupted workflow.
• Manage dock capacity planning and throughput optimization for a high-volume operation.
• Serve as the primary operational authority for dock related decision making and issue resolution
• Develop and implement strategies that improve productivity, reduce congestion, and enhance client experience.
• Monitor operational trends to anticipate volume fluctuations and resource requirements.
• Manage relationships with carriers, freight brokers, transportation providers, and logistics partners
• Coordinate scheduling protocols to maximize delivery turn times and dock efficiency.
• Escalate and resolve complex freight claims, service failures, and shipment discrepancies.
• Participate in carrier reviews and recommend operational improvements.
• Develop daily, weekly, and seasonal dock operating plans based on forecasted volume and business requirements.
• Analyze workflow data and operational metrics to identify bottlenecks and process inefficiencies.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, or similar methodologies.
• Implement best practices that improve labor productivity, dock cycle times, and freight flow.
• Coordinate staffing requirements and labor allocation based on business demands.
• Lead, coach, and develop dock personnel and support teams who utilize the dock.
• Establish performance expectations and operational accountability standards.
• Conduct training programs focused on safety, compliance, equipment operation, and process excellence.
• Mentor team members to develop advanced operational competencies and leadership capabilities.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Assist with workforce planning, scheduling, and succession development.
• Maintain full compliance with OSHA, DOT, company safety requirements, and operational standards.
• Align dock operations with institutional property safety frameworks and risk management programs.
• Lead dock safety initiatives, audits, inspections, and incident investigations.
• Develop corrective action plans to mitigate operational and safety risks.
• Ensure adherence to cargo security procedures, trailer seal controls, and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Monitor hazardous material handling processes where applicable.
• Partner with leadership to maintain a best-in-class safety culture.
• Oversee the accuracy and integrity of all transportation and shipping documentation.
• Ensure timely processing and maintenance of Bills of Lading, shipping manifests, delivery receipts, packing lists, and freight records.
• Maintain accurate transaction records within company and DOT guidelines.
• Monitor inventory movement accuracy and investigate discrepancies.
• Support audits, inventory reconciliations, and compliance reviews.
• Monitor the condition and operational readiness of all dock equipment and infrastructure.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance activities for loading docks, dock levelers, overhead doors, scales, conveyors, forklifts, and material-handling equipment.
• Utilize property management software or CMMS (e.g., iOffice) to log equipment work orders.
• Partner with facilities and engineering teams to address operational deficiencies.
• Recommend infrastructure enhancements that improve efficiency, safety, and throughput.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for dock-related inquiries, escalations, and operational concerns. Collaborate with internal departments, customers, clients, and external logistics partners to ensure s

Job description

CW in Richmond, VA, seeks a Senior Dock Master to lead dock operations, coordinate shipping/receiving, and ensure safety and efficiency in a high-volume logistics environment. You will drive carrier relationships, workforce planning, and continuous improvement across all dock activities.

Responsibilities include directing dock scheduling, capacity planning, process optimization, and compliance with OSHA/DOT requirements, while aligning with senior leadership to optimize throughput and client