Sr. Manager, Transportation/Distribution

Dairy Farmers of America; City of Amsterdam (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America seeks an experienced Transportation and Distribution Manager to lead planning, scheduling, and execution of dairy logistics across facilities. You will develop policies, optimize routes, manage budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance with DOT and safety standards.

You will supervise managers and staff, drive process improvements, and partner with operations, procurement and legal to deliver cost-efficient, reliable service. Travel 25–50% is expected.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Undergraduate degree preferred.
• 8+ years in distribution, logistics or transportation with supervisory/management experience.
• 2+ years of management experience preferred; various certifications/licenses may be required.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning and execution of transportation and distribution activities in compliance with company and regulatory rules.
• Analyze processes to improve efficiency and determine optimal equipment requirements to minimize expenses while maintaining service levels.
• Communicate with production facilities and leadership; present findings and recommendations.
• Establish positive relationships with customers to ensure optimal service.
• Oversee scheduling, work assignments and optimization of truck movements for cost efficiency.
• Coordinate contracted services and review carrier agreements; negotiate rates as needed.
• Monitor and report KPIs; manage budgets and control costs.
• Ensure staff accountability and handle escalated inquiries or issues.
• Support safety, environmental, and regulatory reporting; assist in investigations and corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Staff coaching

Budgeting

Communication

Problem solving

Transportation knowledge

DOT compliance

Project management

Excel

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma

Undergraduate degree preferred

Certificates/licenses relevant to trucking/logistics

Tools

Routing software

Telematics

Handheld devices

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Manage transportation and distribution operations including one or more transportation related disciplines such as fleet maintenance, dispatch services, logistics support, warehouse, development of fleet specifications, procurement and disposal processes, supervisor and driver training and compliance (DFA and Department of Transportation), and/or safety compliance. Ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery through staff and in coordination with other departments to exceed customer expectations within budgetary constraints. Identify and implement training and development programs and processes in the areas of quality, technical competency (SOP), and leadership. Oversee special project audits. Manage and provide leadership to managers, supervisors, and professional staff.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the optimal planning and execution of transportation and distribution operations activities in compliance with company and regulatory rules and regulations; develop best in class transportation policies and procedures
• Analyze and document processes and problems. Develop processes, strategies, and techniques to improve the operating quality and efficiency with the department; to determine optimal truck and trailer equipment requirements based on current and future production needs, milk pickup, and/or delivery transportation needs; and to minimize expenses while maintaining or increasing current service levels
• Communicate with production facilities, corporate staff, and others regarding potential problems, issues, coordination, and resolution. Present findings to organizational leadership
• Establish positive working relationships with members or customers to ensure optimal service
• Oversee the management of scheduling, work assignments, and optimization of incoming/outgoing trucks. Ensure staff and deliveries are utilized in most efficient and cost-effective manner and minimize time and errors; adapt to necessary changes based on production or farm variances and seasonal production
• Coordinate activities of contracted services and actively review for best cost benefit available; may negotiate rates and lanes with carriers as needed to support new business; may review carrier agreements and recommend changes in conjunction with our internal legal department
• Effectively manage and analyze the distribution budget and proactively seek ways to reduce costs through continuous improvement of transportation and distribution operations. Oversee and control costs for labor, supplies, and maintenance
• Track, reconcile, and report on metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) compared to established targets for communication to various audiences
• Hold staff accountable for providing professional interactions and courteous service to members, customers, regulatory personnel, and co-workers; handle escalated customer inquiries/concerns or internal issues
• Assist in environmental, safety, and transportation compliance and reporting for assigned location; direct staff in the preparation and distribution of operational reports (KPI’s)
• Interview and hire new employees and identify training needs to continually develop and improve the workforce in conjunction with human resources
• Function as a resource and coach to transportation managers and supervisors. Support employees to reach performance expectations through training and coaching. Establish and communicate department goals.
• Work with leadership and/or human resources on investigations and corrective actions in response to injuries, accidents, audits, or employee concerns.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Undergraduate degree preferred
• 8 or more years of distribution, logistics, and/or transportation experience, including supervisory or management experience
• 2+ years of management experience preferred
• Certification and/or License
• o Have or able to obtain tanker endorsement, as required, and within 30 days of employment, as required
• o Have or able to obtain doubles or triples endorsement as required
• o Have or able to obtain state issued milk sampler/hauler license as required
• o Have current medical card as required
• o May be required to obtain and maintain other certifications and/or licenses for continued employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of dairy industry production practices, processes, regulations, and equipment
• Strong knowledge of distribution and transportation practices
• Strong understanding of DOT transportation regulations related to lawful operation
• Solid understanding of industry, safety, quality, etc., policies (PMO, OSHA, SQF, GMP)
• Knowledge of best practices in transportation and distribution
• Able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action
• Able to elicit cooperation from variety of sources, including upper management, plant locations, and others
• Able to manage multiple various projects
• Solid knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Skill in leadership, coaching, and team building
• Able to use company computer applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, routing software, telematics and handhelds
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Able to determine direction though ambiguous situations
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Skill in budgeting and financial analysis techniques
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel: 25% - 50% (up to 1 week per month)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans