Purpose of the Position

Leads a team of dispatchers or freight procurement employees to achieve goals and problem solve while demonstrating a commitment to employee safety, teamwork, product quality and DOT compliance. Responsible for being the point of contact with sales to establish freight coverage within the private fleet and contracted carriers. Coordinate with the Fleet Manager to ensure adequate driver availability

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt Position.

Leads a team of dispatchers or freight procurement employees. Effectively communicates and motivates employees in order to drive productivity and meet company needs. Supervises employees to maintain discipline, teamwork, and safety so that daily production requirements are met. Responsible for employees scheduling, attendance, and time off for their direct reports.

Supervises and coordinates activities of dispatchers/procurement engaged in scheduling fleet and contracted drivers to pick up and/or deliver product. Maintains schedules and assignments for direct reports. Evaluates staffing needs for dispatchers and drivers. Confers with other supervisors to coordinate activities between departments. Responsible for work effort and appraisal of personnel.

Manages and utilizes various transportation reports. Checks daily production against customer requirements. Interprets, understands, and manages reports within responsible areas such as throughput, yield, etc. Meets customer requirements while operating within the confines of DOT and FMCSA regulations. Accomplishes all paperwork in accordance with established time frames or record keeping requirements.

Emphases a safe work environment. Promotes a safe work environment as well as meets safety requirements complying with all policies or regulations set forth by Simmons, OSHA, DOT, or various government agencies concerning safety, environment, handling of food products, packaging, ingredients and any related items. Creates a continuous improvement culture.

Fosters a continuous improvement culture for their direct reports. Ensures operations are being performed appropriately in order to improve processes and to continually find ways to drive out waste. Applies LEAN concepts and procedures to the day-to-day production operations. Accomplishes quality performance which meets or exceeds all department, facility, company, and DOT/FMCSA guidelines.

Communicates at all levels in order to meet production expectations. Collaborates with the functional areas of operations such as Sales, Human Resources, Safety, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Finance, Shipping, etc. Communicates at all levels to maximize processing of the highest quality customer service at the lowest cost possible. Manages employees.

Directs and supervises employees’ work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: None

Technical Experience: Experience with DOT / FMCSA regulations. Willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction required. Must be able to read and write English. Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resource management, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Must be familiar with computers and be proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

Industry Experience: Transportation, supply chain, or related field preferred.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree, or 4 years related work experience with a minimum of 1 year Transportation / Logistics experience in a leading role included in the 4 years related work experience

Preferred Education: N/A

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.