Distribution Supervisor bei Thysse

Description

Position Summary:

The Distribution Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all shipping and receiving activities to ensure efficient, accurate, and timely handling of shipments. This role drives both operational excellence and strategic improvements, managing daily workflows while implementing long-term enhancements to distribution processes. The Distribution Supervisor aligns resources and processes to meet customer expectations, working closely with the Production Manager, Production Coordinator, and Scheduler to support organizational goals.

Thysse (tie • see) is a third-generation, family-owned commercial printer and brand experience provider. Our state-of-the-art facility is located in Oregon, WI, 15 minutes south of Madison. Team Thysse is composed of over 100 individuals who help deliver exceptional service and project outcomes to some of the most valuable brands in the nation. Our culture seeks solutions, not blame; welcomes open, thoughtful communication; embraces innovation; and values the critical role each member of Team Thysse plays in delivering truly exceptional client results.

As a brand experience provider, we believe the story a brand tells is as important as the materials it's printed on. Grounded in innovative thought, exceptional design, and the physical production of ideas, we get to work on the 'fun stuff' our partners use to promote their brands. From printed campaigns to branded spaces—and everything in between – Thysse is where you go with your brand.

We're always on the lookout for problem-solvers, creators, and collaborators who genuinely care about each other as much as the work we do. We believe the best partnerships are built on trust. We don't shy away from a good challenge and we're passionate about delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients. We work hard but don't mind having a little fun along the way. And at the end of the day, we're proud to say we did it together.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Carrier Management & Cost Optimization:

• Negotiate shipping rates and contracts with carriers (UPS, FedEx, LTL providers, etc.) to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Conduct regular analysis of shipping costs and carrier performance to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Review and dispute shipping billing discrepancies and errors with carriers.
• Evaluate and onboard new shipping vendors to expand carrier options and improve service levels.
• Maintain strategic relationships with carrier representatives as the primary point of contact.

Claims Management:

• Lead the process for filing and resolving shipping claims for lost, damaged, or delayed shipments.
• Document and track all claims through resolution, ensuring timely reimbursement and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze claim trends to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Process Improvement & Optimization:

• Identify opportunities to streamline shipping and receiving workflows for greater efficiency and accuracy.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce errors, minimize costs, and enhance customer experience.
• Implement new technologies, systems, or equipment to modernize distribution operations.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all shipping and receiving processes.
• Partner with the VP of Client Success on cross-functional improvement initiatives for communication, job instructions, and workflow processes with account managers and project managers.
• Collaborate with IT and operations teams to optimize warehouse management systems and shipping software.

Purchasing & Vendor Management:

• Develop and manage the shipping supplies budget, ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions.
• Establish and maintain vendor partnerships for shipping materials, negotiating pricing and delivery terms.
• Evaluate vendor performance on quality, cost, and reliability, making changes as needed.
• Ensure all purchasing follows company guidelines and procurement policies.
• Source alternative suppliers to ensure supply chain resilience.

Quality Assurance & Metrics:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for shipping accuracy, on-time delivery, and cost per shipment.
• Track and analyze errors, rework, and customer complaints related to shipping and receiving.
• Prepare monthly reports on distribution performance, error trends, and cost analysis for Senior Management.
• Implement corrective action plans based on data insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular audits of shipping and receiving processes to ensure compliance with quality standards.

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Shipping and Receiving Operations:

• Prepare daily UPS, FedEx, and Image Works shipments, ensuring accurate preparation and timely dispatch.
• Oversee all receiving activities, processing incoming materials efficiently and accurately.
• Coordinate daily delivery routes to optimize efficiency and meet customer deadlines.
• Schedule LTL (Less Than Truckload) pickups and coordinate logistics with carriers.
• Oversee sample shipments, ensuring they meet client specifications and deadlines.
• Coordinate with the Facilities & Maintenance Supervisor regarding vehicle maintenance to ensure delivery vehicles are safe and operational.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of shipping and receiving processes and equipment.
• Back up Delivery Drivers as needed during absences, time off, etc.

Team Leadership:

• Provide guidance and support to the shipping and receiving team, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed.
• Be an ambassador of Thysseness culture within the shipping and receiving team.
• Communicate company and department goals to the team, holding accountability for achieving them.
• Share daily schedules and workloads with the team to convey priorities and deadlines.
• Drive cross-training within the team to ensure multiple employees can handle shipping and receiving workflows and cover absences as needed.
• Work with the Production Manager to identify hiring needs, develop job descriptions, conduct effective interviews, and make hiring recommendations to Senior Management.
• Provide coaching to develop team member capabilities.

On-Time Delivery Management:

• Develop and manage shipping schedules to assign tasks and ensure customer expectations are met.
• Communicate daily with the Production Manager, Production Coordinator, and Scheduler regarding production status, shipping updates, and concerns.
• Notify the Production Manager and Senior Management as soon as possible when delivery expectations cannot be met.
• React quickly to schedule or priority changes, articulating any implications to relevant stakeholders.
• Request and assign overtime as necessary to meet shipping and delivery deadlines.

Quality Control:

• Ensure all shipments meet client expectations for accuracy, condition, and timeliness.
• Equip the team with clear instructions, documentation, and resources to achieve quality standards.
• Spot-check outgoing shipments and incoming materials to maintain quality control.
• Address customer concerns related to shipping errors or damaged goods promptly and professionally.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in shipping, receiving, or distribution preferred, with demonstrated experience in process improvement and vendor management.
• Experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment required.
• Experience negotiating with carriers and managing shipping costs highly desirable.
• Additional years of education and experience may be substituted for each other, as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Proven negotiation skills with outside vendors
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Strategic thinking capability balanced with attention to operational detail.
• Strong, efficient work ethic with the ability to work in a high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to resolve disagreements in a calm, professional manner.
• Ability to create a positive, motivated team environment.
• Ability to keep themselves as well as employees accountable.
• Ability to troubleshoot shipping and receiving issues effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Proficiency with shipping software, warehouse management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to produce independently as well as work in a team environment.
• Ability to work overtime and weekends if necessary.