Transportation Manager (On-Site) at Upper Lakes Foods

SUMMARY:

The Transportation Manager plans, coordinates, and manages the daily operations of the Transportation Department, including but not limited to staff management, record retention required by Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. and the Department of Transportation (DOT), design and implementation of efficient and innovative strategies to improve overall department productivity and financial wellbeing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees daily scheduling and routing of transportation staff to ensure cost-effective, on-time deliveries.
• Manages all aspects of transportation staff employment including interviewing, training, auditing, performance management, and compliance with DOT and foodservice regulations. Transportation staff include transportation supervisors, CDL-A drivers, and driver helpers.
• Supports equipment maintenance activities to ensure safe and reliable operations.
• Coordinates with customer service, logistics, and other departments to resolve delivery issues, improves processes, and support cost-saving initiatives.
• Leads safety programs, accident reporting, assists with Worker’s Compensation as needed, and is party to safety investigations in collaboration with the Safety team.
• Partners with other departments on strategy, morale, and cross-departmental projects.
• Maintains accurate records.
• Promotes and maintains a safe and productive working environment.
• Uploads company policies and professional standards.
• Performs additional duties as directed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• >3 years relevant work experience
• Prior leadership experience
• Demonstrates excellent knowledge of general DOT regulations and application

Skills

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and basic office equipment
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work with minimal instruction and direction
• Ability to obtain Smith System Trainer Certification; must maintain credentials

PREFERRED QULIFICATIONS:

• Experience with routing and driver scheduling in a daily food delivery process
• Smith System Trainer Certification & previous experience implementing training programs in a distribution company.
• Valid Class A CDL, or ability to obtain a Class A

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Primarily office-based working environment with regular computer and phone use
• Occasional walking through a noise-filled warehouse environment or truck yard
• Possibly driving/delivery duties
• Occasional lifting of product cases, ranging anywhere from 25-100 pounds
• Schedule may vary, including weekends and holidays with short notice
• Up to 25% travel
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities

ABOUT UPPER LAKES FOODS

Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. is the largest independent wholesale food distributor in Minnesota.  The company has three facilities located in Cloquet, MN, Northfield, MN and Janesville, WI.  We distribute food throughout the Upper Midwest.  Upper Lakes Foods specializes in serving foodservice operators such as independent restaurants, assisted living facilities, schools, and national and regional foodservice chain accounts with a strong focus on customer service. Simply put, the mission is to build value for each customer, employee, supplier and community we serve by bringing the best: the best products, best people and best ideas.

CORE VALUES

• Strong Work Ethic – We believe in the value of hard work, perseverance and consistency of character.
• Positive Attitude – We believe in encouraging a flexible, agreeable and well-adjusted work existence that promotes successful outcomes.
• Integrity – We believe in honesty, truthfulness and consistency of our actions.
• Teamwork – We believe that work done by several individuals combined insures excellence of quality, safety and service.
• Professional Appearance – We believe in maintaining an appearance that promotes good hygiene, neatness and appropriate business dress.
• Respectful Interaction – We believe in creating a workplace where employees are treated fairly in a safe and positive environment.

“We are an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.”