Sr. Manager, Transportation/Distribution

We are currently seeking a Sr. Manager, Transportation/Distribution at the Kemps dairy plant in Minneapolis, MN. In this role you 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 in disciplines such as fleet maintenance, dispatch services, logistics support, warehouse, development of fleet specification, procurement and disposal processes, supervisor and driver training and compliance (DFA and Department of Transportation), and/or safety compliance.

Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Since 1914, Kemps has provided families with fresh, delicious dairy products, fresh milk, frozen yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese and frozen novelty treats. By joining Kemps, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities - come join us!

Primary roles and responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.