Role Summary
Leads and coordinates shipping, rail, and dispatch operations to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous movement of raw materials and finished products. Supports plant performance by managing logistics, supervising personnel, maintaining equipment readiness, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
Purpose
Ensure reliable product flow and on-time delivery to customers by coordinating transportation activities, maintaining operational readiness, and enforcing safety and compliance standards across shipping and rail operations.
Key Accountabilities:
- Coordinate movement of raw materials, finished products, and equipment to ensure timely delivery and efficient utilization of resources.
- Identify equipment issues, develop solutions, and coordinate repairs with maintenance and other departments to maintain uninterrupted operations.
- Support and guide dispatch operators to resolve loading issues and ensure safe, efficient loading processes.
- Train, certify, and supervise railroad operations personnel, fuel handlers, and weightmasters.
- Operate trains and coordinate train movements across multiple operating tracks.
- Perform required operational testing and ensure compliance with rail procedures.
- Perform track inspections and oversee railroad maintenance activities.
- Ensure compliance with DOT, HOS, environmental, and other transportation regulations.
- Oversee scale operations, weigh tickets, and compliance with state regulations.
- Schedule maintenance for scales and coordinate service calls as needed.
- Manage heavy equipment availability, coordinate repairs, and arrange rentals when required.
- Provide after-hours support for operations, including incident response and on-site supervision when necessary.
- Supervise, coach, and develop team members including weightmasters, fuel handlers, and support staff.
- Conduct and document safety meetings, inspections, and training programs.
- Maintain and update department SOPs and training certification records.
- Support administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, including timekeeping, discipline, and grievance processes.
- Prepare daily sales reports and manage bills of lading (BOL) for shipments.
- Develop and manage shift schedules to support 24-hour operations.
- Coordinate vendor services, including purchase requests and service entry documentation.
Knowledge:
- Understanding of shipping, dispatch, and rail operations within an industrial environment.
- Knowledge of DOT regulations, and transportation compliance standards.
- Familiarity with scale operations, weight compliance, and reporting requirements.
- Understanding of heavy equipment operations and maintenance coordination.
- Knowledge of safety procedures and industrial work practices.
Problem Solving:
- Identifies equipment failures and operational issues, implementing solutions to minimize downtime.
- Resolves loading, dispatch, and transportation challenges in real time.
- Coordinates across departments to maintain continuous product flow.
- Applies practical judgment to manage incidents and operational disruptions.
Interactions and Influence:
- Daily interaction with operations, maintenance, and dispatch teams.
- Supervises and develops shipping and rail personnel.
- Communicates with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
- Coordinates with regulatory bodies and ensures compliance requirements are met.
Impact:
- Direct: Ensures safe, efficient, and compliant shipping and transportation operations.
- Indirect: Supports customer satisfaction, operational continuity, and overall plant performance.
Experience and Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred.
- 35 years of supervisory experience in union or industrial environments required.
- Experience in shipping, dispatch, rail operations, or industrial logistics preferred.
- Experience with DOT regulations and compliance requirements preferred.
- Ability to work in a 24-hour operation environment, including on-call responsibilities.
Success Profile:
- Demonstrates strong operational and safety awareness.
- Works effectively in a fast-paced, 24/7 industrial environment.
- Takes ownership of operations and follows through on issues to resolution.
- Communicates clearly with team members and leadership.
- Applies structured thinking to resolve operational challenges.
- Supports team development and accountability.
- Aligns with UNA Culture values.