Shipping Manager - Garden State Growers

Garden State Growers is a family-owned greenhouse and outdoor production operation on over 500 acres specializing in the growth and distribution of wholesale perennials, annuals, ground cover, vegetables, and varied seasonal offerings. We serve large retailers who sell plants in sizable quantities.

Primary responsibilities of the Shipping Manager may include but not limited to the effective and compliant management of the GSG Shipping Department.  Build and maintain a robust database of drivers/carriers/owner operators ensuring the ability to deliver on-time and react to challenges as they occur through a proactive and competitive rate schedule.  Maximize routing timeliness and communication while reducing transportation costs through route analysis.  Manage the pick-up and return of all plant delivery racks ensuring minimum losses and the ability to reuse the assets quickly. Ensure training, coaching and feedback to Routing & Drivers to maintain a seamless transportation system. Maximize backhauls whenever possible to reduce transportation cost, audit invoices and manage fleet maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily driver schedules ensuring efficient routes at the lowest costs using “Truckstops” Software.
• Maintain a current database of company drivers, owner/operators and outside carriers
• Develop plans, policies, procedures & documentation for the Shipping department which fully comply with federal, state and local regulations/laws as well as company policies (DOT, FMSCA, PDA Lanternfly)
• Ensure efficient return of all plant delivery racks
• Investigate and document all accidents/injuries to determine preventability
• Manage and approve Shipping department and driver timesheets
• Audit and approve invoices for truck and trailer leasing companies, vehicle repair companies, etc.
• Generate all shipping related reports, including backhauls and the weekly key indicator summary
• Routing, Scheduling and DOT Compliance
• Manage and be prepared for operational and transportation audits throughout the year
• Analyze proposed schedules and rates, initiate preparation and distribution of proposed trip schedule changes
• Conduct training, coaching, and feedback sessions, complete performance appraisals
• Conduct route analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities
• Manage vehicle fleet maintenance
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 5-10 years distribution, logistics, and transportation experience, preferably in the live good, manufacturing, or perishable product industry.
• Thorough working knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and compliance regulations
• Ability to work independently, including making decisions affecting company resources
• Excellent problem solving abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, vendors, and team members
• Must have basic math skills
• Experience with scheduling software programs
• Must be able to read and speak English
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on organization and detail
• Proactive and responsive
• Ability to gather and analyze data then develop and implement procedures
• Constant utilization of computer and standard office equipment (phones, copier, fax, filing cabinets)
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercial Driver’s License Class A would be a plus
• Ability to work a full-time/flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Previous experience in Greenhouse Operations a plus
• Willingness to support a 24 hour operation, including carrying an emergency cell phone as needed

Benefits

• Salary to commensurate with experience
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick)