Delivery Operations Manager

Delivery Operations Manager

Small Batch Delivery is looking for a hands-on Delivery Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our delivery team. This person will work closely with our drivers to ensure routes run smoothly, deliveries are completed on time and to our standards, vehicles are properly maintained, and any issues that arise are addressed quickly and effectively. This is a hands-on role. In addition to managing the delivery operation, you will be expected to work alongside our drivers, help troubleshoot issues in the field, coordinate vehicle maintenance, and step in as a backup driver when needed. The ideal person is dependable, organized, practical, and comfortable working independently. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys working in a small business environment, takes pride in doing things well, and values consistency, reliability, and excellent service.

General Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day delivery operation and ensure routes are running smoothly and according to schedule.
• Coordinate daily routes, delivery schedules, and driver coverage.
• Monitor deliveries throughout the day and address issues as they arise.
• Complete daily closing procedures and ensure all required operational reports are filled out and documented.
• Conduct daily debriefs with drivers and communicate any issues or follow-up items to the appropriate team members.

Driver Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for delivery drivers.
• Manage driver schedules, attendance, PTO, and daily coverage.
• Train and onboard drivers and ensure they understand company procedures, product handling, safety expectations, and our white-glove service standards.
• Provide ongoing feedback and coaching and address performance issues when necessary.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and accountable team culture.

Hands-On Delivery Support

• Serve as a backup driver when needed due to call-outs, scheduling issues, or special deliveries.
• Assist with deliveries or other operational needs when necessary.
• Be comfortable working in the field and alongside the delivery team rather than working exclusively from a desk.

Fleet & Vehicle Management

• Oversee the day-to-day condition and cleanliness of all delivery vehicles.
• Coordinate routine maintenance, repairs, inspections, and preventative maintenance with leasing and service providers.
• Address vehicle issues reported by drivers in a timely manner.
• Monitor vehicle-related systems, including GPS and temperature-monitoring equipment.
• Ensure vehicle registrations, licenses, insurance documentation, and other required records remain current.

Product Handling & Food Safety

• Maintain established cold-chain and food-safety procedures.
• Ensure drivers are properly trained in the handling and delivery of refrigerated and perishable products.
• Monitor product handling and address issues involving damage, breakage, missing items, temperature concerns, or miscounts.
• Maintain our standards for careful, professional, and white-glove delivery service.
• Hold weekly check ins with Team and Quality Assurance to make sure goals are met.

Communication & Problem Solving

• Maintain clear and consistent communication with drivers, customers, and management.
• Respond calmly and effectively to unexpected delivery, vehicle, staffing, or customer issues.
• Take ownership of problems and follow them through to resolution.

Physical Requirements & Expectations:

This is a hands-on operational role. The Delivery Operations Manager is expected to work alongside the delivery team and be willing to step into the field when needed.

• Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds at a time.
• Must be comfortable loading, unloading, and handling refrigerated and perishable products.
• Must be able to spend extended periods on their feet and moving between vehicles, facilities, and delivery locations.
• Must be able to drive a delivery vehicle for an extended shift when serving as a backup driver.
• Must be willing and able to serve as a backup driver when needed, including covering driver call-outs or special deliveries.
• Must be comfortable working in varying weather conditions and in a fast-paced, hands-on delivery environment.
• Must be able to safely perform the physical requirements of the position while following all company safety procedures.
• The role requires flexibility to respond to operational needs as they arise.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Valid New York State driver's license.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a hands-on environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with drivers, customers, vendors, and internal team members.
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of tasks and problems from start to finish.
• Comfortable using basic technology and learning operational software, including Optimo and other company systems.
• Able to remain calm, practical, and solution-oriented when unexpected issues arise.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Willing and able to serve as a backup driver and perform the physical requirements of the position.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the delivery of refrigerated, perishable, or temperature-sensitive products.
• Experience managing or supervising drivers or a small team.
• Familiarity with vehicle maintenance, scheduling, routing, or fleet coordination.
• Experience working in a small business or similar environment

The Right Fit

• You enjoy working in a small business and are comfortable being hands-on
• You are dependable, punctual, organized, and take pride in doing things correctly.
• You take ownership in problem solving.
• You care about the quality of the customer experience and understand the importance of consistency and attention to detail.

Schedule Needs:

Our delivery operations run Tuesday through Sunday.

• The role requires flexibility, as operational needs may occasionally require schedule adjustments, including early mornings, weekends, or staying later than originally planned.
• Weekend availability is required as part of the role.
• During the first year, the schedule may require additional flexibility as the role, team, and operational needs develop.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time.