READY MIX DISPATCHER

Ready-Mix Dispatcher

Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our teams are the foundation of our success, and we're committed to providing the training, tools and support to do great work and go home safely at the end of each day. Join a team that looks out for one another and supports career growth from day one.

Knife River is seeking a Ready-Mix Dispatcher to join our team. The Dispatcher will be responsible for coordinating daily dispatching operations and serving as the primary point of contact for customers at our Ready-Mix plants. The Dispatcher plays a critical role in delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring operational efficiency to meet targeted service level and cost goals.

Typical schedule is Monday - Friday 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Saturday as needed.

Duties and/or responsibilities (summary of components that make up the job):

1. Answer customer calls to place, modify, or cancel orders, ensuring all required customer, job owner, and job site information is accurately documented.
2. Provide pricing information and process orders for ready-mix concrete.
3. Ensure customers understand all relevant company policies, procedures, and delivery requirements.
4. Accurately enter and maintain order records, including special instructions, and provide sufficient notice to ensure materials are available as needed.
5. Coordinate with plant and yard personnel to establish delivery schedules based on truck capacity, job site location, travel distance, and unloading times.
6. Promote efficient job start times to maintain balanced truck demand and maximize fleet utilization.
7. Proactively gather information on upcoming projects and orders to support production planning and avoid last-minute scheduling challenges.
8. Calculate required water adjustments for concrete mixes based on moisture content readings and established mix design guidelines.
9. Record quantities of sand, cement, gravel, water, and other materials on loading tickets for plant operations and quality control purposes.
10. Maintain regular communication with Sales, Plant Managers, and drivers to ensure timely and efficient deliveries.
11. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, while maintaining professionalism and positive customer relationships in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
12. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to scheduling, material quality, equipment operations, and customer service concerns.
13. Monitor production activities and communicate operational challenges to the Dispatch Manager.
14. Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, safety, and company policies and regulations.
15. Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

1. Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form.
2. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
3. Good communication and motivational skills.
4. Must be able to work well under pressure.
5. Experience using Command software is preferred.
6. Accurate data entry skills.
7. Proficient with computer systems and software applications.
8. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel applications.

Minimum requirements (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements):

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Three to five years of experience in customer service, dispatch, production, equipment operations, maintenance, quality control, or a related field preferred.
3. Prior experience coordinating employees is preferred.
4. Previous Ready-Mix dispatch experience is highly desirable.
5. Must be able to work overtime and be flexible with hours (daytime/nighttime).
6. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.
7. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
8. Proficiency with computer systems and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Work environment:

1. Primarily office-based work environment.
2. Frequent interaction with customers, drivers, plant personnel, and operations teams.
3. Fast-paced environment tied to construction schedules and seasonal demand.
4. Flexible work schedule required to meet customer, operational, and project needs, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays.

Benefits:

1. Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
2. Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
3. 401(k) with Company Match
4. Profit Sharing
5. Paid Time Off
6. 8 Paid Holidays
7. Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
8. Short-term Disability
9. Employee Assistance Program
10. Years of Service Recognition
11. Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
12. Critical Illness Plan
13. Accident Coverage Plan
14. Hospital Indemnity

Veterans:

At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our Trucking Dispatcher position.

Additional information:

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal laws.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

All applications are submitted online. If you are having issues completing the application, please come to the office for assistance.