Shipping Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Shipping Supervisor oversees the day-to-day operations of EMI Industries’ Cranston shipping and receiving function, ensuring outbound and inbound freight moves accurately, on schedule, and in compliance with company and safety standards. This role directly supervises shipping/receiving staff and is responsible for truck scheduling and carrier coordination, including dock appointment management and delivery-window planning. The Shipping Supervisor serves as the primary point of accountability for shift-level shipping performance and works closely with Production Planning, Quality, Production and Project Management to meet customer delivery commitments.

Essential Job Functions:

• Supervise and direct the daily activities of shipping/receiving staff, ensuring outbound and inbound freight is processed accurately, safely, and on schedule.
• Schedule and coordinate inbound and outbound truck shipments, including carrier scheduling, dock appointment management, and delivery-window planning.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for carriers; resolve scheduling conflicts, delays, and service issues as they arise.
• Review and verify shipping documentation (bills of lading, packing lists, and customs paperwork where applicable) for accuracy prior to release.
• Monitor daily shipping output against production and customer delivery schedules; identify and resolve bottlenecks or staffing gaps.
• Coordinate with Production Planning and Materials teams to align shipping schedules with work order priorities and material availability.
• Enforce safety policies and procedures on the shipping/receiving floor, including proper use of forklifts, dock equipment, and PPE; conduct regular safety walkthroughs.
• Train, coach, and develop shipping/receiving staff; provide real-time performance feedback and administer corrective action in accordance with EMI’s HR policies.
• Maintain accurate records for outbound/inbound shipments; reconcile discrepancies with Inventory Control and Quality as needed.
• Monitor and document employee attendance, timekeeping, and schedule adherence; coordinate with HR as needed on attendance-related matters.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce shipping errors, improve dock utilization, and streamline carrier scheduling processes.
• Report and document workplace incidents, near-misses, and injuries in accordance with EMI’s safety reporting procedures; support investigation and corrective action as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience supervising shipping, receiving, or warehouse staff in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Hands-on experience with truck scheduling, carrier coordination, and dock/appointment management.
• Working knowledge of shipping documentation, bills of lading, and freight carrier processes.
• Familiarity with OSHA safety regulations and a demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to enter data and navigate an ERP or warehouse management system (Macola experience a plus).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting delivery schedules simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to give clear direction, provide constructive feedback, and coordinate effectively with carriers, drivers, and internal departments.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound, timely decisions under pressure in a fast-paced shipping environment.
• Demonstrated reliability and accountability; must be available to work the full shift schedule and occasional overtime as shipping demands require.
• Forklift certification, or willingness to obtain one, is a plus.

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required; Associate’s degree in logistics, supply chain, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) to four (4) years of experience in shipping, receiving, or logistics, including truck scheduling/carrier coordination, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification is a plus.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods on the shipping/receiving floor. The employee must be able to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds regularly, and occasionally lift/move objects up to 75 pounds with assistance. Use of a forklift, pallet jack, or other material handling equipment is required. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The primary working conditions are those of a warehouse/shipping dock environment, with exposure to variable temperatures, noise from material handling equipment, and dock-level traffic. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and steel-toed shoes is required at all times on the shipping/receiving floor. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outdoor weather conditions while supervising dock activities.

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