Shipping Manager

Logistics Manager

The Logistics Manager is a hands-on, working leader responsible for the daily operation and performance of the Shipping and Warehouse departments. This position is expected to maintain an active presence on the floor, working alongside employees as needed while coordinating workflow, resolving issues, developing employees, and ensuring customer and production requirements are met.

Duties And Responsibilities

Hands-On Operational Leadership

• Direct and actively participate in the daily activities of Shipping and Warehouse personnel.

• Maintain a consistent presence on the production and warehouse floor and work alongside employees when necessary to meet operational and customer needs.

• Coordinate daily staffing, workload, shipping priorities, material movement, and warehouse activities.

• Identify operational issues and take timely action to resolve problems before they impact production or customer deliveries.

• Provide immediate direction and support when priorities change, shortages occur, or unexpected operational challenges arise.

• Ensure employees have the information, materials, equipment, and direction necessary to perform their jobs successfully.

• Assist with shipping, material handling, inventory, and other departmental activities when workload or staffing requires additional support.

Shipping, Warehouse & Customer Coordination

• Ensure customer orders are prepared, processed, and shipped accurately and on time.

• Coordinate with Production Control, Customer Service, Production, Quality, and other departments to address priorities and customer requirements.

• Manage the CAT account backlog and work closely with Production Control and Customer Service to support on-time delivery.

• Monitor inventory and material movement to maintain accurate and timely system information.

• Understand the importance of real-time inventory and production tracking and ensure employees complete required transactions accurately and promptly.

• Investigate shipping, inventory, or material discrepancies and work with appropriate departments to identify and correct root causes.

Employee Leadership & Development

• Set clear expectations and hold employees accountable for safety, quality, productivity, attendance, housekeeping, and workplace conduct.

• Provide employees with regular, timely feedback, coaching, recognition, and corrective direction.

• Communicate openly with employees regarding business conditions, departmental priorities, urgent needs, changes, and other information necessary for successful performance.

• Address employee concerns and performance issues promptly and professionally.

• Conduct annual performance planning and performance reviews for direct reports based on established expectations and measurable results.

• Identify training and development needs and coordinate appropriate training with the Plant Manager.

• Cross-train employees to improve departmental flexibility and coverage.

• Develop Team Leaders and other employees with leadership potential to provide departmental coverage and support future succession needs.

Safety, Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead by example and demonstrate a consistent commitment to safety, quality, productivity, housekeeping, and professional conduct.

• Ensure employees follow established safety procedures, work instructions, quality requirements, and company policies.

• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, material movement, inventory accuracy, productivity, safety, and overall departmental effectiveness.

Communication & Accountability

• Maintain effective communication with the Plant Manager and other department leaders regarding staffing, workload, customer priorities, performance concerns, and operational issues.

• Provide thorough and timely communication to other shifts and departments when information affects their operations.

• Demonstrate a results-oriented approach and take ownership of departmental performance.

• Serve as a positive example for employees through professionalism, reliability, accountability, and willingness to assist wherever needed.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Minimum of three years of manufacturing, warehouse, shipping, logistics, or related operational experience.

• Minimum of one year of successful leadership or supervisory experience.

• Previous experience coordinating shipping, warehouse, inventory, or material-handling activities preferred.

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work in a hands-on leadership capacity.

• Demonstrated commitment to continued learning and professional development

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to coach, develop, and hold employees accountable.

• Ability to effectively prioritize and coordinate multiple operational demands in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to investigate issues to determine root causes.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Basic mathematical skills.

• Basic understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC).

• Ability to interpret applicable blueprints, specifications, work instructions, and customer requirements.

• Working knowledge of inventory, shipping, warehouse, and production tracking systems.

• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately enter, review, and communicate operational information.

• Ability to work effectively across departments including Production, Production Control, Customer Service, Quality, and Human Resources.

• Ability and willingness to perform hands-on Shipping and Warehouse activities when necessary.