DOCK MANAGER

Job Description

Job Description

DOCK MANAGER
Position Summary

The Dock Manager is responsible for overseeing all dock operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and accurate movement of freight through the facility. This position provides direct leadership to dock personnel while managing inbound and outbound freight operations, inventory control, freight exception processes, documentation accuracy, and operational performance. The Dock Manager works closely with terminal leadership, drivers, warehouse personnel, customer service teams, and customers to maintain service excellence and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise and lead all dock personnel.
  
• Establish daily work assignments and operational priorities.
  
• Conduct daily safety and operational meetings.
  
• Coach, train, and develop employees to improve performance and productivity.
  
• Cross-train team members to ensure operational flexibility and adequate coverage.
  
• Monitor employee attendance, productivity, and compliance with company policies.
  
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  

Inbound Freight Operations

• Oversee all inbound freight receiving activities.
  
• Verify freight counts, condition, and documentation upon arrival.
  
• Ensure freight is unloaded safely and efficiently.
  
• Monitor receiving processes to maintain inventory accuracy.
  
• Coordinate the proper staging and storage of inbound freight.
  
• Ensure all receiving records and documentation are completed accurately.
  

Outbound Freight Operations

• Oversee all outbound loading activities.
  
• Verify freight is loaded accurately and according to routing requirements.
  
• Ensure shipments meet customer and company service standards.
  
• Monitor trailer loading quality, freight securement, and dock productivity.
  
• Resolve loading discrepancies and communicate issues to appropriate personnel.
  

Freight Exception Management (OS&D)

• Manage all shortages, overages, and damaged freight processes.
  
• Investigate freight discrepancies and determine corrective actions.
  
• Ensure damaged freight is documented with detailed notes and photographs.
  

• Coordinate communication regarding freight exceptions with customers, carriers, and internal departments.
  
• Maintain accurate records of all freight claims and exception reporting.
  

Inventory Control and Freight Research

• Conduct dock searches and inventory investigations as needed.
  
• Monitor freight aging and identify shipments requiring action.
  
• Perform spot inventories and cycle counts to ensure inventory accuracy.
  
• Research shipment discrepancies and coordinate resolution efforts.
  
• Maintain organized freight staging and storage areas.
  

Returns and Reverse Logistics

• Oversee return freight processing and documentation.
  
• Ensure returned freight is properly labeled, documented, and routed.
  
• Coordinate with customers and internal departments regarding return requirements.
  
• Maintain accurate records of all return transactions.
  

Customer Service and Will Call Operations

• Support customer pickup and will-call activities.
  
• Verify documentation and identification before releasing freight.
  
• Obtain required signatures and maintain accurate records.
  
• Provide professional customer service while resolving freight-related issues.
  

Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate completion and maintenance of operational records.
  
• Manage freight documentation including bills of lading, manifests, receiving documents, and return paperwork.
  
• Maintain electronic and physical records according to company standards.
  
• Support reporting requirements and operational audits.
  
• Ensure compliance with documentation retention policies.
  

Safety and Compliance

• Promote a safe working environment and enforce safety policies.
  
• Conduct regular dock inspections and safety observations.
  
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, company, and customer requirements.
  
• Investigate and document accidents, incidents, and safety concerns.
  
• Maintain proper use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  

Operational Support

• Serve as a hands-on leader and actively support dock operations when needed.
  
• Assist with staffing coverage during peak periods or employee absences.
  
• Coordinate with terminal leadership to ensure operational goals are achieved.
  
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and increased efficiency.
  

Qualifications
Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
  
• Associate degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, Business, or related field preferred.
  
• Minimum of 3 years of warehouse, dock, transportation, or logistics experience.
  
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and employee development skills.
  
• Knowledge of freight handling, dock operations, and inventory management.
  
• Understanding of OS&D processes and freight documentation.
  
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Proficiency with warehouse management systems, transportation systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
  
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  Ability to make sound operational decisions under pressure.
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in warehouse and dock environments.
  
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
  
• Ability to safely operate or oversee the operation of material handling equipment.
  
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  Ability to work in varying temperatures and operational conditions.
  

Success Factors

A successful Dock Manager consistently demonstrates:

• Strong leadership and accountability
  
• Attention to detail
  
• Operational excellence
  
• Safety leadership
  
• Customer-focused decision making
  
• Effective communication
  
• Team development
  
• Problem-solving skills
  
• Organizational effectiveness
  
• Commitment to continuous improvement
  

The Dock Manager plays a critical role in ensuring efficient freight movement, operational excellence, employee development, and customer satisfaction throughout the facility.