Lead Dispatch Manager

Lead Dispatcher (Route Delivery)

The Lead Dispatcher (Route Delivery) oversees daily dispatch operations in a fast-paced, high-volume automotive aftermarket distribution environment. This role is critical in ensuring timely and accurate deliveries to commercial and retail customers while providing guidance and support to dispatchers and drivers, and serving as a key customer liaison to support strong relationships and service excellence. The Lead Dispatcher (Route Delivery) plays a key role in route planning, communication, safety coaching, and operational problem-solving to support business goals, while also proactively engaging with customers through regular visits and communication to understand their needs, address service concerns, and ensure a high level of satisfaction. In addition, this position requires maintaining an active DOT medical card, as the Lead Dispatcher serves as a relief driver when operational needs arise.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily dispatch operations, ensuring delivery routes are efficient and on schedule.
• Assign delivery routes in compliance with DOT regulations and company policies.
• Serve as the primary contact for drivers, addressing route changes, customer needs, and vehicle issues in real time.
• Monitor route progress using dispatch systems and GPS tools.
• Coordinate with sales, warehouse, and customer service teams to align delivery priorities.
• Oversee cross-dock transfers to support efficient logistics operations.
• Train and mentor dispatchers and drivers on safety protocols, route efficiency, and customer service best practices.
• Help monitor vehicle maintenance and service needs, ensuring timely communication with relevant teams to maintain fleet readiness.
• Support driver safety by coaching on unsafe behaviors identified through monitoring systems such as Lytx, reinforcing safe driving practices.
• Maintain accurate knowledge of delivery areas, route schedules, and inventory systems.
• Assist with manual and software-based route optimization.
• Serve as a relief driver as needed, maintaining compliance with all DOT driver requirements.
• Escalate equipment or staffing issues and collaborate on resolution planning.
• Track and report on KPIs such as delivery timeliness, route completion rates, and customer satisfaction.
• Address and resolve customer service issues promptly, collaborating with internal teams to implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through regular in-person visits and scheduled phone communication.
• Proactively engage with customers to understand their delivery expectations, operational challenges, and service requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of dispatch or logistics experience, ideally in the automotive aftermarket or parts distribution industry.
• Proficiency in routing or fleet management software.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Flexible to work varied schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• Valid driver's license and active DOT medical card (required to perform relief driver responsibilities).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the automotive aftermarket or parts distribution industry.
• Experience with inventory and order management systems (e.g., Epicor, SAP, or similar).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations and vehicle compliance requirements.

Core Competencies

• Route & Time Management
• Team Leadership
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Customer Service Orientation
• Regulatory Compliance
• Adaptability

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Ability to operate company delivery vehicles in compliance with DOT regulations.
• Must maintain an active DOT medical card and meet all physical standards required for commercial driving.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while dispatching or driving routes.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move packages up to 50 lbs. (or company standard) as part of relief driver duties.
• Work in a fast-paced, high-volume distribution environment with exposure to warehouse and outdoor conditions.

Additional Requirements

• Candidates must meet employment eligibility requirements as established by U.S. federal law.
• Employment is contingent upon a conditional offer and the successful completion of a background check and, where permitted by law, a drug screening.

Compensation & Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Voluntary Benefits
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holidays
• Safety shoe reimbursement program
• Employee discount program for auto parts

Reasonable Accommodations Driven Distribution Group is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Other Duties This job description highlights the primary responsibilities of the role but is not intended to cover every task. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may be adjusted from time to time to support business needs, consistent with applicable laws. Equal Employment Opportunity We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive for all employees.