Distribution Manager

Summary of Position

In this role, reporting to the Director of Distribution and the Manager of Distribution and Product Fulfillment, you will be responsible for the Home Delivery distribution and Single Copy sales of Newsday and its contracted products in a specific geographic area. You will lead independent distribution contractors to achieve industry-leading service results. You will manage the relationship and draw of single copy outlets to maximize sales while minimizing sell-outs and returns. Responsibilities include but are not limited to creating and sharing best practices, developing and maintaining accountability of metrics reporting related to home delivery service and single copy sales, communicating expectations to independent delivery contractors, and performing distribution accuracy audits.

Essential Duties & Functions

• Inform and negotiate the execution of new programs to independent delivery contractors. Manage and enforce independent agreements.

• Provide legendary service to all Home Delivery and Single Copy customers by responding to and resolving all delivery, billing, payment, draw and return issues and preparing and executing service plans to meet or exceed service goals.
• Oversee early A.M. product distribution and manage communication between the depot operations and the Operation Department.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements that result in an increase in efficiency and/or customer service.
• Motivate, negotiate and maintain positive business relationships with independent contractors.
• Assist with recruiting and selection of independent contractors.
• Must ensure database of Home Delivery subscriber and Single Copy outlet information is accurate and up to date.
• Audit routes to ensure Audit Bureau of Circulation rules and guidelines are followed. Ensure all reported paid circulation is accurate and all products are distributed to their defined geographic territory.
• Manage in a fiscally responsible manner when submitting agreement recommendations and implementing cost containment measures such as route elimination and realignments.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of plans that support department objectives and initiatives.
• Evaluate contractor customer service measurements to ensure the best possible contracting decision is made.
• Assist in the negotiation of contracts, implementation of new ideas to lower cost and increase circulation and customer service while monitoring spending in accordance with budgeted objectives.
• Perform accuracy verification audits on newspapers, sections, and preprints.
• Manage the sale of Newsday and alternate products through relationship building and merchandising at Single Copy outlets.
• Oversee the delivery and positioning of promotional material at Single Copy outlets to best promote the Newsday brand and drive sales.
• Generate ideas for sales growth and monitor competitor's sales promotion/contests to recommend an appropriate response.
• Manage draws at Single Copy locations to maximize sale while minimizing returns and sell-outs.
• Oversee the weekly collections of Single Copy outlet account balances.
• Manage the relationship between the company's goals and independent contractor's business operations.

Essential Job Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor's degree and 4 years circulation experience or 7 years circulation experience with increasing responsibilities.

• Flexible with working early am hours (2 a.m. start) including weekends and holiday's as well as in a variety of settings (office, warehouse, on the road).
• Car, valid driver's license, and clean driving record.
• Proven leadership, positive attitude, collaboration, motivational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as an individual contributor representing the needs and position of the company.
• Requires sense of urgency to challenge the status quo, to take intelligent risks, and to maintain a competitive spirit.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem solving abilities are a must.
• Ability to coach, motivate and accomplish goals through others. Strong negotiating skills are a must.
• Ability to identify and execute sales and merchandizing opportunities.
• Solid sales skills to increase circulation through retail locations.
• Solid business acumen with the ability to apply sound judgement. You must have the ability to function as an individual contributor representing the needs and position of the company.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to prioritize and handle competing demands.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and the ability to work with proprietary or relational databases is required.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires standing and walking around for extended periods of time up to an entire shift.

• Must be able to push/pull up to 100 lbs and lift/carry/move objects, boxes or materials up to 50lbs.
• Requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, manual dexterity, grasping, seeing, conversing, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of medium work.
• Requires the ability to read a variety of labels, files, manuals and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable means of transportation as occasional travel is required.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with employees, must be able to accurately exchange information and directives.
• Ability to utilize a computer keyboard, computer monitor, and telephone for prolonged periods of time.

Compensation
• The annual salary range for this role is $85,000 - $88,000, commensurate with experience.

Newsday Media Group is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants and incumbents are selected, placed, trained, compensated and promoted without regard to actual or perceived sex, race, color, age, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partner status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, religion or religious creed, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition, Newsday Media Group provides a reasonable accommodation for applicants/incumbents with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources if you require a reasonable accommodation.