Cooler Manager

General Purpose

Provide leadership to warehouse/cooler supervisors and employees and manage all daily operational activities to maximize productivity and efficiency. Function as the primary liaison between plant management and other departments including sales, distribution, and customer service to ensure appropriate inventory/product levels are available for load-out and finished product is delivered accurately and on time. Maintain a firm handle on all aspects of operations, inclusive of effective interdepartmental communication between management and warehouse/cooler personnel.

Job Duties and ResponsibilitIes

• Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of the department in an organized, safe, and sanitary work environment that complies with the company's policies, OSHA and government regulations
• Coordinate the load out schedule with in-house distribution and outside contractors to ensure the timely and accurate load out and receiving of all products
• Coordinate shipping and receiving activities with all other departments to maximize the overall efficiency of the operation and minimize customer service issues
• Ensure proper procedures are in place and being followed for production efficiency, quality of product, employee safety, and state and federal guidelines
• Monitor, on a daily basis, the inventory and codes of all products in the cooler to ensure proper rotation and traceability of all items. Prepare warehouse and associated storage systems for physical inventories
• Ensure all transactions are recorded timely and accurately to reflect a correct inventory position at any time. These include shipments, donations, product loss and damage
• Ensure full compliance with all quality assurance standards, especially good housekeeping and overall cleanliness of products and work areas
• Collaborate in a cross-functional manner as a change agent with all departments within the division or company
• Actively promote and effectively communicate company values, safety policies, loss control targets, and quality assurance standards to department
• Is responsible for expense management and control, including cooler dump, labor and overhead costs utilizing approved methods
• Manage issues and serve as an escalation point to resolve complex or new issues; remove barriers to employee and workplace success
• Effectively lead union and/or non-union employees to promote positive and productive working relationships. Understand and effectively apply work rules, union contract provisions if applicable, and employment policies
• Provide for the management of assigned employees in daily operations, ensuring effective selection, retention, feedback, disciplinary action, and performance management. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances. Participate in collective bargaining agreement or other contract related activities and discussions as requested. Actively communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods
• Actively promote safe work behaviors and hold self and direct reports accountable for following safety rules and regulations. Conduct accident/injury investigations and send reports of injury to HR in a timely manner to meet reporting standards. May coordinate and/or facilitate plant safety meetings, training, and incentive programs
• Proactively look for ways to increase operational efficiency and contain costs. Identify and implement best practices in establishing SOP's, managing labor, and maintaining applicable certifications. Think creatively and abstractly to develop alternative possibilities to drive improvement
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in business administration, supply chain and logistics, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 5 to 8 years of experience in a warehouse, cooler, distribution, production, logistics, or related environment coupled with supervisory experience
• Management experience preferred
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines
• Knowledge and understanding of the financial and budgeting functions of an organization
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Able to promote a team environment; able to select, coach, develop, engage, and retain a team of employees
• Able to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; able to lead others through change
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to communicate with various levels of personnel to ensure customers' needs and requirements are met
• Able to problem solve, multi-task and prioritize work activities
• Able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer