What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shipping Manager position at ClarkDietrich?
Are you interested in working for a company that fosters growth opportunities, community involvement and a team-oriented atmosphere? ClarkDietrich fosters a work-life balance and offers competitive compensation and benefits. Join a team that is STRONGER THAN STEEL℠, by applying to become a Shipping Manager at our RIVERSIDE location.
SUMMARY
The Shipping Manager is a key operational leader responsible for all outbound and inbound logistics for the plant. This role ensures safe, accurate, on-time, and cost-effective movement of products while maintaining a disciplined, high-performance team environment.
This position requires a hands-on leader who drives accountability, makes sound operational decisions, and consistently elevates performance standards across shipping, warehousing, and inventory flow. Success in this role directly impacts customer satisfaction, production efficiency, and the overall operational excellence of the plant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Champion a safety-first culture with zero tolerance for unsafe behaviors.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, Cal/OSHA, DOT, and all internal safety policies.
- Develop, implement, and enforce shipping/warehouse safety procedures.
- Conduct routine safety inspections, audits, and job-safety analyses.
- Investigate incidents and near-misses, drive corrective actions, and verify follow-through.
- Ensure all employees receive the required training, certifications, and PPE. Maintain accurate documentation for safety compliance and training.
- Lead all daily shipping activities, including staging, loading, documentation, and freight optimization.
- Plan and prioritize shipments to meet customer dates and production schedules.
- Select, manage, and evaluate carriers; negotiate pricing and service levels when appropriate.
- Control freight costs and monitor carrier performance, reliability, and rates.
- Review and approve freight bills, resolve discrepancies, and ensure proper cost allocation.
- Ensure complete and accurate shipping documentation (BOLs, packing lists, delivery records, training forms, etc.).
- Anticipate and mitigate logistical challenges such as capacity constraints or carrier delays.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Production, and Customer Service to align priorities.
- Maintain disciplined organization, housekeeping, and space utilization across shipping and warehouse areas.
- Provide direct hands-on support during peak periods or operational disruptions.
- Track, analyze, and report KPIs, including on time delivery, freight cost, claims, labor productivity, and inventory flow.
- Identify operational gaps and lead initiatives to drive efficiency, cost reduction, and service improvement.
- Utilize ERP and other systems to ensure accurate data and informed decision making.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, mentor, and develop shipping and warehouse team members with a strong presence on the floor.
- Hire, train, coach, and discipline employees to meet safety, productivity, and quality expectations.
- Provide consistent feedback, conduct performance reviews, and drive professional growth.
- Address performance and attendance issues with fairness, clarity, and urgency.
- Approve and verify employee timecards for accuracy and policy compliance.
- Build a culture centered on accountability, clear communication, respect, and continuous improvement.
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Qualifications:
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in related field or five years plant/general management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Background with manufacturing methods and procedures, process improvement programs and procedures with a minimum of five years plant/general management required.
- Computer experience with Microsoft Word and Excel
- The military equivalent will be recognized in lieu of education and/or experience.
QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR SKILLS
- Strong leadership presence with proven ability to influence, coach, and hold teams accountable.
- Demonstrated ability to make sound operational decisions independently.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage shifting priorities.
- Effective communicator—clear, concise, and confident.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment.
- Proficient with computer systems, ERP platforms, and basic operational tools.
- Mechanically inclined and able to understand basic equipment functions.
- Ability to perform basic math: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to accurately read tape measure, micrometer, and caliper.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- May lift up to 50 lbs.
- Occasional periods of standing
- Occasional walking of 2–6 hours per day.
- Occasional squatting pushing, pulling, and climbing (including stairs).
- Frequent grasping, bending, reaching, arm extension, and sitting as required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, and moderate noise levels.
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Fast-paced setting with continuous movement and activity.
CLARKDIETRICH BENEFITS INCLUDE
- Full benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts and Life Insurance)
- 401(k) with company match
- Annual Incentive
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Community Service Day