What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dispatcher position at Simmons Animal Nutrition, Inc?
Coordinates the movement of Simmons internal fleet activities within all three divisions of Simmons (Petfood, Poultry, and Animal Nutrition). Manages loads inbound and outbound for all plants in an organized fashion to maintain optimum plant operations. Organizes and dispatches loads in accordance with Simmons policies and in compliance with DOT regulations.
Essential Position Responsibilities -This is a Salary Non-Exempt position.
Plans and coordinates transportation operations. Assists and coordinates with up to 60 drivers to ensure the timely delivery of product. Reviews, adjusts, and creates orders within the dispatching system. Adjusts production schedules to determine work sequences and optimal routes. Motivates drivers to complete routes with minimal downtime and in compliance with DOT rules and regulations. Responsible for transportation forecasting for holidays and weekly arrivals. Determines priority of loads, per finished load procedures and plant needs then schedules deliveries accordingly. Monitors daily driver activities and operations in a cost-effective fashion to maximize productivity. Demonstrates the ability to multitask while maintaining attention to detail.
Acts as the liaison between drivers, transportation managers, and customers and suppliers. Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills. Effectively disseminates critical information between plant shipping departments, drivers, customers, and suppliers for daily load and trailer status. Troubleshoots and problem solves in a cost-effective manner. Anticipates issues and communicates potential solutions to leadership.
Communicates with Driver Management on driver schedule needs, driver time off requests, absences, special requests and any driver related concerns or questions. Documents and reports daily attendance roster for each driver.
Supports reporting and administration processes. Organizes and administers driver’s daily paperwork including drivers pay sheets, trip sheets and BOLS.
Communicating with drivers on instructions for each load, receiver, shipper, temperature, equipment and on time delivery.
Maintains accountability for company trailers and trucks. Accountable for drivers and equipment. Responsible for entering each load into the system by load number, destination, total weight, temperature control and pick-up/deliver locations. Documents truck and trailer inventory. Documenting truck and trailer repairs on boards and with shop.
Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.
Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.
Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property.
Travel: No travel required.
Technical Experience: 3 years of experience in transportation or 1 year of experience as a dispatcher or an equivalent amount of relevant experience considered. Software skills: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite. Preferred experience in maps, ADP, McLeod, Peoplenet, I Bright, Skybitz, Microsoft office and Google Documents. A CDL license is a plus.
Industry Experience: Preference for food processing organization.
Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Education: N/A
We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.
