Operations Supervisor - Transportation (Supply Chain/Logistics)

Penske Automotive Group - Birmingham, AL

Full-time - Mid Level

Birmingham, AL

Truck Transportation

About the position

Penske Logistics is seeking an energetic and team-oriented leader to join our team as an Operations Supervisor in Birmingham, AL. This role is pivotal in providing operational leadership at a single location, ensuring that our transportation and logistics operations meet customer requirements while aligning with Penske's goals and objectives. The Operations Supervisor will oversee a team of drivers and hourly associates, guiding them in executing daily tasks such as driver deliveries, loading and unloading of trailers, and maintaining high standards of customer service. This position is not only about managing processes but also about motivating and engaging team members to achieve excellence in their roles. In this position, the Operations Supervisor will be responsible for establishing performance standards, monitoring attendance and productivity, and providing coaching and counseling to associates. The role requires a strong focus on team accomplishments and recognition, fostering a positive work environment. The supervisor will also conduct team meetings, evaluate work methods to enhance productivity, and ensure compliance with operational procedures and safety regulations. Additionally, the Operations Supervisor will play a key role in financial management by tracking metrics such as MPG and damages, ensuring that the team operates within budgetary constraints. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving process improvements and leading change within a logistics environment. They will be expected to understand customer goals and work diligently to exceed expectations, while also managing fleet equipment effectively and ensuring that all associates are trained and competent in their roles. This position offers the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses, reflecting the commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction that Penske embodies.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership to individual contributors and hourly workforce to ensure the execution of daily tasks and activities including driver deliveries, loading/unloading of trailers, and customer service operations.
• Establish and sustain that all supervisors and associates are trained and competent and understand how their work relates to the customers' business objectives.
• Establish and sustain that performance standards are communicated that are specific and measurable.
• Interview hourly associates and provide recommendations for hire.
• Monitor attendance, productivity, and other performance standards and provide coaching and counseling to associates.
• Motivate and engage associates by focusing on team accomplishments and recognition.
• Supervise logistics operations including customer service, freight loading and unloading, dispatch and proper documentation and procedure control.
• Conduct team meetings.
• Evaluate and recommend changes in preferred work methods to increase productivity of dispatch operations. Assist in new associate training.
• Provide relief coverage for operational duties when associates utilize time-off or are absent from the shift.
• Have a thorough working knowledge of the site's operating systems in order to ensure operational compliance and correct exception resolution.
• Complete all necessary records and reports in a timely and accurate fashion.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies & procedures such as tracking MPG, returns, damages, etc.
• Understand the relationship between decision-making and profitability.
• Closely manage associates' working hours and activities to minimize overtime and to meet or exceed productivity targets.
• Ensure day-to-day management and associate activities are aligned with the location safety strategy.
• Provide associates with communication, training, feedback, and direction to ensure safe performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies and company policies and procedures.
• Conduct safety observations.
• Understand the location-specific customer goals & objectives and work to meet and exceed these expectations daily.
• Ensure the customer knows that we are committed to helping them meet their objectives.
• Determine areas that could benefit from Continuous Improvement efforts.
• Properly plan work assignments to ensure effective use of fleet equipment.
• Work with hourly associates to ensure they understand safe and efficient operation of equipment.
• Work with vendors to ensure equipment is maintained.
• Work with Penske Truck Leasing to ensure schedule of preventative maintenance is complete.
• Other projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• 2 - 4 years related functional experience
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Must have ability to connect and build rapport and relationships with associates and external customers at all levels
• Must have ability to work efficiently with time management and organizational skills
• Strong written/oral communication skills and the ability to actively listen are required
• Ability to manage through a problem and think and make decisions independently
• Ability to drive process improvement and lead change
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint required
• Must demonstrate ownership & responsibility to run the operation with a sense of urgency
• DOT and dispatching experience preferred for dedicated contract carriage
• Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job
• Willingness to travel as necessary, work the required schedule, work at the specific location required, complete a Penske employment application, submit to a reference verification (to include past employment and education) are required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in logistics or supply chain management
• Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards
• Experience with performance management and employee development

Benefits

• Performance-based bonuses
• Comprehensive health insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and training