Distribution Manager - Baked Products

Job Description

Job DescriptionDistribution ManagerPosition Summary

Our client, a growing food manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced Distribution Manager to lead transportation, fleet, and distribution operations. This individual will be responsible for ensuring products are delivered safely, efficiently, and on time while driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and outstanding customer service.

This is a hands-on leadership role that oversees distribution personnel, fleet operations, and logistics while partnering closely with Operations, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, and Customer Service to support business growth and continuous improvement.

Key ResponsibilitiesDistribution Leadership

• Lead all distribution operations, including transportation, dispatch, routing, scheduling, and fleet management.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and manage distribution supervisors, dispatch personnel, drivers, and support staff.
• Establish department goals, KPIs, and performance expectations while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staffing levels and schedules support operational demands and customer commitments.

Transportation & Fleet Management

• Oversee company fleet operations to ensure vehicles remain safe, compliant, and well maintained.
• Manage preventive maintenance programs and coordinate repairs with outside vendors.
• Monitor fleet utilization, transportation costs, fuel consumption, and overall operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, and transportation safety standards.

Operational Excellence

• Drive improvements in delivery performance, route optimization, customer service, and cost control.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including:
  • On-time delivery
  • Transportation costs
  • Fleet utilization
  • Driver productivity
  • Route efficiency
  • Customer satisfaction
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure distribution operations comply with FDA, FSMA, GMP, HACCP, SQF, DOT, and OSHA requirements.
• Partner with Quality and Operations to maintain product integrity throughout storage and transportation.
• Support internal audits, regulatory inspections, and corrective action initiatives.
• Ensure employees complete required food safety, regulatory, and safety training.

Financial & Business Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, including labor, fleet maintenance, fuel, and transportation expenses.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, improve efficiency, and support strategic decision-making.
• Provide regular reporting on departmental performance and key metrics.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Production, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Sales to ensure efficient order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
• Support production planning and capacity management to meet customer demand.
• Lead projects that improve distribution capabilities and support future growth.

QualificationsEducation

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in distribution, transportation, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Experience managing transportation teams, drivers, fleet operations, and distribution personnel.
• Food manufacturing or food distribution experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing operational KPIs, budgets, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Skills

• Strong leadership and employee development skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Financial acumen with experience managing operating budgets.
• Knowledge of transportation management systems, fleet management software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple priorities.

Technical Knowledge

Working knowledge of:

• FDA FSMA
• GMP
• HACCP
• SQF
• DOT Regulations
• OSHA

What Our Client Offers

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career growth opportunities
• Stable and growing organization
• Collaborative leadership team
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on operations