Shipping Manager in Schomberg, Ontario at Brookdale Treeland Nurseries

SUMMARY: Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Shipping Manager is responsible for the effective coordination and management of all shipping and receiving operations at BTN Schomberg.

BTN strives to maintain a team environment where every individual is important to the Organization as a whole. The Shipping Manager is responsible for setting a good working example and maintaining a positive work environment. Developing strong working relationships and clear communication between all departments is imperative.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

1. Department Leadership, Planning & Operational Management

• Lead, direct and oversee all Shipping and Receiving operations, ensuring activities are completed safely, efficiently, accurately and in accordance with company standards.
• Own the daily and long-term operational planning of the Shipping and Receiving function, including labour, equipment, dock capacity, yard utilization and workflow requirements.
• Review and understand all dispatch plans and provide direction, feedback and recommendations to the BTN Transport Team to support efficient execution and customer service.
• Lead and manage a team of 4–6 operators and 2–3 administrators, establishing clear expectations, priorities, accountability and performance standards.
• Plan staffing levels and schedules to effectively meet operational requirements, including anticipating and managing increased labour and equipment demands during peak spring and fall seasons.
• Establish daily and weekly priorities and coordinate departmental requirements with the General Manager, proactively communicating operational issues, resource requirements and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor departmental performance and take appropriate action to address operational deficiencies, bottlenecks, delays or resource constraints.
• Ensure the Shipping and Receiving department maintains an appropriate level of operational readiness to meet current and anticipated business requirements.

2. Shipping, Receiving & Yard Operations

• Oversee and coordinate all shipping and receiving activities, ensuring inbound and outbound materials are processed accurately, efficiently and on schedule.
• Ensure all required shipping, receiving and transportation documentation is completed accurately, consistently and in a timely manner.
• Maintain overall accountability for the organization, efficiency and safe operation of the shipping yard, docks and associated work areas.
• Coordinate the effective allocation and utilization of operators, administrators, equipment and dock/yard capacity.
• Identify operational risks and constraints and implement corrective actions to minimize delays, inefficiencies and disruptions.
• Work closely with other managers and departments to ensure the effective coordination of material flow, labour and equipment across the organization.

3. Processes, SOPs & Continuous Improvement

• Own and maintain all Shipping and Receiving departmental processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring they remain current, practical and aligned with company requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, cost control, workflow and service levels, and lead the implementation of approved improvements.
• Develop, maintain and monitor departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in conjunction with the General Manager.
• Analyze operational data and KPI results to identify trends, deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Establish clear processes, controls and performance expectations to promote consistency, accountability and continuous improvement throughout the department.
• Collaborate with other managers and departments to identify and implement cross-functional process improvements and more effective use of organizational resources.

4. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain overall departmental accountability for a safe and compliant workplace, ensuring employees follow all applicable company health and safety policies, procedures and requirements.
• Ensure all equipment—including lift trucks, trailers, rigs and related equipment—is properly maintained, inspected and operated in accordance with applicable standards and company requirements.
• Ensure shipping docks, doors, yard areas and related facilities are maintained in a safe, clean and operational condition.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture, addressing unsafe practices and conditions promptly and ensuring employees understand and meet their safety responsibilities.
• Participate in the identification, assessment and mitigation of operational and workplace risks.

5. People Leadership & Accountability

• Provide clear direction, coaching and performance feedback to Shipping and Receiving personnel.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities and performance expectations for operators and administrators.
• Support employee development, training and cross-training to strengthen departmental capabilities and operational flexibility.
• Promote a positive, professional, safe and accountable work environment.
• Address performance, attendance, communication and operational issues in a timely and appropriate manner, escalating matters to the General Manager when required.
• Lead by example and foster a culture of teamwork, ownership, accountability and continuous improvement.

JOB SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

• 3–5 years of demonstrated management or supervisory experience, preferably within a shipping, receiving, logistics, transportation, manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead people, manage competing priorities and take ownership of departmental results.
• Strong systems- and process-oriented approach with demonstrated ability to establish, improve and maintain operational processes.
• Excellent organizational, planning and time-management skills, with the ability to effectively manage both immediate operational requirements and longer-term priorities.
• Strong verbal, written and digital communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers, transportation partners and other stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills, with proficiency in Excel and SAP; demonstrated ability to learn and effectively implement new software and technology.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, document, analyze and improve processes and SOPs, with a strong focus on efficiency, consistency and continuous improvement.
• Experience developing, implementing and managing departmental KPIs and performance metrics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage labour, equipment and departmental resources effectively.
• Strong understanding of workplace health and safety principles and the ability to promote a safe and compliant operating environment.
• Ability to foster a positive, safe, professional, productive and accountable workplace culture.
• Strong mathematical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret operational and performance data.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with senior management and other departments while taking ownership of departmental performance and results.