Roles and responsibilities
- Plan and implement overall shipping strategy
- Use shipping software to organize and prioritize shipping activities
- Oversee the whole shipping process
- Set shipping KPIs
- Prepare and present KPI reports
- Suggest solutions for process optimization
- Inspect labels and barcodes
- Supervise and oversee shipping team members
- Set and control shipping and distribution budget
- Build and maintain professional relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders (such as warehouse
workers, vendors, purchasing managers, suppliers etc.)
- Negotiate better pricing
- Identify shipping issues and implement solutions in a timely manner
- Create and present reports for upper management
- Manage day to day decisions regarding the input, movement, process, and output of operations to ensure
increased quality, inventory accuracy and service
- Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly metrics for assigned departments; identify and resolve operating issues as
needed, including oversight of corrective actions and progressive discipline process
- Provide clear and frequent communication to all teams regarding department productivity, Company policies and
procedures
- Maintain adequate staffing levels for assigned departments to ensure operating metrics are met consistently; may
include the coordination of shift change bids and related programs
- Interact with employees regularly to promote a high level of engagement and ensure all safety regulations / rules
are followed
- Lead weekly and monthly manager meetings to share information including metrics review, areas of
improvement, employee relations issues, and updates on quarterly initiatives and related projects
- Identify and delegate quarterly initiatives to team members; promote and monitor progress to ensure quarterly
goals are met
- Maintain a high level of operating knowledge and positive employee relations by working at minimum one day
Desired candidate profile
Key Responsibilities of an Assistant Shipping Manager:
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Supervising Shipping Operations
- Daily Shipping Coordination: Assisting in organizing and overseeing the daily shipment of products, ensuring that all orders are processed accurately and dispatched in a timely manner.
- Managing Staff: Overseeing the work of shipping clerks, warehouse staff, and drivers, ensuring they adhere to established procedures and meet productivity goals.
- Ensuring Timely Deliveries: Monitoring the shipping schedule to ensure orders are delivered on time, and tracking any delays to mitigate disruptions in the supply chain.
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Inventory Management
- Managing Stock Levels: Coordinating with warehouse personnel to track inventory levels and ensuring that products are ready for shipment. Ensuring that stock is well-organized and easily accessible for efficient order fulfillment.
- Shipping Documentation: Ensuring that shipping documents, such as bills of lading, packing lists, and customs forms, are completed accurately and accompany all shipments.
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Logistics and Transportation
- Carrier Coordination: Assisting in managing relationships with third-party carriers, such as shipping companies and freight forwarders. Ensuring that shipping costs are minimized while maintaining the required delivery standards.
- Route Optimization: Helping to plan and optimize delivery routes to ensure cost-effectiveness and timely deliveries. Working with logistics teams to solve any transportation challenges.
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Customer Service
- Order Tracking: Providing customers with tracking information and responding to inquiries regarding shipment status. Resolving any issues or discrepancies related to shipping and delivery.
- Handling Shipping Discrepancies: Addressing issues related to damaged, lost, or incorrect shipments. Working with the warehouse and customer service teams to resolve problems promptly.
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Compliance and Safety
- Ensuring Compliance: Ensuring that all shipments comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including customs regulations, safety standards, and international shipping laws.
- Health and Safety: Ensuring that the shipping area is maintained in a safe condition, adhering to workplace safety regulations and company guidelines. Promoting safe handling practices for goods and equipment.
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Reporting and Documentation
- Maintaining Shipping Records: Keeping detailed records of all shipments, including shipping dates, contents, and any related documentation, for compliance and reference purposes.
- Reporting to Senior Management: Assisting in generating reports on shipping activities, including on-time delivery rates, shipping costs, and any issues encountered. Helping to track performance metrics and making recommendations for improvement.
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Problem-Solving
- Addressing Delays: Quickly identifying and resolving issues that may cause delays in shipping or affect delivery schedules. This may include problems with suppliers, inventory discrepancies, or carrier delays.
- Optimizing Processes: Continuously looking for ways to improve shipping operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency within the department.
Key Skills for an Assistant Shipping Manager:
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Organizational Skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workloads, and meet deadlines. Shipping operations often involve tight schedules and time-sensitive tasks, requiring excellent organizational abilities.
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Attention to Detail
- Accuracy is crucial in the shipping department. Ensuring that orders are correct, shipping documentation is complete, and products are properly handled and dispatched requires high attention to detail.
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Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
- Strong problem-solving skills are necessary to address shipping delays, inventory issues, and logistical challenges. Being able to think critically and quickly resolve issues will help keep the shipping process smooth.
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Communication Skills
- Clear communication with warehouse teams, drivers, carriers, and customers is essential. The Assistant Shipping Manager must be able to relay information accurately and handle any customer inquiries or complaints effectively.