Shipping Manager

Shipping Manager

Location: Denver, Colorado
Department: Logistics

Position Summary

The Shipping Manager is responsible for overseeing finished goods inventory, warehouse operations, inbound and outbound logistics, and transportation coordination. This role ensures efficient inventory management, cost-effective product distribution, and on-time deliveries while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. The Shipping Manager also leads the shipping team, oversees daily department operations, and drives continuous process improvements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Analyze products, customers, routes, carriers, and shipping locations to identify the most efficient and cost-effective distribution solutions.
Coordinate and consolidate customer and subcontractor shipments to optimize freight costs and ensure on-time delivery.
Review sales backlog and due-date reports to establish daily shipping schedules.
Direct shipping personnel, contract drivers, and dock operations, including loading, unloading, and delivery appointments.
Monitor and adjust shipping schedules throughout the day based on production changes, customer needs, and unexpected delays.
Resolve transportation, logistics, and distribution issues while maintaining consistent communication with internal departments, including Customer Service, Sales, Scheduling, and Production.
Coordinate freight credits and adjustments with Sales and Accounting.
Prepare, review, and maintain accurate shipping documentation, including purchase orders, bills of lading, work orders, delivery tickets, and packing lists.
Audit shipping paperwork for accuracy and completeness and ensure proper distribution and record retention.
Oversee finished goods staging, warehouse organization, and off-site inventory storage.
Conduct regular warehouse and off-site inventory cycle counts.
Review and optimize freight policies, shipping terms, and carrier contracts.
Ensure compliance with applicable domestic and international transportation regulations and documentation requirements.
Coordinate the purchasing of shipping supplies, pallets, and other necessary materials.
Participate in daily production meetings to coordinate shipping priorities and operational needs.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance customer service, increase efficiency, and reduce supply chain costs.
Manage shipping department personnel, including scheduling, hiring, training, performance management, and conflict resolution.
Obtain freight quotes and coordinate over-the-road and out-of-state deliveries.
Train new employees and participate in the hiring and onboarding process.
Provide hands-on support with daily shipping operations as needed.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field strongly preferred.
10+ years of experience in logistics, shipping, warehousing, or distribution management.
Experience within the corrugated packaging or manufacturing industry strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing shipping personnel and coordinating transportation operations.
Current forklift certification or demonstrated ability to safely operate a forklift strongly preferred.
Relevant industry certifications, such as APICS CPIM or CLTD, are strongly preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Logistics & Distribution: Strong understanding of transportation, freight management, shipping and receiving, inventory control, and warehouse operations.
Manufacturing Knowledge: Familiarity with corrugated board types, converting processes, production workflows, and quality control practices.
Supply Chain Management: Understanding of production demand, inventory planning, procurement, strategic pricing, and distribution networks.
Transportation Management: Ability to evaluate carriers, routes, delivery schedules, freight costs, and service performance to optimize distribution.
Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of domestic and international shipping regulations, customs requirements, and transportation documentation.
Inventory Management: Experience overseeing finished goods inventory, warehouse organization, cycle counts, and off-site storage.
Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex operational challenges, interpret data, allocate resources, and develop effective solutions in a deadline-driven environment.
Mathematical & Analytical Skills: Ability to calculate freight costs, lead times, inventory turns, reorder points, variances, credits, and other operational metrics.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret contracts, technical documents, and regulatory requirements.
Computer Skills: Proficiency with computers and shipping/inventory management systems. Ability to type at least 40 words per minute with a high degree of accuracy.
Leadership: Proven ability to lead, train, develop, and manage employees while maintaining accountability and positive team relationships.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments, customers, vendors, and transportation providers.
Adaptability: Ability to prioritize competing demands, respond to changing schedules, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Conflict Resolution: Ability to address workplace concerns and resolve conflicts professionally and objectively.
Sense of Urgency: Ability to manage time-sensitive operations and consistently meet production and delivery deadlines.
Equipment Oversight: Ability to oversee routine maintenance and identify equipment needs involving forklifts, loading docks, shrink wrappers, and other warehouse equipment.
Quality Control: Ability to inspect finished goods, verify shipment accuracy, and ensure proper loading and documentation procedures are followed.

Equipment & Technology

Experience using or operating the following tools and equipment:

Sit-down forklift
Shipping scanners and inventory tracking systems
Tape measure and box cutters
Shrink-wrapping equipment
Shipping and logistics management software