Shipping and Receiving Supervisor

Description

POSITION SCOPE:

The Shipping & Receiving Supervisor reports directly to the Operations Manager and is responsible for the daily execution and performance of all Shipping, Receiving, Warehouse, Inventory Control, and dock operations. This position provides leadership to warehouse associates while ensuring customer shipments and inbound receipts are processed safely, accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.

The Shipping & Receiving Supervisor executes the daily operational plan established by the Operations Manager and is accountable for achieving shipping and receiving schedules, maintaining inventory accuracy, maximizing labor productivity, ensuring equipment is operated safely, and delivering exceptional customer service through consistent operational execution.

This role works closely with Production, Quality, Project Management, Maintenance, Customer Service, and Transportation partners to ensure materials flow efficiently throughout the facility and customer commitments are consistently achieved.

REPORTS TO:  

Operations Manager

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Leadership

• Supervise, coach, develop, and evaluate Shipping, Receiving, Warehouse, and Inventory Control associates.

• Lead by example while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and operational excellence.

• Conduct daily startup meetings to communicate operational priorities, safety topics, and customer requirements.

• Train new associates and provide ongoing coaching and development.

• Assign labor and equipment resources to meet daily operational requirements.

• Manage employee performance through regular feedback, coaching, and accountability.

Shipping & Receiving Operations

• Execute the daily shipping schedule established by the Operations Manager to ensure customer shipments are completed accurately and on time.

• Execute the daily receiving schedule while minimizing dock congestion and supporting uninterrupted production.

• Ensure 100% accuracy of inbound receipts and outbound shipments.

• Coordinate dock schedules, trailer assignments, and carrier appointments.

• Ensure all shipping documentation is accurate and completed on time.

• Process expedited shipments and special customer requests as required.

• Monitor shipment status throughout the day and immediately communicate potential delays or issues to the Operations Manager.

• Conduct root cause investigations for shipping errors, receiving discrepancies, and delivery delays.

Warehouse Operations

• Oversee daily warehouse organization, housekeeping, and material flow.

• Ensure inventory accuracy through proper receiving, storage, picking, staging, and shipping practices.

• Support cycle counts, inventory audits, and discrepancy investigations.

• Ensure materials are delivered to production in accordance with production schedules.

• Maintain organized warehouse locations that promote safety, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Schedule Execution

• Execute daily shipping and receiving schedules to support customer commitments and production requirements.

• Prioritize workloads based on operational needs and customer priorities.

• Allocate labor and equipment resources to maximize productivity while maintaining safety and quality standards.

• Identify and resolve staffing, equipment, inventory, or scheduling constraints that could impact customer service.

• Communicate operational issues proactively and recommend solutions to minimize disruptions.

Customer Service

• Ensure customer shipments meet all quality, accuracy, and delivery requirements.

• Communicate shipment delays, inventory shortages, damages, or operational concerns to the Operations Manager and Project Management team.

• Partner with Production and Project Management to prioritize customer requirements and resolve issues quickly.

• Support customer visits, audits, and special shipping requirements as needed.

Safety

• Promote and maintain a safe work environment.

• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and warehouse operating procedures.

• Conduct daily safety observations and immediately correct unsafe acts or conditions.

• Ensure forklift inspections are completed at the beginning of every shift.

• Remove unsafe equipment from service immediately and notify Maintenance.

• Ensure all associates wear required PPE and follow safe work practices.

• Participate in accident investigations and corrective action implementation.

• Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures.

• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Immediately report unsafe conditions, near misses, accidents, or safety concerns.

Equipment & Facilities

• Ensure forklifts, pallet jacks, dock equipment, and warehouse assets are properly maintained and safely operated.

• Report equipment issues promptly and coordinate repairs with the Maintenance department.

• Ensure loading docks, staging areas, and warehouse locations remain clean, organized, and operational.

• Monitor equipment utilization and recommend improvements that increase efficiency.

Inventory & Quality

• Ensure inventory accuracy through disciplined inventory control practices.

• Verify inbound receipts and outbound shipments for accuracy and completeness.

• Identify, document, and communicate damaged materials or inventory discrepancies.

• Ensure all shipping and receiving activities comply with established quality procedures.

• Ensure only approved and conforming product is shipped to customers.

• Support investigations and corrective actions related to inventory accuracy and shipping quality.

Performance Management

• Monitor and improve departmental Key Performance Indicators, including:

o On-Time Shipping

o Receiving Accuracy

o Inventory Accuracy

o Shipping Productivity

o Trailer Utilization

o Dock-to-Stock Time

o Safety Performance

o Labor Productivity

o Overtime Performance

• Conduct root cause analysis for shipping delays, inventory discrepancies, customer complaints, and operational issues.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, service, quality, and operational efficiency.

Financial Responsibility

• Manage labor utilization and overtime within departmental budgets.

• Support cost reduction initiatives through improved productivity, inventory control, and efficient warehouse operations.

• Minimize waste and maximize utilization of labor, equipment, and warehouse space.

Operational Accountability

The Shipping & Receiving Supervisor is accountable for the successful execution of all daily shipping, receiving, warehouse, and inventory control activities.

This position is responsible for ensuring customer shipments are completed safely, accurately, and on time while supporting production through efficient material flow, inventory accuracy, labor utilization, and operational discipline. The Shipping & Receiving Supervisor works under the direction of the Operations Manager and is expected to proactively identify operational risks, communicate issues promptly, and drive solutions that support the overall success of the operation.

Requirements

  Required

• High School Diploma or GED.

• 5+ years of food manufacturing, co-packing, packaging, or production experience.

• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality systems.

• Experience training, coaching, or mentoring employees.

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work across multiple departments and shifts.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Business, Operations, Industrial Technology, or related field.

• HACCP Certification.

• SQF Practitioner experience.

• Train-the-Trainer certification.

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.

• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS).