Director of Transportation

ABOUT UDA:
UDA is a local, family-owned, dairy cooperative committed to serve the needs of our members, community, and customers by providing high quality milk and dairy products. As the only milk marketing co-op in the state, UDA oversees the production, processing, and marketing of Arizona's finest milk products from farm to Retail in 48 hours or less. From sweet cream and butter to non-fat dry milk, UDA provides milk products to manufactures and supermarket chains throughout the Grand Canyon State.

Our motto at UDA is “United in Excellence.” The dairy industry's success isn't built on one dairy or brand, its built on the community as a whole - this includes our amazing employees. When you join UDA, you're not just joining a business, you're joining a family. Since 1960 UDA has been headquartered, operated, and managed in Arizona. We strive to provide our employees with rewarding career opportunities aimed at long-term stability, growth, and advancement. We put our heart and soul into our products and value our team who show up, every day and do the work.

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

As UDA's Director of Transportation, this role will oversee the management of over four billion pounds of milk picked up and delivered annually. Leading a team of professionals including Logistics Supervisors, Logistics Coordinators, Mechanics, and Drivers, the Director of Transportation will identify and implement the most cost-effective and efficient transportation methods for milk movement between farms, customers, and our manufacturing facilities.
The ideal candidate will be a data-driven decision-maker with strong leadership and technical skills, experience with industry-leading technology, and proven expertise in strategic planning. This candidate will rely on financial modeling, freight planning software, and exceptional interpersonal skills to excel in this role. As a collaborative team player, the Director of Transportation will work seamlessly with all units of UDA while fostering a culture of innovation and growth within the transportation department.
This role requires a strong background in GPS systems, truck and trailer mechanical supervision, and dispatching operations. This individual will utilize fleet management software and technology to monitor and analyze fleet performance data, consistently seeking opportunities for operational excellence, process improvements, and cost savings.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee daily departmental operations and workflow
• Specify and oversee truck and trailer builds for company fleet
• Manage vehicle licensing, sampling licenses, and overall fleet supervision
• Coordinate department employee schedules while adhering to hours of service rules for drivers
• Dispatch and supervise dispatch procedures, paperwork, and follow-through
• Work with Quality Assurance personnel at plants and in the field
• Work with state compliance entities such as ADEQ and DOT for routine audits
• Follow and enforce all UDA GMPs and work in a manner consistent with all UDA and regulatory quality and safety requirements
• Adhere to all municipal, state, and federal regulatory compliance, reporting any nonconformities
• Adhere to all SOPs and HACCP guidelines
• Adhere to all UDA quality, safety, and GMP policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformities
• Maintain strong knowledge of FMCSA, federal, state, and local vehicle regulations
• Communicate with all department heads to resolve any issues or incidents
• Maintain continuous communication with haulers and dairymen to ensure timeliness and quality
• Educate contract hauler drivers on PMO procedures annually
• Communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders including customers, employees, and contractors
• Prepare and manage annual budget for Transportation Department
• Own department budget including A/P and A/R responsibilities
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements with vendors, customers, and haulers
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through data analysis and process improvements
• other duties as required

Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to understand and execute multiple business initiatives in a dairy transportation environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to lead people to attain results, including hiring, discipline, and performance evaluation
• Strong negotiation skills for contracts and service agreements
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and data entry systems
• Strong knowledge of distribution and dispatching in an active environment
• Effective teaching and training skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to read, hear, speak, comprehend, and carry out verbal and written instructions in English
• Strong commitment to safety and safety initiatives

• Minimum 5-10 years in a transportation environment
• Minimum 5 years of transportation leadership experience (mid to senior level)
• Truck hauling and contracts management experience (union contract management, vendor management, etc.)
• Dispatch management on computer systems - heavy focus on this function
• GPS systems knowledge and application
• Truck and trailer mechanical supervision experience
• Budget management proficiency including A/P and A/R oversight

Education/Certifications :

• High School Diploma or Educational Equivalent

• Bachelor's degree in logistics, transportation, or related field preferred

• Ability to sit, walk, and stand for extended periods as needed

• Ability to stoop, bend, reach, lift, and carry items occasionally, including items up to 45 lbs.
• Ability to push and pull items occasionally, including assisted items up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to occasionally climb ladders and frequently climb stairs of various heights, including tankers with heights averaging 12 feet
• Ability to drive and safely operate a yard tractor and similar equipment as needed
• Ability to hear and speak, including in very noisy environments
• Ability to work in varying extreme hot, cold, and wet temperatures and conditions

• Visual acuity to observe the condition of surroundings

COMMPANY WIDE BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental & Vision plans (Benefits starts on the 1st of the following month)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health & Wellness Programs
• Paid Time Off
• Shift Pay Differential
• Education Assistance
• On-site Fitness Center
• On-Site Health Clinic

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list; employees may be subject to additional, or altered, tasks and the scope of the role may change as necessitated by business demands. UDA will not consider any application submissions from unauthorized third-parties, consulting, or external staffing firms and will not be held subject, or liable, to any terms, fees, or penalties associated with a submission.

UDA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.