Circulation Operations Manager

Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Circulation Operations Manager to lead the overnight circulation operation by directing three Circulation Managers and their assigned territories. Make sure every newspaper is delivered on time and within established standards, whether by independent delivery carriers outside the Manchester area or by employee drivers within it. Oversee overnight operations at two distribution facilities, one in Manchester and one in Nashua, serving as the senior circulation leader during overnight hours, making real-time decisions on staffing, open routes, late press runs and service problems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership of Circulation Managers. Hire, train, schedule, coach and evaluate three Circulation Managers. Set clear expectations for service, sales and expense results in each territory, and hold each manager accountable by tracking and reviewing their results on customer complaint levels, time to complete routes, and the staffing and overtime levels of their drivers.
• Facility management. Oversee the Manchester and Nashua distribution facilities, including building security, cleanliness, dock and loading operations, equipment and vehicle parking. Coordinate facility maintenance and repairs, and make sure both sites meet company standards. Divide time between the two facilities based on operational needs.
• Overnight operations. Oversee the receipt, staging and dispatch of newspapers at the Manchester and Nashua facilities and at field drops. Coordinate with the pressroom and packaging on press times and truck schedules to each facility, and adjust carrier and driver schedules when press runs are late.
• Customer service and delivery standards. Monitor on-time delivery, complaint and redelivery results across all territories. Step in on escalated or unresolved customer complaints and make sure special deliveries are made when needed.
• Carrier and driver workforce. Oversee the recruiting, contracting and counseling of independent delivery carriers and the supervision of employee drivers in the Manchester area. Make sure open routes are covered every day, reassigning managers, drivers or other staff as needed.
• Route efficiency and expense control. Review routes across territories and approve restructuring, splits or consolidations that maximize volume while limiting expense. Manage the overnight operating budget, including labor, overtime, fuel, vehicles and redelivery costs.
• Financial and administrative compliance. Make sure managers follow financial and administrative policies, including carrier collections, distribution of carrier checks, delivery contracts, insurance certificates and route records.
• Sales and circulation growth. Plan and oversee sales campaigns with the Circulation Managers, and motivate carriers to take part in sales efforts. Track volume results by territory.
• Reporting. Provide the Circulation Director with regular reports on delivery performance, complaints, open routes, volume, staffing and expenses for each facility. Recommend improvements to procedures and service standards.
• Safety and equipment. Make sure vehicles, including pallet jacks and fork trucks are operated safely and maintained. Enforce safe work practices at both facilities and at field drops.
• Back-up coverage. Fill in for a Circulation Manager when needed, including running open routes or making special deliveries.

Requirements Include:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field preferred.
• Minimum three years of newspaper circulation, distribution or logistics experience, including at least two years supervising managers or supervisors. Experience as a Circulation Manager or in a comparable role is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and hold managers accountable, and to motivate independent adult carriers and employee drivers.
• Working knowledge of independent contractor relationships, delivery contracts and route management.
• Strong budgeting and analytical skills, with the ability to track service, volume and expense results. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and circulation or route-management systems.
• Excellent organizational, communication, customer service, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Able to make sound decisions quickly under deadline pressure.
• Valid New Hampshire driver's license with a good driving record, reliable transportation and current auto insurance. Geographic knowledge of the company's delivery area.
• Capable of lifting newspaper bundles weighing up to 40 pounds.

Schedule and Working Conditions:

• Overnight, early morning and weekend hours required. Standard starting time is around 1:00 am, ahead of the Circulation Managers, newspapers and carriers arriving at the facilities and field drops.
• Hours may vary based on company needs, holidays, service and sales promotions, severe weather and late press runs.
• Must be available by phone during off hours to handle escalated delivery or staffing issues.
• Work takes place at the Manchester and Nashua facilities, at field drops and on the road throughout the delivery area, with regular travel between the two facilities.

Pay: $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person