Lead Driver

Gold Star Foods is the leading food distributor to K-12 schools in the United States. We are a company devoted to providing our customers with incredible customer service. We know that it is our employees who make the difference! Join our team and find out what it is like to work somewhere where you enjoy getting up for work every day!

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Driver Lead is responsible for managing the day–to–day operations to ensure that the fleet is well-managed and performing efficiently and effectively. They are responsible for ensuring that their team arrives at their destination safely and on time. Lead drivers must be able to effectively communicate with their team members in order to coordinate deliveries, swap out drivers as needed, etc. This position requires a person to be dependable, focused on safety, and requires a person be flexible and cooperative.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify problems that arise and take initiative to remedy the situation in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all facility employees are provided with a clean, safe, and orderly work environment.
• Demonstrate a high degree of leadership, initiative and integrity to cultivate and develop subordinate staff.
• Promote the training and development of support staff with the goal of employee improvement and advancement.
• Create an atmosphere where employees and management strive for the same common team goal.
• Responsible for chairing various round table discussions to educate employees, solicit employee feedback, resolve conflicts, foster open communication, and promote employee involvement in the decision-making process. Involve employees in the process of change and improve employee morale.
• Insightful ability to recognize what must be done, demonstrate the ability to reason, use common sense, good judgement and utilize good decision-making skills.
• Ability to utilize the various management tools available to identify, correct and prevent operation and labor related problems.
• Train drivers on company policies & procedures and monitor compliance.
• Spot check the loading of trailers to ensure that it’s being done correctly.
• Process the paperwork that’s associated with the operation
• Operate equipment such as computers and telephones to exchange information with drivers, supervisors.
• Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks such as adding oil, fuel, radiator fluid or performing minor repairs
• Spot check the equipment after it’s been used to ensure that there has been no damage
• Review schedules and maps to determine the optimum vehicle routes
• Load and unload trucks and assist others with loading and unloading
• Provide information at drivers meetings as needed
• Complete Lead Driver duties as well as driving local routes (Straight Truck & Tractor Trailer)

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Superior verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Superior managerial and diplomacy skills.
• Extremely proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of DOT work regulations and rules.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Valid CDL A
• 2 years recent Class A/B driving experience; a minimum of 6 months to a year Lead Driver experience and/or related experience overseeing staff
• A clean driving record with no more than 2 moving violations in the last 5 years.
• No DUI/DWI convictions in the last 10 years
• At least 21 years of age
• Route Management experience a plus
• Experience and working knowledge of transportation routing and vehicle tracking programs is highly desired.
• Knowledgeable of DOT, State, and Federal transportation regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Outdoor environment. Outdoor environment exposure to extreme heat, cold, rain, and other weather elements. The work environment can be noisy due to the movement of equipment and vehicles in the yard.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periods throughout the day. Driving and maneuvering large trucks in tight spaces. Climb up and down from yard tractors multiple times throughout the shift. Proper lifting techniques are required. May include bending, reaching, and lifting of objects up to 50 pounds.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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