District Manager
About the role
The Times Union is seeking a District Manager to service customers of our newspaper and our partners in New York's Capital Region. The position includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
Responsibilities
- Provide excellent service to Times Union, New York Times, and other home delivery customers.
- Manage and administer formal Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Independent Contractor proforma’s as applicable within assigned region(s).
- Identify and execute regional best practices and assist in identification and execution of cost containment strategies.
- Prepare, analyze, and execute substantive contracts and renegotiation requests.
- Measure and audit contract service metrics for each Independent Business/Contractor as related to the Delivery Service Agreement.
- Work directly with the Distribution Director to determine whether to extend or terminate contractual relationships with independent contractors, distributors, and wholesalers.
- Works closely with staff and Commercial Partners to ensure 3rd Party data accuracy, billing and returns.
- Interacts with Independent Contractors and single copy partners to ensure timely and accurate submission of single copy returns.
- Interfaces with Independent Contractors to reduce escalated complaints and poor service stops.
- Manages Independent Contractor service levels and DQI in accordance with Home Delivery Service Agreement.
- Manage distribution of product to independent contractors in an efficient manner at the warehouses.
- Interact with customers to determine best means of customer satisfaction, complaint resolution, and delivery efficiency.
- Ensure that all routes and all products are delivered by their specified deadline.
- When a route is not covered, deliver route(s) to ensure maximum customer satisfaction when necessary.
- Practice safe working habits in all working environments.
- Other duties assigned and as needed.
Requirements
- A High School Diploma with 1-3 years relative experience.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, NCS, touch-typing, and internet services.
- Proficiency in contract administration, negotiation, and compliance.
- Analytical ability to manage contract performance metrics and complete departmental level reporting.
- Work effectively across departments, including Operations, Field Services, Customer Care, Newsroom, and Sales.
- Work closely with Management to ensure all leased facilities are maintained in the appropriate condition and costs are minimized.
- Ability to manage budgets and identify opportunities for cost savings and optimization.
- Ability to respond to frequent demands of multiple customers (internal and external).
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Must be very customer focused and must be a team player willing to help when and where needed.
- Strong ability to troubleshoot, think forward to identify potential issues, and formulate responsive plans.
- Strong conflict management skills.
- Ability to work in multiple different environments. Warehouse, driving/field work, office settings, etc.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 75 lbs.
- MUST HAVE a valid driver’s license, operable vehicle, and current proof of automobile insurance.
Qualifications
- Must have a valid NY Drivers' License and auto insurance.
Skills
- Customer service skills.
- Contract administration and negotiation skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Paid vacations, sick leave, and personal time.
- Pension plan.
- Tuition assistance.
Pay
Annual base pay is $51,928.50, with potential to grow. Extra pay comes with night and weekend work; two-and-a-half times pay for holidays, and time and a half for OT. Additional benefits include a monthly cell phone stipend, and a $100 quarterly auto-use bonus.
Schedule
The work week is generally 37.5 hours per week; two consecutive days off each week, except OT for Holidays, and any needed circumstances. Hours and days are subject to change and may vary as the job warrants; mandatory overtime may be required.
About Us
Based in Albany, the Times Union (timesunion.com) is the leading news organization in New York’s Capital Region, Hudson Valley, and beyond. The news organization is widely respected for its focus on local news and watchdog reporting, particularly on state government and politics. It has won numerous state and national awards for its work on both print and digital platforms and has repeatedly been named New York’s 'Newspaper of Distinction' by the state editors association. Through the Times Union Media Group, we offer innovative marketing and advertising solutions to local, regional, and national clients. These include event marketing, a full complement of digital marketing solutions, targeted and total market coverage print solutions, and more. Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com. Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.