Dock and Receiving, Senior Associate

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Associate, Dock and Receiving manages the comprehensive operational flow, digital logistics architecture, and safety enforcement of loading dock activities at the Obama Presidential Center. This role applies advanced functional knowledge to optimize vendor delivery pipelines, operational services, and event logistics in alignment with strict campus security protocols and strategic operational priorities.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Own and optimize the centralized dock request and scheduling architecture and logistics database, establishing standardized scheduling protocols across platforms (Google Forms, Google Calendar, Asset Essentials, Infor).

• Review, approve, deny, and schedule dock access requests based on operational priorities, dock availability, and policy requirements.

• Coverage of daily dock activity to ensure safe, orderly sequencing of deliveries, pickups, waste hauling, and OPS functions.

• Serve as the primary liaison between internal departments, Security, and external vendors regarding dock operations.

• Enforce and refine complex dock operating guidelines, establishing strict dwell limits, zoning restrictions, and corrective compliance workflows for external carriers.

• Maintain accurate records of dock activity, vendor compliance, incidents, and operational disruptions.

• Proactively analyze logistics data to forecast scheduling bottlenecks, mitigate operational risks, and directly resolve complex or recurring vendor compliance issues.

• Support event, exhibit, and program-related dock logistics in coordination with Events and Operations teams.

• Oversee the end-to-end chain of custody for the mail and packaging room infrastructure; establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for incoming freight, and provide functional guidance to front-of-house staff on intake protocols.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Consistent enforcement of appointment-based dock operations across Main Campus Service Yard and Home Court Dock.

• Reliable separation of OPS / waste servicing and vendor dock activity through adherence to defined operating hours.

• Minimized dock conflicts, delays, and operational disruptions.

• Accurate and complete dock scheduling records and vendor activity documentation.

• Safe, organized, and efficiently managed dock environments.

• Effective coordination with Security to support screening, inspections, and access control.

• Timely resolution of dock scheduling issues and vendor compliance concerns.

• Development and maintenance of a comprehensive vendor compliance scorecard and dock utilization dashboard to drive operational decisions.

• Successful cross-functional integration of high-security screening protocols with daily dock logistics, in alignment with the Campus Security Team.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in loading dock management, advanced logistics, corporate receiving, or commercial facility operations.

• Demonstrated experience navigating and administering complex digital inventory, ticketing, or scheduling software architectures (e.g., Infor, Asset Essentials, or equivalent enterprise systems).

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage schedules, requests, and competing priorities.

• Proven ability to interpret and enforce rigorous security and operational compliance protocols under time-sensitive, high-profile constraints.

• Advanced problem-solving skills with a track record of resolving vendor conflicts and scheduling constraints independently.

• Strong team leadership capability, with the ability to influence cross-functional internal departments and external stakeholders without direct authority.

• Proficiency with digital scheduling and documentation tools (Google Workspace or equivalent).

• Ability to enforce policies and operational standards consistently and professionally.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.