Shipping Manager

Location: Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Shipping Manager to lead shipping, bagging, packaging, and loading operations at a manufacturing facility in Watkins Glen, NY. This role oversees Shipping Supervisors and union hourly employees across multiple shifts, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations while meeting production schedules and customer shipment requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing or warehouse leadership experience, proven workforce management skills, and the ability to drive operational performance, maintain safety standards, and control labor costs in a fast-paced industrial environment. Key Responsibilities Safety, Quality, and Compliance Establish and enforce safety, housekeeping, and quality standards across all shifts. Ensure compliance with PPE, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, material handling, and loading procedures. Investigate incidents and near misses, implement corrective actions, and coordinate with EHS and Maintenance. Ensure product handling, labeling, sanitation, and contamination-prevention requirements are met. Verify product quality and required release approvals before shipment. Shipping and Manufacturing Operations Oversee bagging, packaging, palletizing, staging, product movement, and truck and rail loading activities. Coordinate daily shipping priorities, staffing assignments, and shift handoffs. Verify shipment accuracy, product quantities, packaging condition, and load securement. Resolve operational bottlenecks, equipment issues, and loading delays. Collaborate with Production, Logistics, Maintenance, and Quality Assurance to meet shipment schedules. Team Leadership and Labor Management Lead, coach, and develop Shipping Supervisors and hourly employees across multiple shifts. Manage staffing levels, shift coverage, absenteeism, overtime, and double-time costs. Ensure compliance with company policies, scheduling requirements, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Partner with Human Resources on hiring, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, disciplinary actions, and grievances. Promote accountability, effective communication, and positive labor relations. Training and Employee Development Develop and maintain employee training and cross-training programs. Establish job qualification standards and maintain accurate training records. Ensure employees are properly trained and authorized before performing assigned tasks. Build workforce flexibility by developing qualified coverage for critical operational responsibilities. Provide regular coaching and performance feedback to supervisors and team members. Cost Control and Continuous Improvement Develop and manage the department's operating budget. Monitor key performance indicators, including shipping cost per ton, labor hours per ton, overtime, production output, downtime, and loading delays. Analyze performance trends, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement corrective actions. Improve staffing efficiency, workflow, equipment utilization, and material handling processes. Coordinate preventive maintenance priorities and capital improvement recommendations with plant leadership. Communication and Cross-Functional Coordination Coordinate with Logistics to align shipping execution with shipment schedules and available inventory. Ensure timely and accurate communication of loading information and operating data. Investigate shipment discrepancies and collaborate with relevant departments on resolution. Participate in daily operational meetings and communicate priorities, risks, and performance updates to plant leadership. Maintain accurate procedures, records, and operational documentation. Required Qualifications Minimum of 5 years of experience in shipping, warehouse management, packaging, or manufacturing operations. At least 3 years of supervisory or management experience. Demonstrated experience leading teams across multiple shifts. Strong knowledge of workforce scheduling, staffing, labor cost control, and operational performance management. Experience analyzing operational data and implementing process improvements. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and computerized production, inventory, or shipping systems. Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work on-site in Watkins Glen, NY, and provide leadership coverage across day, night, and overnight shifts. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing a unionized workforce and applying collective bargaining agreements. Familiarity with bagging and packaging equipment. Experience with truck and rail shipping operations. Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will be considered. Benefits Include 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching Medical, dental, and vision insurance Life insurance Employee assistance program Paid time off Parental leave Additional Requirements Work Location: On-site in Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Shift Availability: Day, night, and overnight shift availability required Education: Bachelor's degree preferred Experience: 5 years of warehouse management experience and 3 years of supervisory experience required