Driver Lead Job Chicago area,Illinois USA,Transportation

Position Purpose

This role accelerates business values by delivering ice to customers in articulated vehicles (tractor‑trailers) that require a CDL Class A license. In markets without tractor‑trailers, a Class B license will be sufficient. Drivers are either assigned a delivery route or transport truckloads of ice to specific customer locations. Drivers are expected to physically unload, deliver, fill and rotate ice at customer locations.

The delivery region, route, and type of equipment operated is subject to change depending on business needs. When not assigned a route, this position trains newly hired drivers (Class A, Class B, and Non‑CDL). Demonstrates our “True North” attributes: voice of the customer, respect for the individual, no nonsense communication and utilization of facts, servant leadership and continuous improvement mindset in every facet of leadership and daily interaction.

Leads, collaborates and demonstrates lean principles and utilizes lean methodologies and tools to facilitate continuous process improvements and value creation for our customers, employees and shareholders. Actively uses lean tools (VSM, Kaizen, A3, etc.) to inform and assess business opportunities to drive continuous improvement. Participates in Kaizen and value stream mapping activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist supervisors with rolling out updated Standard Operations Procedures training, inventory counts, safety communication, and other operational and training initiatives.

Stay up‑to‑date and engaged on the CRM Dashboard. Communicate necessary changes to the CRM Dashboard to the Customer Service Manager. Update customer files to ensure efficient customer deliveries and avoid out‑of‑ice situations.

Participate daily in the Daily Visual Management (DVM) process; review DVM results with other drivers.

Perform road tests on driver candidates; complete paperwork as required.

Train newly hired drivers on equipment, policies, and procedures. Complete all training paperwork as required.

Operate and maintain a clean company truck in a safe and professional manner.

Perform pre/post trip inspections, comply with state/federal hours of service requirements, and operate the vehicle in accordance with DOT regulations.

Unload, deliver, and rotate ice at customer and other designated locations using a safe, courteous, and service‑oriented method.

Produce invoices for each delivery and complete all other required paperwork.

Maintain the safe operation, working condition, and inventory of all driver “tools”, including handhelds, printers, handcarts, and hand trucks.

Immediately report all accidents and injuries, regardless of severity, to the immediate supervisor.

Pick up merchandisers and other equipment as directed.

Follow all Standard Operating Procedures and processes.

Make and assume other duties and responsibilities required or assigned by management.

Adhere to the Code of Business Ethics; uphold honesty, integrity, and the highest ethical standards.

Maintain high safety standards; personal safety is a priority.

Performance Metrics

Delivery Driver Metric – Ice Volume:
Pallets to be delivered each day: 10
# of 7 lb. bags per pallet: 210
Total bags of ice delivered per day (7 lb. equivalent): 2,100
Total bags of ice delivered per 5‑day week: 10,500
Total lbs. delivered per day: 21,000
Total lbs. delivered 5‑day week: 105,000
Tons (ICE) delivered daily: 10.5 tons
Tons (ICE) delivered weekly: 52.5 tons *(general outline based on a 10 pallet truck and a 5‑day work week)*

Essential Mental Functions and Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents in English, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
Ability to work in an unfatigued state.
Ability to accurately gauge lengths of time and distance.
Ability to quickly store and recall instructions in one’s short‑term memory.
Concentrate and perform tasks involving high levels of cognitive function and judgment.
Coping with sudden changes in surroundings and/or emergency situations and/or alarms.
Demonstrate a caring, committed and concerned attitude about safety.
Possess fast reflexes,…