Hayward Depot Manager

Crystal Creamery is seeking an experienced Hayward Depot Manager to lead the daily operations of our Hayward distribution facility. This position is responsible for transportation operations, delivery execution, routing, staffing, customer service, safety, and overall depot performance.

The Depot Manager will lead approximately 35 employees, including Foremen, Drivers, and Loaders, while ensuring the facility operates safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong transportation and logistics experience who can effectively manage people, optimize resources, solve operational challenges, and maintain a high level of customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily depot operations to ensure safe, efficient, and timely delivery performance.
• Develop and monitor delivery routes throughout the Bay Area to achieve service, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Plan staffing and workforce deployment based on daily operational requirements.
• Maximize the effective use of labor, vehicles, equipment, and other resources.
• Monitor delivery performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and service.
• Inspect incoming products and materials for accuracy, quality, and proper handling.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and ensure vehicles and operational equipment are ready for use.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and resolve service-related issues.
• Identify and resolve operational problems using sound judgment and effective problem-solving skills.
• Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence throughout the depot, yard, and delivery operation.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, transportation regulations, and safety requirements.
• Monitor operational expenses and manage depot resources within established company guidelines.

Leadership & People Management

• Directly supervise approximately 35 depot employees, including Foremen, Drivers, and Loaders.
• Manage daily staffing, scheduling, workflow, and labor efficiency.
• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and train new employees.
• Provide coaching, direction, and performance management to transportation personnel.
• Develop employees and build a strong, accountable team.
• Promote employee engagement, teamwork, and retention.
• Address employee and operational issues promptly and consistently.
• Ensure employees follow company policies, safety requirements, and established operating procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a clean driving record.
• 5+ years of transportation, commercial driving, delivery, or logistics experience.
• 3+ years of supervisory, foreman, dispatch, or transportation leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of delivery operations, routing, dispatch, and transportation logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse workforce.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, 24-hour operating environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize transportation and ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience managing a distribution depot, transportation terminal, or delivery operation.
• Prior commercial driving experience.
• Experience with route planning and dispatch software.
• Experience working in a unionized transportation or distribution environment.
• Experience managing a team of 30+ employees.

Systems & Equipment

• Commercial trucks and trailers
• Material handling equipment
• AS400 or similar ERP systems
• Mobile Conductor (MC) or comparable delivery systems
• Microsoft Office, including Excel
• Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Decision-Making & Autonomy

The Hayward Depot Manager is expected to exercise significant independent judgment in the daily operation of the facility, including:

• Staffing and workforce allocation
• Route and delivery execution
• Labor utilization
• Operational problem-solving
• Equipment and resource utilization
• Customer service issues
• Operational expenditures within company guidelines
• Process improvements and efficiency initiatives

Significant employee relations, safety, financial, or operational matters will be escalated to appropriate leadership.

Physical & Work Environment

This is an active, hands-on leadership position within a…