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Local Delivery Lead

💰 $55,000 - $75,000

LogisticsSupply ChainOperationsManagement

🎯 Role Definition

As the Local Delivery Lead, you are the on-the-ground commander of our last-mile delivery strategy within your assigned territory. You will be directly responsible for the daily execution of all delivery activities, from driver dispatch to route optimization and performance management. This pivotal role involves leading, coaching, and motivating a team of delivery drivers to meet and exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, timeliness, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. You are the critical link between our operational goals and the final customer experience, tasked with solving real-time challenges and continuously improving our delivery processes.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Delivery Driver / Driver Captain
  • Dispatcher / Logistics Coordinator
  • Warehouse Supervisor

Advancement To:

  • Last Mile Operations Manager
  • Regional Logistics Manager
  • Fleet Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Inbound Logistics Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a dedicated team of local delivery drivers, overseeing their daily performance, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a positive, safety-first team culture.
  • Conduct daily team huddles to communicate daily goals, safety reminders, and operational updates to ensure the team is aligned and prepared for the day.
  • Oversee the entire lifecycle of local deliveries, from driver load-out in the morning to route completion and end-of-day driver check-in procedures.
  • Plan, optimize, and assign daily delivery routes to maximize efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and ensure on-time delivery targets are consistently met.
  • Actively monitor real-time delivery progress using GPS and Transportation Management System (TMS) software, proactively identifying and resolving potential delays or issues.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for driver support while they are on the road, addressing challenges such as vehicle issues, access problems, or customer inquiries.
  • Manage and resolve escalated customer service issues related to deliveries, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
  • Champion and enforce all safety protocols and compliance standards, including vehicle inspections (pre-trip/post-trip), driver safety training, and adherence to DOT regulations.
  • Track, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as On-Time Delivery (OTD), delivery success rate, packages per hour, and cost-per-delivery.
  • Manage driver scheduling, attendance, and time-off requests to ensure adequate staffing levels that meet fluctuating delivery volumes.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and one-on-one coaching sessions with drivers to support their professional development and address performance gaps.
  • Lead the investigation and reporting process for any delivery-related incidents, accidents, or damages, ensuring proper documentation and follow-up.
  • Coordinate with the vehicle maintenance team to ensure the delivery fleet is well-maintained, safe, and operational at all times.
  • Onboard and train new delivery drivers on company policies, delivery procedures, customer service standards, and the use of delivery technology (scanners, apps).
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies in delivery processes and proposing data-driven solutions to enhance productivity and service quality.
  • Manage the inventory and maintenance of delivery assets, including handheld scanners, phones, fuel cards, and other driver equipment.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate with warehouse and inventory teams to ensure seamless order handoffs and contribute to accurate fulfillment processes.
  • Assist in managing the local delivery budget, providing input on labor, fuel, and vehicle maintenance expenditures.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects aimed at improving the end-to-end customer delivery experience or launching new services.
  • Support the testing and rollout of new delivery technologies, software updates, or hardware within the local driver team.
  • Generate ad-hoc reports for regional management on delivery performance, team productivity, and specific operational challenges.
  • Act as a substitute driver or dispatcher during peak seasons or in case of unexpected staff shortages to ensure business continuity.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Route Optimization Software: Proven experience with route planning and optimization tools (e.g., Onfleet, Routific, Circuit) or proprietary logistics platforms.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency in using TMS and fleet management software for dispatching, tracking, and reporting.
  • Performance Metrics Analysis: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret operational data and KPIs using tools like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or business intelligence dashboards.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of local and national transportation regulations, including DOT rules (if applicable), hours of service, and vehicle safety standards.
  • Mobile & Scanning Technology: Competency with handheld scanners, delivery applications, and other mobile devices used in a logistics environment.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & People Management: The ability to inspire, motivate, and manage a diverse team of individuals to achieve common goals.
  • Problem-Solving Under Pressure: A knack for thinking on your feet and making decisive, effective decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic operational setting.
  • Communication Excellence: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with drivers, management, and customers.
  • Customer-Centric Mindset: A genuine passion for delivering an outstanding customer experience and resolving issues with empathy and efficiency.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: The capacity to thrive in a constantly changing environment and handle unexpected challenges with a positive, solution-oriented attitude.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration or Management
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of experience in a logistics, transportation, or delivery operations environment.

Preferred:

  • At least 1-2 years of direct experience in a supervisory, team lead, or management role overseeing drivers or operational staff. Experience in a last-mile delivery context is highly desirable.