Dispatch Manager

The Dispatch Manager oversees Last Mile’s daily food rescue scheduling and dispatch operations, ensuring timely, efficient, and equitable pickups and deliveries of food donations. This role is vital to Last Mile’s ability to meet food donor expectations and serve agency partners consistently. Key responsibilities include managing and coaching the dispatch team, developing and maintaining dispatch operation workflows, coordinating closely with the fleet team, analyzing data to inform rescue projections, maintaining route efficiency and low miss rates, managing technology and dispatch-related systems, managing key external partner relationships, and continuous improvement of the rescue process in alignment with Last Mile Food Rescue’s mission. 

Job Description and Responsibilities  

Position Title: Dispatch Manager 

Reports to: Director of Operations & Technology 

Position Purpose: The Dispatch Manager oversees Last Mile’s daily food rescue scheduling and dispatch operations, ensuring timely, efficient, and equitable pickups and deliveries of food donations. This role is vital to Last Mile’s ability to meet food donor expectations and serve agency partners consistently. Key responsibilities include managing and coaching the dispatch team, developing and maintaining dispatch operation workflows, coordinating closely with the fleet team, analyzing data to inform rescue projections, maintaining route efficiency and low miss rates, managing technology and dispatch-related systems, managing key external partner relationships, and continuous improvement of the rescue process in alignment with Last Mile Food Rescue’s mission. 

Key Responsibilities:  

Dispatch Oversight & Route Management 

• Maintain accurate and timely scheduling of food rescues. 

• Ensure effective communication between dispatch and drivers. 

• Benchmark and monitor key performance indicators for missed rescues, route timing, cancellations, and actionable volunteer feedback. 

• Coordinate redistribution of distressed loads (e.g. surplus or oversized rescues) to nonprofit partners. 

• Drive ongoing improvements in rescue data accuracy, equity in rescue distribution, and route efficiency. 

• Maintain productive relationships with LMFR external partners (i.e. food donors, nonprofit partners, & volunteers). 

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Dispatch Team Leadership 

• Manage dispatch staff with weekly team check-ins, coaching, and development plans. 

• Create & maintain workflow documentation and processes for clear team alignment. 

• Nurture an engaged dispatcher culture that continually improves internal system efficiency and reporting. 

• Manage and approve dispatch hours timely and effectively 

• Train new employees to top dispatch standard 

Dispatch Operational Process Leadership 

• Analyze seasonal trends and route data to build weekly forecasts. 

• Ensure operational planning accounts for fluctuations in rescue volume. 

• Coordinate with the fleet team for efficient use of vehicle and driver resources. 

• Work cross functionally to improve weight data collection, data accuracy, and optimize routes. 

• Represent Dispatch in cross-functional team meetings and strategy discussions. 

• Functional Owner/Subject Matter Resource for all dispatch operational processes & technology  

Work Schedule & Requirements:  

• 40 hour work week in person. This includes occasional Saturdays and holidays.  

• Must be able to lift to 50 lbs, stand/sit for long periods of time. 

• Must be able to withstand outside summer/winter temperatures for extended periods.  

• Must be familiar with technology and apps: Computers, smartphones, Microsoft Outlook Applications, Google, with the ability to learn new applications. 

• 2-3+ years experience in logistics, dispatch, or operations preferred. 

• Must have strong leadership, managerial, and administrative experience.  

• Must pass background check and have a valid driver’s license. 

Work Environment: 

• Work full-time in person Monday - Friday from Norwood, OH offices. 

• Primarily a desk role with the occasional necessity to participate in our Last Mile Market, assist volunteers with deliveries & rescues. 

Competitive Pay & Benefits 

Mileage reimbursement when driving a personal vehicle for Last Mile related tasks 

Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits 

Simple IRA Match 

We would love to meet you! Please send your resume, cover letter, and references to Benita Capers, benita@lastmilefood.org. Feel free to email with any questions!