Loading Bay Manager

Job Summary

• The manager ensures seamless dispatch, reduced truck turnaround time, adherence to loading standards, and strict enforcement of safety protocols in a busy, machinery-intensive zone.
• This role requires strong oversight of truck traffic flow, weighbridge activities, loading operations, documentation accuracy, and safety compliance within a high-pressure, 24/7 operational environment.
• The Loading Bay Manager is responsible for the end-to-end coordination of high-volume outbound logistics for finished products (bags or bulk) from the refinery to distributors, customers, and nationwide warehouse locations.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
Traffic & Dispatch Management:

• Liaise with Transporters, Dispatch, Sales, and Security to maintain dispatch order and loading priorities.
• Coordinate the entry, parking, sequencing, weighing, loading, and exit of third-party trucks.
• Ensure efficient flow through the weighbridge to minimize truck turnaround time (TAT).

Loading Operations Oversight:

• Supervise loaders, forklift operators, and bay supervisors across 24/7 rotational shifts.
• Ensure adherence to approved loading standards, lashing/tarping procedures, and weight accuracy.
• Track hourly/daily throughput and escalate bottlenecks that could impact production or dispatch targets.

Security & Compliance of Loads:

• Prevent pilferage, product loss, and loading discrepancies through strict checks and controls.
• Ensure full documentation alignment (Load Sheet vs Weighbridge Slip vs Gate Pass).
• Verify proper tarping, sealing, strapping, and weight compliance before truck release.

Documentation & Systems Management:

• Validate documentation accuracy to eliminate customer complaints, claims, or reconciliation gaps.
• Oversee real-time generation of:
  • Gate Passes
  • Delivery Notes
  • Weighbridge Tickets
  • Waybills
• Utilize weighbridge/dispatch software for automated recording and reporting.

Safety Enforcement & Bay Discipline:

• Enforce strict adherence to PPE usage, forklift operating zones, and “No-Go Zone” areas.
• Lead safety tool-box talks and ensure compliance with refinery logistics safety standards.
• Immediately report and document all incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.

Team Leadership & Coordination:

• Promote discipline, orderliness, and conflict-free operations in a high-traffic environment.
• Conduct shift handover meetings and performance reviews.
• Manage manpower planning for loaders, tally clerks, forklift operators, weighbridge personnel, and bay marshals.

Throughput & Performance Optimization:

• Reduce bottlenecks and idle time through continuous process improvement.
• Analyze dispatch trends and recommend actions for improved bay efficiency.

Monitor KPIs such as:

• Forklift Productivity
• Documentation accuracy rate:
• Zero-incident score
• Truck Turnaround Time
• Daily Tonnes Loaded

Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Academic Qualification

• BSc or HND in Sciences, Engineering, Logistics/Supply Chain, Accounting, Industrial/Production Management, or any related field.

Professional Certifications (Added Advantage)

• Forklift/Materials Handling Safety training
• Weighbridge operations training.
• Logistics or Supply Chain Certifications:
  • CILT, APICS, CIPSMN, OSHA Safety Certification, or equivalent

Experience

• Proven experience managing high-volume dispatch operations.
• 4–7 years experience in:
  • Bulk material or bagged product loading environments
  • Heavy Industry / Manufacturing
  • Port Operations
  • FMCG Dispatch Operations
  • Logistics & Distribution

Technical Competencies

• Ability to interpret weight tolerances and legal loading limits.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • SAP or any Dispatch/Logistics Management System
  • Fleet scheduling and truck coordination
  • Weighbridge operations & software
  • Loading/lashing/tarping standards

Behavioral & Physical Competencies:

• Integrity and attention to detail
• Assertiveness and good command presence
• High stamina for 24/7 operations and outdoor work
• Strong conflict management skills (e.g., managing impatient drivers)
• Excellent communication and quick decision-making.