We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results

Assistant Logistics Manager (Logistics Area Leader)

The J.M. Smucker Company
United States, Arkansas, Arkadelphia
Oct 20, 2025

Your Opportunity as a Logistics Area Leader (Assistant Logistics Manager)

The Logistics Area Leader is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day activities and tasks associated with the logistics department. Managing the floor and docks, assisting the forklift drivers with the inbound and outbound loads. Owns the forklift program, ensuring the forklift drivers are certified. Additionally, the Logistics Area Leader oversees distribution and transportation planning and strategic activities. Coordinates product flow from Plant to Distribution Centers and Plant-to-Plant, utilizing proper transportation scheduling that follows DOT regulations. Assists with monitoring inventory levels of all production materials.

Location: 1 Hostess Way, Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (Hostess Manufacturing Plant)

Work Arrangements: 100% on-site, Day Shift. Monday-Friday 7am-3pm- Flexibility required. Willingness to work off shift (including nights, weekends, and/or holidays) and flow to the work as needed

In this Role You Will:

  • Build capability in Logistics leaders and technicians to deliver key business results and drive line/area improvements

  • Responsible for meeting Quality, Safety, Reliability, and Cost targets for department

  • Develop and maintain department scorecard and share with the team each month, understanding where gaps exist versus results, targets, and the causes

  • Have an understanding of overall plant product flow including all inputs and outputs

  • Address gaps in line/area performance through the implementation and effective coaching of Smucker Continuous Improvement methodologies; foster a zero-loss culture

  • Responsible for ensuring department issues are driven to root cause and eliminated

  • Lead Operations Excellence efforts for team

  • Manage with Basic Beliefs and Our Culture In Action as foundation

  • Attend daily DDS meeting and report on department performance; ensure all follow-ups are completed

  • Drive high-performance work culture by engaging with team members on the floor and coaching to problem solve, make decisions, and become self-reliant

  • Oversee training and qualification programs for designated line/area; participate in assessments, ensure effective training, and maintain consistent qualification standards

  • Manage personnel issues, i.e., timekeeping, staffing, training plans, and conflict resolution

  • Embrace change and build team buy-in to new initiatives and improvements

  • Leverage High-Performance Organizational principles to develop leadership skills in individuals and the teams

  • Provide performance-based feedback to team leaders and technicians, including semi-annual Performance Appraisals

  • Partner with Logistics Manager in developing and delivering business master plan, including key technical and organizational projects

  • Understand company policies and procedures and apply consistently across your teams; administer any necessary discipline

  • Translate complex information into easily understandable messages to facilitate clear communication and expectations

The Right Role for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

What We are Looking For:

Minimum Requirements:

  • A Bachelor's Degree is required

  • 2 years of related Logistics experience is required

  • Previous experience in a logistics/transportation environment is required

  • Previous people management experience is required

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  • Strong analytical troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root cause identification skills

  • Self-motivated, organized, and able to learn new skills/technologies quickly

  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule that most effectively supports the organization

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

  • Food manufacturing experience is preferred

  • Excellent organizational skills applying to people, projects, or data

  • Ability to coach operating teams to meet or exceed expectations in a high-performance workplace

  • Computer aptitude (Excel, Word, Access, & PowerPoint)

Work Environment: This job operates in a manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment and manufacturing sites can be high.

Physical Demands:

  • Regularly required to talk and hear.

  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

  • Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

  • Able to lift objects up to 50 pounds frequently.

  • May push and pull heavy objects.

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Learn More About Working at Smucker

Helping our Employees Thrive

Delivering on Our Purpose

Our Continued Commitment to Ensuring a Workplace for All

Follow us on LinkedIn

#LI-TJ1

#INDSA

Applied = 0

(web-c549ffc9f-ww2c9)