Dispatch Director - Tonawanda, New York, United States

We are seeking an experienced Dispatch Director to lead and optimize the operations of our field labor, equipment, tools, warehouse, and trucking functions. This role is critical to ensuring seamless daily operations, efficient resource allocation, and strong coordination across ...

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Dispatch Director to lead and optimize the operations of our field labor, equipment, tools, warehouse, and trucking functions. This role is critical to ensuring seamless daily operations, efficient resource allocation, and strong coordination across multiple departments. The Dispatch Director will provide strategic leadership to the dispatch team, driving process improvements, minimizing downtime, and supporting project success throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the Dispatch Department, including Field Labor, Warehouse/Tool Room, Equipment, Mechanics, and Transportation/Trucking operations.

• Develop and implement succession and backup plans for key roles.

• Ensure departmental goals, operational milestones, and project needs are met.

• Create and enhance departmental policies, procedures, and workflows to improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs.

Personnel Management

• Coach, train, and develop dispatch management staff.

• Build and execute cross-training and department-wide training programs.

• Provide daily oversight to the Labor Superintendent, Warehouse & Tool Room Manager, Heavy Haul Dispatcher, and Equipment Manager.

• Review time sheets, maintain attendance records, and manage day-to-day personnel matters.

• Ensure compliance with Company vehicle policies, DOT regulations, and accurate tracking of equipment and tools.

• Arrange and coordinate backup support for key positions as needed.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the department's annual budget.

• Monitor performance against budget and support cost-control initiatives.

• Ensure storage costs are properly allocated to jobs.

• Oversee equipment and parts purchasing and approve department invoices.

• Assist with invoicing when required.

Equipment Management

• Source new equipment and prepare capital expenditure requests.

• Oversee periodic audits of company equipment and tool inventories.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Support compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), provide input for negotiations, and ensure team adherence to contract terms.

• Maintain LENS system data for employees operating work-related vehicles.

• Prepare reports on equipment maintenance needs, warehouse capacity, missing equipment, and other operational metrics.

• Monitor Project Manager usage of the Equipment Dispatch System (EDS).

• Utilize departmental software tools including Microsoft Office and ERP platforms such as Viewpoint.

Miscellaneous Duties

• Maintain professional communication with customers, contractors, and field personnel.

• Uphold proper chain-of-command communication procedures.

• Actively participate in company and departmental meetings.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Construction Management, Operations, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent combination of experience).

• 8–10 years of progressive experience in dispatch, logistics, construction, or industrial services.

• Minimum 5 years of management or director-level leadership overseeing multiple operational areas.

• Experience supervising diverse teams including union and non-union personnel.

• Strong knowledge of logistics, labor coordination, and equipment management.

• Solid understanding of budgeting, financial processes, and vendor management.

• Familiarity with DOT, OSHA, and other applicable regulations.

Skills & Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems (Viewpoint or similar).

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to develop and implement operational strategies and workflow improvements.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across all organizational levels.

• Ability to perform basic to complex mathematical calculations.

• Strong understanding of logistics, equipment maintenance, compliance, and inventory control.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Physical Demands

Office:

• Regular office activities including extended keyboard use and tasks requiring close vision.

Field/Shop:

• May involve physically demanding tasks including lifting, climbing, stretching, and navigating non–handicap-accessible areas.

Work Environment

Office:

• Standard office environment with moderate noise and comfortable conditions.

Field/Shop:

• Exposure to construction and plant work environments, which may include non-climate-controlled settings, dirt, difficult access, and inherent safety risks.