Hospital Dock Coordinator-Supply Chain

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Location: Duke University Hospital | 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Director of Hospital Supply Chain, the Dock Operations Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the loading docks, transportation schedules, and all inbound and outbound shipments. This role ensures that materials are loaded, unloaded, and processed efficiently, safely, and on time.

The Coordinator optimizes the flow of goods entering and leaving Duke University Hospital (DUH) by managing delivery and pick-up appointments, assigning dock space, coordinating with carriers, and inspecting incoming shipments. The ultimate goal is to streamline the supply chain by reducing delays, eliminating clutter, increasing efficiency, and minimizing receiving costs. Success in this role requires exceptional multitasking, planning, organization, and the ability to problem-solve effectively under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Operations & Logistics Management

• Manage the overall day-to-day operations of the docks to promote efficiency and ensure the timely loading and unloading of materials.

• Assign dock space, coordinate tasks, and schedule dock activities (including staff, equipment, and space allocation).

• Maintain accurate records of inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring receiving is operated in an organized and timely manner.

• Ensure daily completion of critical documentation (e.g., cold chain, HTC/P, damaged, spoiled, or short-shipped items).

• Ensure products on the docks are appropriately staged in designated areas (e.g., RGAs to return funds to Duke).

• Operate and maintain dock equipment, such as barcode scanners, forklifts, and pallet jacks.

• Apply working knowledge of best practices and standards for dock operations, including loading patterns and stacking heights.

• Ensure the cleanliness, organization, and clutter-free status of the shipping area, loading dock, surrounding 0-level halls, trash areas, and all egress zones to maintain strict compliance with fire safety codes.

• Oversee the disposal of expired products in accordance with government and Duke policies.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead a team of associates, monitoring and supervising dock workers to ensure efficient workflow.

• Provide associate training, continuous performance feedback, and disciplinary recommendations when necessary.

• Act as a leader and role model within the organization, setting an example of high integrity and inspiring others to achieve their best work.

• Maintain a "can do" attitude with a "will do" work ethic.

Stakeholder Coordination & Customer Service

• Communicate proactively with drivers and customers regarding shipment schedules, appointments, and delays.

• Coordinate seamlessly with other hospital departments to ensure smooth supply chain operations.

• Work collaboratively with both clinical and non-clinical leadership to develop and maintain programs that meet service delivery standards.

• Implement and manage Customer Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Serve as the primary point of escalation for internal and external key stakeholders concerning dock activities.

• Resolve any operational issues or conflicts with employees, customers, or vendors.

Compliance, Quality & Process Improvement

• Enforce safety protocols, security measures, and environmental regulations to prevent accidents and injuries.

• Maintain a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ensuring adherence to safe, honest, ethical, and professional behaviors.

• Practice an effective loss prevention plan, taking accountability for the integrity of inbound and outbound materials.

• Monitor and report quality and productivity metrics, understanding how changes in specific metrics impact overall strategic performance.

• Develop and implement logistics policies and procedures, evaluating existing methods and initiating changes to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Utilize resources (e.g., industry information, professional affiliations, and colleagues) to identify trends and continuous improvement opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Industry Expertise: Strong background in freight handling, transportation, and dock operations.

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and quantitative skills with a keen ability to make decisions, exercise good judgment, and troubleshoot in critical, fast-paced situations.

• Communication & Negotiation: Effective oral and written communication skills; proven ability to persuade, inspire, influence, and negotiate effectively within a matrix structure.

• Customer Focus: Team-builder with a win/win approach, sensitive to customers' needs, possessing a sense of urgency, and a proactive customer service philosophy.

• Methodologies: Familiarity with process improvement, continuous improvement methodologies, and strategic thinking.

• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of Microsoft Office, logistics software, and barcode scanning systems.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Business, Accounting, Finance, Healthcare, and/or another related field.

Experience

• Five (5) years of experience in logistics, supply chain, or healthcare management.

• Two (2) years of leadership experience is preferred.

Degrees, Licensures, & Certifications

• Driver's License: Valid Driver's License required.

• Forklift Certification: Required, or willingness to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

• Hazardous Materials: NFPA 1072 (Hazardous Materials certification from Office of State Fire Marshal) required, or willingness to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.

• NIMS Training: Required, or willingness to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.

• Preferred Certifications: NC OSHA 30 Training and previous experience in LEAN Six Sigma methodologies are preferred, but not required.