Regional Distribution Manager

The Chicago Tribune is seeking a fully remote Regional Distribution Manager for the north side of Chicago up to the Wisconsin border. In this role, you'd be responsible for planning, organizing and controlling the daily operation of distribution, service, retention, single copy sales and collection, and advertising initiatives/programs for the Chicago Tribune and the products of other Commercial Publications in a given geographic area.  The Regional Manager ensures that all activities are in accordance with the strategic and operating plans of the Manufacturing and Distribution department. The Regional Manager is additionally responsible for employee development and succession planning.

This fully remote role is open to residents whose primary residence in IL, WI or IN. 

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• Responsible for maintaining acceptable home delivery service standards and/or contractual obligations for all publications, including establishing metric targets (CPM, Poor Service Stops and Multiple Complaints) for each individual independent contractor as the metrics apply to the overall success of the Distribution department.
• Monitor performance and contractual obligations of Contractors on a regular basis, assure adequate distribution of single copy through the use of DSI and Syncronex, and monitor the timely collection efforts of single copy monies. These efforts will include establishing initiatives to decrease single copy scan loss for the department overall, down to the store level when necessary.
• Participate in the establishment of strategies and goals, and the development and implementation of plans consistent with Company and department objectives
• Identify department and area opportunities and participate in the development of sales programs, revenue generation and process enhancements.
• Oversee the management of distribution facilities overall functionality, expense considerations and optimal locations.
• Ensure advertising zoning integrity, and responsible for the proper execution of advertising initiatives and/or programs.
• Monitor and report on significant competitive activities that impact the Company and/or the Distribution department.
• Responsible for development of Distribution Representatives,, Circulation Analysts, and clerical staff within the region and department, which includes succession planning and staff interaction/collaboration with other departments.
• Responsible for overall regional expense budget in excess of $20 million and overall department expense budget in excess of $60 million, including fee considerations, supply and facility expenses and any other operating expenses.
• Responsible for timely negotiation and execution of Independent Delivery Contract agreements.

Preferred to possess a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Marketing logistics, or more than 5 years equivalent experience related to newspaper distribution.  Requires occasional early morning hours including weekends and holidays. 

Must demonstrate effective leadership, motivational, interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment.  Requires proven ability to manage teams and develop staff.  Requires conceptual, analytical problem solving and decision making abilities in order to manage a significant number of projects and functions without changing priorities.  Creativity, motivation and negotiation skills and teamwork are key to this position.  Must have computer skills that would enable being able to work with standard MS Office applications, as well as possessing the ability to learn Company specific software programs.

Requires working in an office/warehouse environment and outdoors at various temperatures.  Ability to lift 30-50 pounds.  Must have valid drivers license and appropriate level of automobile insurance, and have the flexibility and ability to travel within the marketplace.