Assistant Manager, Service Center

About the role

The Assistant Manager, Service Center is a critical operator within the Operations function, responsible for translating network strategy into disciplined, day-to-day execution. This role exists to ensure the service center runs as a high-performance hub—balancing service quality, cost control, and operational throughput while maintaining strong employee engagement and customer satisfaction. As freight networks and customer expectations grow more complex, the business requires leaders who can coordinate across dock, linehaul, pickup and delivery, and administrative operations with precision.

Responsibilities

• Lead service center execution
• Cook up daily operations across dock, linehaul, OS&D, pickup & delivery, and office functions to ensure seamless throughput
• Assign responsibilities, supervise staff, and ensure consistent adherence to operational standards
• Step into supervisory and managerial roles as needed to maintain continuity of operations
• Maintain on-call readiness to resolve escalations beyond frontline supervision
• Optimize operational performance and cost control
• Monitor revenue components, labor expenses, manifests, and key operating metrics (TOCs)
• Identify cost inefficiencies and partner with leadership to improve operational margins
• Audit supply expenses and oversee facility maintenance to ensure cost discipline and operational readiness
• Support contract creation with customers, contractors, and partners to align operational and financial outcomes
• Drive service quality and issue resolution
• Investigate OS&D claims and ensure accurate, timely resolution
• Address complex service disruptions and customer issues with accountability and urgency
• Communicate service center performance clearly to the Service Center Manager
• Build and maintain positive customer and partner relationships through consistent service delivery
• Build and lead a high-performing workforce
• Recruit and onboard independent contractors and support equipment leasing efforts
• Reinforce a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement
• Lead by example—sharing expertise and developing team capability across functions
• Align teams to business goals
• Communicate HR-related information, including benefits and policies, clearly to employees
• Ensure alignment between daily execution and broader company objectives
• Participate actively in cross-functional initiatives and continuous improvement efforts

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or 2–3 years of relevant operations or logistics management experience (or equivalent combination)
• Proven experience supervising, developing, and evaluating operational teams
• Strong understanding of transportation, logistics, and service center operations (dock, linehaul, P&D, OS&D)
• Financial and analytical capability, including interpreting metrics, labor cost management, and revenue components
• Proficiency with business systems and tools, including Microsoft Office; experience with AS/400 and McLeod preferred
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical and regulatory documents
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Experience managing sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• HazMat certification and forklift qualification (or ability to obtain)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate effectively, and execute under pressure

Qualifications

• Preferred Experience within LTL, freight, or transportation network environments
• Exposure to contract development and vendor/partner management

Skills

• Systems thinking
• Outcomes ownership
• Urgency and operational discipline
• Clear communication
• Constructive problem-solving
• Team leadership

Benefits

Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off

Pay

$90,000–$95,000 base salary

Schedule

Onsite – Chicago, IL