Chief Operating Officer

About the role

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and scale a national LTL/PTL transportation and cross-dock operation across multiple terminals and operational teams. The COO will be responsible for end-to-end operational execution, network performance, service reliability, operational profitability, safety, and organizational scalability.

Responsibilities

• Lead nationwide LTL/PTL operations across multiple terminals and operational teams.
• Oversee Pickup & Delivery Operations, PTL Linehaul Operations, Cross-Dock Operations, Dispatch & Route Planning, Fleet Coordination, Network Performance, and Service Recovery & Exception Management.
• Drive operational excellence across safety, service, equipment utilization, and profitability.
• Develop scalable operational systems, SOPs, performance standards, and accountability frameworks.
• Optimize terminal-to-terminal network performance, improve transit times, dock productivity, and route efficiency.
• Enhance customer service levels and operational reliability while reducing empty miles, detention, claims, and operational waste.
• Partner with Commercial and Finance teams to maximize network efficiency and contribution margins.
• Lead regional operations leaders, terminal managers, dispatch teams, and operational managers.
• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop future operational leaders, aligning teams around standardized processes and performance expectations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Dispatch Systems, KPI Dashboards, Operational Analytics, and Automation Projects.
• Collaborate with IT and Data teams to improve operational visibility and reporting, establishing KPI governance and data-driven operational management.
• Own and improve key operational metrics, including Operating Ratio (OR), Contribution Margin, On-Time Pickup & Delivery, Dock Productivity, Fleet Utilization, Cost per Mile, Claims Ratio, and Driver Productivity.
• Support operational budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and network expansion initiatives.
• Drive profitability through operational efficiency and disciplined execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Transportation, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within transportation or logistics operations.
• Extensive experience with Less-than-Truckload (LTL) Operations, Partial Truckload (PTL), Cross-Dock Networks, Asset-Based Transportation, and Multi-Terminal Operations.
• Experience leading large dispatch, fleet, and operational teams.
• Strong understanding of transportation finance, operational KPIs, and cost management.
• Proven success in building scalable transportation operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience scaling regional or national transportation networks.
• Experience implementing or optimizing TMS and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, or modern operational management methodologies.
• Experience with Agile, POD, or decentralized operational structures is a plus.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and operational problem-solving skills.

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrate strong ownership and accountability.
• Build scalable systems and sustainable operational processes.
• Lead through execution, coaching, and performance management.
• Balance strategic vision with operational excellence.
• Thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Drive organizational change while maintaining service excellence.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Improved Operating Ratio (OR).
• Increased operational profitability.
• Higher on-time pickup and delivery performance.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction and retention.
• Improved dock productivity and fleet utilization.
• Reduced claims, detention, and cost per mile.
• Scalable multi-terminal operational performance.
• Strong leadership development and organizational accountability.
• Continuous operational improvement through data-driven decision-making.