Operations Manager

About the role

The Operations Manager reports directly to the management of a small to large size transportation Service Center. This position oversees a diverse range of LTL operations across multiple shifts within a fast-paced environment, including working in various weather conditions on the dock. The role is responsible for keeping freight moving within safety and business guidelines while maintaining strong, positive relationships with customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, guide, and direct employees, including setting goals, monitoring performance, providing coaching, counseling, and development.
• Manage an efficient, clean, and safe LTL operation, including dock planning and setting up schedules.
• Involved in hiring, training, and terminations; ensure all paperwork is processed according to company guidelines with appropriate follow-up.
• Administer and carry out assigned portions of the Service Center Business plan as set forth by the Service Center Manager.
• Manage all Service Center operations in the absence of the Service Center Manager or Assistant Service Center Manager.
• Enforce understanding and compliance with all company policies and procedures, safety rules, and government regulations.
• Responsible for meeting all assigned KPIs.
• Ensure timely pickup and delivery of freight and verify freight for billing.
• Observe loading of trucks for proper handling and distribution of freight for transport.
• Enforce all safety measures regarding the balance of freight for the safe operation of trucks.
• Oversee service center operations to ensure customer satisfaction while minimizing costs.
• Direct investigations into causes of customer complaints and recommend solutions.
• Assist with the coordination of drivers and assign trucks and delivery routes for pickup and delivery of freight.
• Record all pertinent information on the transport of freight, including time of departure and delivery.
• Conduct safety interviews with drivers, including post-accident MVA reports, workers' compensation interviews/reports, notice of violations interviews, and road observation discussions.
• Conduct safety training as needed following accidents, workers' compensation incidents, road observations, and notices of violations.
• Regular attendance is required.

This is not an all-inclusive list of job requirements and/or duties. Operational, safety, and other needs may require the employee to perform any and all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Educational Degree (GED), or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of all aspects of an LTL service center preferred.
• Good computer skills (AS/400 & MS Office a plus).
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to hire, coach, counsel, train, mentor, and terminate employees.
• Customer service focus.
• Some travel required.
• Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
• Excellent planning and organization skills.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials preferred.
• Strong work ethic and good problem-solving skills.
• Willing to work an average of 50 hours per week.
• Must be able to work any shift, including nights and/or weekends, and in any weather condition.
• Must be able to lift approximately 20 lbs., or more if required by the essential functions of the job.
• Must comply with all company policies, rules, procedures, and Code of Conduct.
• Must interact well with others and work independently or in a team setting.
• Capable of working under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
• Responds well to questions; ability to read, interpret, and comply with written information and documents such as safety rules, operations/procedure manuals, and maintenance instructions.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, random drug and/or alcohol tests, and will be subject to a criminal history background check.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel or operate computers and other standard office equipment.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, lift, twist, turn, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be capable of lifting a minimum of 20 lbs., or more if required by the essential functions of the job.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.
• May be required to work in high/precarious places, with hazardous materials, and in various weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to loud as required by the essential functions of the job.

About the Company

Estes is the largest, privately owned freight carrier in North America. As an asset-based transportation provider with a global footprint, Estes delivers reliable freight solutions and exceptional service. With nearly a century of freight shipping expertise, Estes has built a robust fleet and vast network of over 10,000 doors and 280 terminals. The company offers comprehensive transportation solutions, including Less Than Truckload (LTL), Volume LTL and Truckload, Time Critical Guaranteed, Custom Shipping and Logistics, and Final Mile.

Our mission at Estes is to deliver responsive freight solutions so our employees and customers can focus on what matters most. Estes operates with a family-inspired culture built on integrity and trust, driving the way we work. We value a diverse workforce and believe outcomes are improved when our team is made up of people with different viewpoints.