Operations Manager

About the Role

Humboldt Pacific LLC, a fuel transport company, is seeking a highly experienced Operations Manager to join our small, “family first” company. We safely transport bulk fuel (Jet A, JP8, AVGAS & Kerosene) and other petroleum commodities throughout California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Our focus is on bulk aviation fuels, but we also specialize in transporting a variety of petroleum-based products such as Jet Fuel, Renewable Fuels, Marine Gas Oil, Ethanol, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), Biodiesel, Red Dye Off-road Diesel, AV Gas, Clear Diesel Fuel, Bunker Fuel, Gasoline, Heating Oils, and Bulk Oils to commercial and private airports, aviation emergency response, agriculture and logging aviation, cardlocks, C-stores, and military bases.

In addition to fuel transport, we provide comprehensive flatbed transportation solutions for both hazmat and non-hazmat loads throughout California, Nevada, and Oregon.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate day-to-day interstate transportation operations, including fuel transportation, heavy-duty equipment hauling, dispatch, fleet utilization, driver performance, maintenance coordination, safety, compliance, customer service, and operational profitability.
• Provide leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations while maintaining high service levels for existing customers.
• Identify, pursue, and develop new business opportunities aligned with company capabilities and growth objectives, including initiating customer contact, developing relationships, and responding to customer needs.
• Facilitate the transition of new customers into active accounts by coordinating with dispatch, drivers, maintenance, accounting, and other departments to ensure operational requirements, rates, scheduling, equipment needs, documentation, and customer expectations are clearly communicated and implemented.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing and new customers, identify opportunities to expand services, and collaborate with leadership and internal departments to convert business opportunities into profitable, sustainable operations.

Operations & Dispatch Management

• Oversee daily transportation operations for bulk fuel, aviation fuel, heavy equipment hauling, and additional logistics.
• Coordinate dispatch schedules for drivers, equipment, and customer deliveries; dispatch when necessary.
• Ensure efficient routing, load planning, and equipment utilization.
• Monitor operational performance and address service disruptions or delays in real time.
• Support after-hours and emergency operational needs.

Driver & Fleet Management

• Supervise dispatch, drivers, and operational staff, including coaching, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure proper staffing levels and scheduling to meet customer demands while minimizing overtime.
• Monitor driver logs, HOS compliance, ELD systems, and trip documentation.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel to ensure fleet readiness and minimize downtime.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, hazmat, and state/regional transportation regulations.
• Ensure compliance with fuel transportation, tanker endorsement, and hazardous materials requirements.
• Lead safety meetings, incident investigations, corrective actions, and ongoing training initiatives.
• Monitor CSA scores, inspections, accident trends, and compliance metrics.
• Ensure permits, registrations, insurance documents, driver qualification files, and truck binders remain current.

Customer Relations

• Maintain strong customer relationships through professional communication and reliable service execution.
• Resolve operational issues, customer concerns, and service failures promptly.
• Collaborate with sales and management teams to support business growth and customer retention.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Assist with budgeting, fuel management, operational cost controls, and profitability initiatives.
• Review operational reports, payroll inputs, driver hours, and billing documentation for accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase revenue.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of operations experience, preferably in transportation, logistics, fuel hauling, or heavy equipment transportation.
• Experience managing 24/7 dispatch operations preferred.
• Knowledge of FMCSA/DOT regulations, hazardous materials transportation, fleet operations, and preventative maintenance practices.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment transportation permitting and routing is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) required.
• Experience with transportation management, dispatch, or fleet software preferred.
• Experience with QuickBooks and general accounting procedures is a plus.
• Strong computer, internet research, data entry, and office equipment skills (copiers, scanners, multi-line phone systems).
• Typing proficiency of approximately 50 words per minute preferred.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software, technologies, and operational processes.
• Excellent verbal, written, email, and telephone communication skills, including proper spelling, grammar, and professional business correspondence.
• Must be able to effectively speak, read, write, and understand English.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make timely decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational, time-management, and information-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including analyzing operational KPIs and implementing process improvements.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to quality work.
• Professional, dependable, and ethical conduct with strict adherence to confidentiality and company policies.
• Ability to remain flexible and effective in a rapidly changing operational environment.
• Strong customer service and relationship-management skills.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and represent the company positively when interacting with customers, regulatory agencies, vendors, and the public.
• Demonstrated willingness to pursue ongoing professional development and training.

Fleet Maintenance Knowledge

• Working knowledge of preventative maintenance programs for Class 8 tractors, tank trailers, flatbeds, and heavy-duty equipment.
• Knowledge of DOT inspection, maintenance, and repair requirements under FMCSA regulations.
• Ability to identify maintenance trends and coordinate timely repairs to minimize fleet downtime.
• Experience scheduling and managing routine preventative maintenance and major repair activities.
• Ability to prioritize equipment repairs based on operational needs, safety requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of commercial vehicle inspection standards, including pre-trip, post-trip, annual inspections, and out-of-service criteria.

Working Conditions

The Operations Manager works in a hybrid office and field environment within a fast-paced transportation and logistics operation. This position requires:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for approximately 50% of the workday while performing administrative and computer-based tasks.
• Movement throughout the office to access files, office equipment, and collaborate with team members.
• Frequent use of a computer, telephone, calculator, copier, printer, and other standard office equipment.
• Regular visits to terminals, customer locations, maintenance facilities, repair shops, and job sites to oversee operations, conduct inspections, monitor equipment condition, and ensure fleet readiness and regulatory compliance.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, moving commercial vehicles and heavy equipment, fuel terminals, and maintenance shop environments. Appropriate PPE must be worn when required.
• Occasional travel and availability to respond to after-hours calls, emergencies, operational issues, equipment breakdowns, and other business needs outside of normal working hours.