Transportation Manager

About the Role

The Transportation Manager plays a crucial role in managing both private and outsourced transportation fleets within a local distribution center. This position is responsible for planning, monitoring, executing, and analyzing freight operations to maximize performance, cost efficiency, and safety. The Transportation Manager will develop innovative logistics solutions to meet organizational goals and support key customer initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management:
  • Oversee $14+ million P&L accountability for transportation operations.
  • Assist in developing and managing the DC operating budget for transportation replenishment costs.
  • Partner with A/P on invoices, bills, and assist with variance analysis and reporting.
• Carrier/Fleet Logistics Management:
  • Manage onsite 3rd party management team and overall results.
  • Optimize fleet utilization, carrier compliance, claims, equipment management, and resource allocation.
  • Utilize Fleet Management System (FMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS) and other routing tools.
  • Track metrics and key performance indicators.
  • Create and execute contingency plans, handle customer service calls, and rectify service failures.
  • May involve management of up to 6 private fleet drivers operating in the DC yard as trailer spotters.
• Safety/Security/Compliance:
  • Ensure Sarbanes-Oxley and DOT compliance, handle escalated issues, and safeguard against hazardous materials violations.
  • Serve as Safety Champion within DC, striving for best-in-class status while meeting or exceeding safety performance metrics.
  • Identify and solve daily issues such as hazardous material and accident investigations and perform safety reporting.
• Relationship Management:
  • Act as a business partner to senior management and serve as the primary transportation contact within assigned Distribution Centers.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners, customers, carriers, and vendors to ensure acceptable performance and service levels.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify and analyze activities, rates, operating costs, and forecasts to increase efficiency, revenues, and lower costs.
  • Implement dynamic routing to achieve the least cost routing while providing the highest levels of customer service.
• Servant Leadership:
  • Manage, develop, and coach direct reports in alignment with organizational goals.
  • Support Inbound or Outbound Transportation standard operating procedures, policies, goals, and objectives.
  • Understand and demonstrate Advance Auto Parts’ Core Values.
• Project Management:
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in the tactical execution of key initiatives.
  • Identify and lead transportation optimization opportunities and participate in key projects and high-performance teams.
• Lead Change:
  • Drive change within the team, perform analytics, manage projects, and identify and execute business/supply chain opportunities at a local level.
  • Provide RFP support as a subject matter expert with knowledge of operational details.

Requirements

• Team Player: Exceptional interpersonal skills and coaching abilities.
• Management Skills: Ability to manage and direct private fleet drivers and 3rd Party Dedicated carriers in a distribution center environment.
• Financial Acumen: P&L experience, including budget development, expense approval, and monitoring progress against financial goals.
• Transportation Knowledge: Functional knowledge of all modes of transportation, including fleet (private and 3PL), parcel, LTL, TL, courier/pool distribution, etc.
• Critical Thinking: Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate and persuade at the management level.
• Software Proficiency: Knowledge of transportation and supply chain software such as TMS, ERP, FMS, WMS, and other various systems.
• Analytical Skills: Experienced in analyzing transportation-related metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Financial Interpretation: Ability to review and interpret financial models as they relate to budgets and strategic planning.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of regulatory issues (DOT compliance, hazmat, etc.) and experience managing DOT and Hazardous Materials.
• Material Handling: Some experience operating material handling equipment (MHE), specifically powered and manual pallet jacks, hand trucks, and forklifts.
• Microsoft Suite: Proficiency in using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Influence and Credibility: Capability to influence decision-making and instill credibility in customers, peers, and subordinates through meeting strategic and tactical objectives, deadlines, and budgets.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Logistics, or a related area.
• Experience: 3+ years of transportation experience with some experience managing Inbound or Outbound Transportation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certifications in logistics, transportation, or supply chain management.
  • Experience with advanced features of transportation and supply chain software.
  • Proven track record of leading teams and managing projects in a transportation or logistics environment.

Managerial Responsibilities

This position indirectly manages the Distribution Center Inbound or Outbound Shipping team and may have direct reports. Responsibilities include leadership, mentorship, and performance management of team members.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.