Transportation Manager

About the role

Pet Food Experts is seeking a Distribution Center Transportation Manager to oversee transportation operations at our Bartlett, IL DC. This role requires managing routing, dispatching, fleet maintenance, safety, driver performance, and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Manage all transportation operations at the Bartlett Distribution Center, including routing, dispatching, fleet maintenance, safety, driver performance, and customer service follow-up.
• Network responsibility for Lakeville, MN and Kansas City, MO cross docks.
• Travel monthly to Kansas City, MO and Lakeville, MN sites to lead driver meetings, foster engagement, and reinforce a strong, connected culture across locations.
• Ensure compliance with DOT and FMCSA regulations, and PFX company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Supervise and support fleet drivers and any local dispatch or transportation support staff.
• Maintain accurate vehicle maintenance records; coordinate routine and unscheduled service in collaboration with leasing providers.
• Partner with the Transportation Compliance Specialist to ensure driver qualification files, logs, and Drug & Alcohol testing programs are complete and compliant.
• Monitor route performance (weight, stops, miles) and conduct local route optimization at least every 6 months to identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
• Conduct routine on-road safety ride-alongs and performance assessments for drivers.
• Lead local driver onboarding and ongoing training initiatives, partnering with corporate where needed.
• Coordinate and lead safety meetings (at least once annually), and reinforce a culture of safety across all transportation activities.
• Monitor and address risk management reports related to accidents, near misses, or violations; implement corrective actions in partnership with local leadership and corporate.
• Partner with the DC Manager and corporate Transportation Director to analyze transportation expenses, address equipment needs, and resolve delivery or driver concerns.
• Respond to transportation-related emergencies or incidents on a 24/7 rotational availability basis.
• Serve as a liaison with Customer Experience and Sales to resolve any delivery-related complaints or issues impacting service or brand reputation.
• Participate in quarterly and annual site visits with corporate Transportation leadership.

Requirements

• CDL A Required
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach, motivate, and engage drivers and transportation support staff.
• Strong working knowledge of FMCSA regulations, DOT compliance, HOS rules, and safety management practices.
• Excellent problem-solving and route planning skills, with ability to interpret data and drive decisions through KPIs.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational follow-through.
• Able to manage multiple tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain composure under pressure.
• Proficient in Google Suite, Omnitracs, and transportation dispatch and compliance tracking systems.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service focus and ability to resolve service issues effectively.
• Able to influence cross-functional partners and reinforce a positive culture.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends and on-call response.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred OR equivalent combination of experience and training in transportation/fleet operations and safety management.
• Minimum of 5 years of transportation management or fleet operations experience, preferably in a high-volume distribution environment.

Skills

• Leadership
• FMCSA regulations
• HOS rules
• Route planning
• Vehicle maintenance
• Customer service
• Communication
• Flexibility

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive Health Benefits
• Retirement Savings with Employer Match
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Health & Dependent Care FSAs
• Pet Perks & Discounts
• Extra Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pay

$90k-$110k per year

Schedule

Monday–Friday, day shift. Hours may vary based on operational needs; flexibility is required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Benefits
• Retirement Savings with Employer Match
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Health & Dependent Care FSAs
• Pet Perks & Discounts
• Extra Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)