Transportation Operations Manager

About the role

Oversee day-to-day transportation operations, ensuring freight is loaded and unloaded safely and cost-effectively. Plan, assign, supervise, and evaluate employee workload while interfacing with all levels of terminal staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of facilities and subordinate staff, including supervisors, coordinators, clerks, spotters, and drivers.
• Develop a strategic plan with the Transportation Manager to ensure efficient and cost-effective operation and utilization of equipment and personnel.
• Oversee asset management, delivery/logistics, regulatory compliance, productivity improvement, planning, problem solving, project management, and reporting to top-level management.
• Ensure all customer pick-up and delivery requirements meet customer standards.
• Audit compliance of both internal and external Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure equipment is utilized in the most efficient manner.
• Partner with other leaders to balance labor and ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Conduct analysis of workload compared to labor hours and equipment.
• Plan long-term labor needs based on sales, forecasts, and historical data.
• Make recommendations to the Transportation Manager on programs to improve transportation operations.
• Understand how day-to-day decisions impact financial outcomes and learn financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, reading GL, Flash, and P&L.
• Communicate service issues, upcoming workload, and pertinent company information to appropriate personnel.
• Ensure proper staffing and support hiring initiatives.
• Onboard new employees properly, completing required paperwork and following a structured training schedule.
• Produce and communicate project goals and individual performance goals to ensure operational success.
• Manage and maintain good human resources practices with direct reports, adhering to corporate and department policies.
• Work with the Transportation Manager and Human Resources to resolve employee relation issues, discipline actions, and terminations.
• Provide feedback, coaching, guidance, and recognition to enhance skill development.
• Play an active role in employee development and talent selection.
• Act as a role model for the department in support of corporate mission, vision, and values.
• Provide regular coaching and feedback on performance, prepare formal performance appraisals, and make recommendations for annual compensation increases.
• Exhibit a commitment to self-development by staying current on information, tools, and systems.
• Ensure the safe, clean, and efficient operation of the work area to meet service standards.
• Actively support and participate in all safety initiatives.
• Implement safety and sanitation schedules to ensure compliance with corporate, DOT, OSHA, and FDA standards.
• Perform safety observations to coach employees on safety procedures.
• Prevent associate incidents and injuries by overseeing accident investigations, assessing root cause analysis, and implementing improvements.
• Manage equipment and coordinate maintenance with local vendors and/or Fleet partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience in a supply chain industry.
• Experience with applications such as TMW and PeopleNet.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Working knowledge of transportation/mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, DOT, HAZMAT, and FDA regulations; willingness to become certified in one or more of these areas as necessary.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle changing priorities with good judgment in stressful situations.
• Experience with seasonal workforces is a plus.
• Excellent talent management and team-building skills.
• Excellent verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills, specifically with external clients.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred at select locations.
• Ability and availability to work irregular or extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Able to work in environments with variable noise levels, lighting conditions, and temperature variations; able to access all areas of the building without limitations.