Description
Operations Manager / Lead Driver (Driver Trainer & Safety Officer) — Lathrop, near Tracy, CA (On-site)
Start date: October 1
Schedule: 5 days/week, with occasional 1/2 day or 6th day on weekends to oversee operations (operation runs 7 days/week)
Typical hours: 8–10 hours/day, based on vehicle dispatch times Pay type: Hourly with overtime pay (OT)
Job summary
Ready Steady Cargo is hiring a hands-on Operations Manager / Lead Driver to run day-to-day transportation operations while serving as our early-stage Driver Trainer and Safety Officer. This is a working-leader role: you’ll coach drivers, keep routes covered, prevent incidents, and step into a truck when needed to keep service on track.
We’re a local transportation company partnering with a global freight operation, offering reliable year-round work and stable schedules.
This role is primarily on-site in/around Tracy, CA, with some responsibilities that can be handled remotely (as operations allow).
Compensation + benefits
Starting pay: $24/hour + overtime (OT)
Wage progression (example — adjust to fit your plan):
$24/hr — Starting rate (meets requirements; training period)
$25–$28/hr — Starting rate based on prior experience (verified years, safety record, and leadership background)
30-day review: eligibility for an increase based on attendance, training completion, and early KPI performance
90-day review: eligibility for an increase based on safety, on-time execution, and team performance
Annual review: tenure-based increase tied to KPI results and company needs
Bonus (recommended): safety + performance bonus tied to on-time execution, incident reduction, and training completion (details shared during interview)
Benefits (edit to match your offer):
W2 employment
Paid time off (PTO) + paid sick time
Health / dental / vision insuranc
401(k) (if offered)
Company phone stipend (recommended)
KPIs (how success is measured)
This role is measured on safety first, then consistent execution. You’ll track performance daily and weekly, coach to the gaps, and help the team improve over time.
Key KPIs include:
Safety: preventable incidents, at-fault collisions, injuries, property damage, safety event trends, and completion/quality of safety training
On-time performance: on-time departures/arrivals, route completion, missed loads, service failures
Driver performance: adherence to SOPs, coaching completion, ride-along outcomes, attendance/reliability
Equipment readiness: pre-/post-trip compliance, defect reporting, downtime trends
A strong safety culture and reliable on-time performance are essential—and are also why this role may qualify for safety and performance bonuses.
Key Results Areas (KRAs) — what “winning” looks like
This role isn’t just a list of tasks. You’ll own a few key results areas and have the freedom to build the routines, coaching, and systems that drive the win
Safety culture + training — Winning looks like: drivers are trained, coached, and operating with a safety-first mindset; preventable incidents trend down.
Run safety huddles and refresher training
Complete ride-alongs/coaching weekly and document follow-ups
Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions
On-time performance + service reliability — Winning looks like: consistent on-time dispatch and route completion with minimal service failures.
Daily dispatch readiness + coverage planning
Monitor trends daily/weekly and coach to gaps
Escalate issues early and keep stakeholders informed
Driver performance + accountability — Winning looks like: clear expectations, consistent coaching, and measurable improvement across the team.
Track performance scorecards weekly
Recognize top performance and address issues fast
Maintain training/coaching records
Fleet readiness + compliance — Winning looks like: vehicles are safe, inspected, and ready with minimal downtime.
Ensure pre/post-trip compliance and defect reporting
Coordinate maintenance and track recurring issues
Keep compliance files organized
What you’ll do (responsibilities)
Own daily operations: dispatch readiness, coverage for call-outs, yard/terminal coordination, and end-of-day closeout
Lead driver performance: ride-alongs, coaching, feedback, and corrective action when needed
Serve as Driver Trainer: onboard new drivers, run behind-the-wheel evaluations, and sign off on readiness to operate independently
Serve as Safety Officer: run safety huddles, enforce safe driving standards, track safety events, and drive prevention plans
Monitor key metrics: on-time performance, attendance, route completion, safety events, customer issues, equipment condition
Review driver performance daily and weekly, identify trends, and run targeted coaching to improve safety and service
Investigate incidents (vehicle damage, injuries, customer complaints): document findings and implement corrective actions
Maintain fleet readiness: pre-/post-trip compliance, defect reporting, and coordination of maintenance/repairs
Keep records organized: schedules, timecards, training logs, coaching notes, incident documentation, compliance files
Build a strong team culture: clear expectations, calm communication, and a “no shortcuts” safety mindset
Drive when needed: in the initial months, be willing to cover shifts when drivers call out, and drive routes to learn the client operation and ways of working
What you’ll need (qualifications)
10+ years of professional driving/transportation experience (CDL or non-CDL depending on your fleet requirements)
Experience leading teams in transportation/delivery operations, dispatch, logistics, or fleet leadership
Proven ability to train drivers and hold a team accountable to safety and performance
Strong documentation habits (training checklists, coaching notes, incident reports)
Comfortable with early mornings, weekends, and peak periods as needed
Valid driver’s license with clean driving record; able to pass background and drug screening (as applicable)
Strong computer skills and comfort working in a partially remote environment
Ability to learn new apps/software used for fleet monitoring, dispatching, safety, communication, and training
Comfortable using handheld tech / smartphone apps (GPS, communication, reporting)
Able to speak, read, and write in English to communicate with the public, understand road signs/signals, respond to official inquiries, and complete records
How the team supports you in your role
You won’t be doing this alone. We’re building a high-accountability, safety-first operation with real support behind you.
Involved owner support (in-person + remote): You’ll work with a hands-on owner who has experience across last mile, freight, and medical transport. The owner will support you with hiring, driver performance evaluation, culture and vision, client relations, and administrative support (payroll coordination, insurance, and other back-office needs).
24/7 remote dispatcher coverage: You’ll have a team of remote dispatchers supporting the operation around the clock, so drivers and stations always have someone to speak to while drivers are on the road—especially during the Ops Manager’s off-hours.
Your role in integrating dispatch: You’ll be responsible for integrating this dispatch team seamlessly into the daily operation—collaborating closely, giving and receiving feedback, and guiding best practices that serve client needs while promoting safety and on-time performance.
Preferred
Experience with DOT-style safety practices, hours-of-service awareness, or compliance documentation
Experience leading a metric-driven team (attendance, on-time, safety)
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
How to apply
Apply on Indeed today. For faster consideration, text 657-356-8048 with your name + “Ops Lead” and we’ll schedule a quick call.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, national origin, race, color, disability, religious beliefs, sex (including sexual orientation), gender identity, pregnancy, or genetic information (including family medical history), or any other protected status under applicable law.
Salary range
$24 - $28 per hour
Hiring team
Matthew Saltzman
Zen Virola
Pay: From $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of relevant experience do you have?
- What is the earliest date you are available to start this position?
- What is your desired salary?
- Are you currently authorized to work in the United States?
- If hired, do you have a reliable means of transportation to and from work?
- Are you at least 25 years old?
- What days and hours are you available to work?
Work Location: In person
