PURPOSE.
This position is responsible for leading the company's Driver Retention strategy by developing programs that improve the driver experience, reduce turnover, and increase first-year retention. The Senior Manager of Driver Retention oversees proactive driver engagement, recognition initiatives, driver rescue efforts, retention analytics, and the Driver Retention team to ensure every new driver receives consistent support throughout their first 90 days and beyond.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Driver Retention team, ensuring every new driver receives a consistent, high-quality onboarding and retention experience.
- Develop and execute the company’s First 90 Day Driver Retention Program
- Ensure every driver interaction follows standardized call guides focused on driver satisfaction, production, training, DM communication, home time, equipment concerns, payroll questions, and overall experience.
- Build strong relationships with new drivers by conducting proactive outreach designed to identify and resolve concerns before they result in turnover
- Develop, administer, and continuously improve driver recognition and retention initiatives, including milestone awards, appreciation programs, rescue initiatives, and driver experience campaigns
- Partner with Operations, Payroll, Maintenance, Safety, Recruiting, and Orientation to quickly resolve driver issues and remove barriers
- Serve as escalation point for at-risk drivers and coordinate retention strategies
- Monitor and report on KPI’s
- Analyze turnover trends, exit feedback, survey responses, and operational data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement
- Hold team accountable for achieving established retention goals and incentive targets
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience minimum.
- Five (5) years of related experience in Driver Development, Ops, Recruiting, and Retention
- Two (2) years management experience in Driver Development, Ops, Recruiting, and Retention
PREFERRED SKILLS.
- Working knowledge of transportation industry, Department of Transportation (DOT), OSHA and other related state and federal regulations.
SUPERVISES OTHERS.
This position supervises others and is responsible for being results oriented, cooperative, has the ability to delegate effectively, and continuously strives for team effectiveness.
Working conditions.
This position will be required to work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, and, with or without reasonable accommodation is required:
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for a minimum of 75% of the time,
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machines,
- Occasionally ascends/descends stairs,
- Constantly positions self in work environment,
- The person in this position frequently communicates with peers, supervisors, vendors and drivers to exchange accurate information and answer questions,
- Must be able to detect objects at a distance,
- On occasion will move up to 20 pounds of office objects,
- Works in an indoor office environment but expected to attend meetings in adjacent buildings requiring travel in outdoor weather conditions.
