Title: Operations Manager – Transportation
Location: Bolingbrook, IL (Greater Chicago Area)
Duration: Full Time/Direct Hire
About the Opportunity
A Fortune 500 transportation and logistics organization is seeking an experienced Operations Manager – Transportation to lead a large-scale transportation operation supporting one of its key automotive customers. This role oversees a multi-state transportation network responsible for servicing more than 500 General Motors dealerships across six states.
This is an excellent opportunity for a transportation leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys developing high-performing teams, and has a passion for driving operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all transportation operations, including routing, dispatch, driver scheduling, fleet utilization, preventive maintenance coordination, and staffing.
- Manage a transportation organization supporting approximately 96 company drivers across 17 domiciles in 6 states.
- Drive accountability for operational performance, safety, customer service, and policy execution.
- Partner closely with warehouse leadership to ensure seamless end-to-end operations.
- Manage transportation operating budgets and controllable expenses, including fleet sizing, maintenance compliance, and staffing.
- Build strong relationships with customers while effectively handling delivery issues, service recovery, and operational escalations.
- Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and frontline teams while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Monitor and improve key transportation KPIs, including:
- On-Time Delivery
- Driver Productivity
- Safety Performance
- Scanning Accuracy
- Claims Reduction
- Operational Efficiency
First 90 Days
- Learn the operation and build relationships with the team.
- Establish accountability around transportation execution and policy compliance.
- Improve on-time departures and overall customer service performance.
- Drive consistent execution of standard operating procedures.
Qualifications
Required
- 5+ years of transportation, logistics, fleet, or distribution operations leadership experience.
- Experience leading large transportation teams with 70+ drivers preferred.
- Strong background in routing, dispatch, driver scheduling, fleet operations, and DOT compliance.
- Experience managing operational budgets and transportation performance metrics.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching skills.
- Ability to manage customer relationships and resolve complex operational issues.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Preferred
- Transportation leadership within a 3PL, logistics, distribution, trucking, or fleet operation.
- Automotive logistics or parts distribution experience is a plus.
- Experience managing multi-site or multi-state transportation operations.
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
Schedule
Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Participation in an on-call leadership rotation for critical transportation and safety incidents.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary
- Performance Bonus (Target 15%, up to 30%)
- $10,000 Sign-On Bonus
- Relocation Assistance Available
- Excellent benefits package
- Strong career growth opportunities within a Fortune 500 organization
Ideal Background
- We are interested in leaders with experience in transportation operations from organizations such as 3PL providers, trucking companies, fleet operations, retail or food distribution, parcel delivery, automotive logistics, or other high-volume transportation environments. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading large teams, improving operational performance, and delivering exceptional customer service.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What is the largest number of CDL/company drivers you have directly managed?
- Do you have experience managing transportation operations, including dispatch, routing, and driver scheduling?
- Have you managed a fleet transportation operation with responsibility for DOT/FMCSA compliance?
- Which transportation functions have you been directly responsible for?
- This position requires working Monday 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, Tuesday–Friday 12:00 PM–10:00 PM, and participating in an on-call rotation for critical transportation incidents. Are you able to meet these schedule requirements?
Experience:
- transportation operations management: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
