Position Summary
The Transportation Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the Transportation Department, delivering the highest level of service to every customer in the safest and most cost-effective manner. This role owns dispatch, routing, driver management, fleet safety and compliance, fleet maintenance, and department budgeting, and serves as the role model for the department – promoting teamwork, ownership, cooperation, and accountability. The Transportation Manager coaches, trains, and develops department staff and drivers, ensures full DOT compliance across drivers, files, and vehicles, and partners closely with Sales and Warehouse Operations to deliver superior customer service across delivery timing, order quality, and driver representation.
Key Responsibilities
Service, Routing & Dispatch Optimization
- Direct the development and execution of dispatch and routing plans – including controlled dispatching, regional routing, and backhaul operations – to hit service and cost targets.
- Optimize delivery routes to reduce transportation expense while protecting service commitments; oversee new customer set-up, routing assignments, and delivery windows.
- Gain and maintain cross-functional support by working collaboratively with Sales and Warehouse Operations to achieve shared performance goals.
- Leverage technology and reporting tools to track cost, safety, and service metrics, and hold department management staff accountable to results.
Customer Service
- Visit customers regularly to build strong working relationships and understand service needs firsthand.
- Manage the installation of Key Drop equipment and facilitate onboarding for new Key Drop customers.
- Establish and communicate delivery instructions across the department to ensure consistent, high-quality service levels.
Fleet Safety & DOT Compliance
- Ensure all drivers, driver qualification files, and vehicles remain fully DOT compliant at all times.
- Own all facets of fleet safety, including driver monitoring/coaching technology, accident investigation, hazard analysis, and Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) compliance.
- Perform periodic assessments and audits of transportation operations to identify and correct safety, service, and compliance gaps, and follow up to confirm proper methods and procedures are followed.
- Maintain strict adherence to the company's code of conduct and compliance programs, and hold associates accountable to all company policies and procedures.
Fleet Maintenance & Budget
- Manage all facets of vehicle maintenance, including preventative maintenance scheduling, vehicle rotation, and fleet availability planning.
- Prepare and manage the annual fleet budget; monitor and recommend expense controls that sustain the highest levels of productivity.
- Evaluate manpower and route efficiency on an ongoing basis to right-size the fleet and driver workforce to delivery demand.
Team Leadership & Development
- Coach, train, and develop drivers and department management staff; serve as the role model for the department, promoting teamwork, ownership, cooperation, and accountability.
- Evaluate driver performance and provide coaching, recognition, and corrective action as needed to sustain a high-performing team.
- Promote individual and organizational development by assigning challenging work, delivering appropriate training, and staying current on transportation trends, safety practices, and technology.
- Train and onboard new hires and existing staff to ensure a consistent standard of safety practice and procedural excellence.
Employee Relations & Communication
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with all department employees, and address employee issues promptly and fairly.
- Hold regular department meetings and encourage ongoing dialogue to address operational issues, safety topics, and employee concerns to improve morale.
Performance Management & Reporting
- Complete department-related reporting accurately and on schedule to consistently meet reporting expectations.
- Develop and implement action plans that support department and company-wide strategic goals.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- Must be able to read and write in English.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience in transportation management, including experience managing a fleet of 75 or more drivers.
- Preferred 2 years of experience as a commercial delivery driver.
- Thorough understanding of controlled dispatching, regional routing, and backhaul operations.
- Proven track record maintaining a safe fleet operation and managing DOT compliance programs.
Certifications & Licenses
- Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A or B, required.
- Must be able to pass a DOT physical and maintain DOT certification throughout employment.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Proven ability to motivate, coach, discipline, and develop drivers and supervisors.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage crisis situations effectively.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office products.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to meet customer needs.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions; associates should contact their supervisor or the Human Resources department if an accommodation is needed.
- Must be able to pass a DOT physical, remain DOT certified, and maintain a valid Class A or B CDL throughout employment.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while planning routes and reviewing reports, and to stand, walk, bend, and reach while conducting yard, dock, and vehicle inspections.
- Ability to safely enter and exit tractors, trailers, and delivery vehicles, and to work in varied outdoor weather conditions as well as temperature-controlled dock and warehouse environments.
- Occasionally lift and carry items up to 25 lbs, such as files, inspection equipment, or safety gear.
- Must have the ability to talk and hear, including hearing warning horns on moving machinery and equipment in the yard and warehouse.
- Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision, depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Must exhibit a high level of endurance, energy, and strength to successfully perform the demands of the position, including occasional driving of company vehicles.
Core Competencies
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Adaptability / Flexibility
- Communication & Listening
Equal Employment Opportunity As an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER, Driscoll Foods and its affiliates do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, marital status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law. Furthermore, Driscoll Foods will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because he or she is mentally or physically disabled, a disabled veteran, or a veteran of the Vietnam era, provided he or she is qualified and meets the requirements established by Driscoll Foods for the job.
Pay: From $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
