Backhaul Program Manager

Tempur Sealy International•Lexington, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Private Fleet Backhaul Optimization Program Manager is responsible for designing, leading, and continuously improving the company’s private fleet backhaul strategy to reduce empty miles, improve asset utilization, lower transportation costs, and support sustainability objectives—while maintaining service, safety, and driver satisfaction. This role serves as the program owner’s operational extension, working closely with regional and local transportation leadership, plant transportation and scheduling teams, dispatch, procurement, and plant directors to integrate backhaul optimization into daily planning and execution. Success in this role is defined by measurable reductions in empty miles/runs, improved cost performance, and consistent adoption of standardized backhaul processes across the network.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Transportation, Logistics, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of progressive experience in private fleet operations, transportation planning, network optimization, or logistics program management.
Demonstrated experience reducing empty miles, improving asset utilization, or managing fleet/network optimization initiatives.
Strong understanding of DOT/FMCSA regulations, hours-of-service, and private fleet operating models.
Proven ability to define, track, and manage KPIs tied to cost, service, and utilization.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with or implementing TMS, routing, telematics, or optimization tools.
Experience managing backhaul programs, private fleet brokerage relationships, or hybrid private/for-hire networks.
Familiarity with sustainability initiatives related to fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
Experience working in a multi-plant or multi-region manufacturing or distribution environment.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day execution of the Private Fleet Backhaul Optimization Program in alignment with enterprise fleet strategy.
Operationalize a structured, repeatable approach to identifying, qualifying, executing, and reviewing backhaul opportunities.
Ensure adherence to program scope, load qualification standards, safety requirements, and approval protocols.
Partner with the Director, Transportation & Fleet Operations to recommend program enhancements, exceptions, and strategic changes.
Identify and prioritize backhaul opportunities using the established hierarchy: Internal freight (intercompany transfers, supplier pickups, reverse logistics), Strategic partner freight aligned with fleet routes to reduce empty miles, Approved external freight that meets financial, safety, and service thresholds.
Collaborate with plant transportation, routing, and scheduling teams to integrate backhauls into outbound planning and minimize route deviation.
Support the transition of appropriate third-party transportation spend to private fleet assets where it reduces total miles and cost.
Work closely with Regional and local transportation leaders to drive execution consistency.
Work closely with Plant directors and plant transportation teams to align operational priorities.
Work closely with Dispatch and transportation planning teams to ensure real-time execution.
Work closely with Procurement and supply chain partners to identify supplier pickup opportunities.
Serve as the primary point of coordination for approved brokers, shippers, and strategic backhaul partners.
Define, implement, and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for the backhaul program, including but not limited to: Empty miles / run percentage and deadhead reduction, Backhaul capture rate, Cost per mile (CPM) with and without backhauls, Revenue or cost offset per backhaul, On-time pickup and delivery, In region outsourced common carrier cost tends, load counts, Dwell time at backhaul locations, Safety and driver feedback trends.
Develop dashboards and reporting tools to provide clear, actionable insights to leadership.
Conduct monthly performance reviews and communicate results, risks, and improvement opportunities.
Support pre-trip planning processes to ensure backhaul opportunities are identified early and assigned appropriately.
Monitor day-of-operations execution, partnering with dispatch to resolve exceptions without impacting service or driver home time.
Lead post-trip performance reviews to validate miles, costs, dwell time, and service outcomes.
Drive continuous improvement through: Data analysis and root-cause identification, Driver feedback and dock performance reviews, Lane, partner, and supplier rationalization, Pilot programs for new lanes, freight types, or operational models.
Ensure all backhaul activity complies with DOT, FMCSA, and company safety policies.
Reinforce that safety, hours-of-service compliance, and driver authority to refuse unsafe loads are non-negotiable.
Partner with operations leaders to ensure backhaul strategies support driver satisfaction and home-time commitments.
Perform other duties as assigned.