Director, Driver Operations, Road Transport US

DSV•Lancaster, CA

3d•$160,000 - $175,000

About The Position

DSV is seeking an experienced Director, Driver Operations to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across local driver operations, specialized transportation services, operational support functions, and the Owner Operator program. The role leads a complex, multifaceted operation and contributes to the growth, efficiency, and success of DSV Road Transport. Reporting to the Senior Director, Operations, the Director is part of the broader operational leadership team and oversees operational leaders responsible for key Driver Operations functions. The Director is accountable for assigned operations’ safety, service execution, fleet utilization, capacity planning, financial performance, and operational efficiency. Working with fellow Directors and cross-functional partners, this leader establishes operational priorities, strengthens processes, and aligns resources with business and customer needs. The position requires strong financial and operational expertise, the ability to develop senior leaders, and a record of driving sustainable improvements. The role is based in professional office and transportation operational environments, including DSV facilities, transportation yards, customer locations, and other operational sites. Travel to DSV locations, customer sites, and other operational facilities is required based on business needs. The expected base pay range is $160,000 to $175,000 annually; actual compensation depends on job-related factors. Benefits information is available through DSV’s Benefits Showcase, and benefits and eligibility may vary by location and division.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
At least 10 years of progressive experience in transportation, trucking, logistics, fleet operations, or a related operational environment.
At least 5 years of progressive people leadership experience, including leading managers and/or senior operational leaders.
Experience leading complex transportation operations across multiple operational functions or teams.
Experience with commercial driver operations, fleet operations, transportation capacity, and resource planning.
Experience managing operational and financial performance, including budgets, forecasts, cost management, productivity, utilization, and performance metrics.
Experience developing and executing operational strategies, performance improvement initiatives, and organizational change.
Working knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, safety, compliance, and other regulatory requirements applicable to commercial transportation operations.
Experience with transportation management systems (TMS), fleet management systems, ERP platforms, or other transportation technology.
Strong strategic and operational leadership capabilities and extensive knowledge of commercial driver operations, trucking, fleet management, and transportation capacity.
Strong financial and business acumen, including the ability to interpret operational and financial results and understand key performance drivers.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to develop sustainable solutions to complex operational challenges.
Ability to lead operational leaders, establish accountability, and align teams around business and operational priorities.
Strong workforce planning, organizational design, and resource allocation capabilities.
Excellent verbal, written, and executive-level communication skills across organizational levels.
Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and influencing skills with customers, business partners, and cross-functional teams.
Ability to lead organizational change, process improvement, and operational transformation.
Strong judgment, accountability, and decision-making ability in complex and time-sensitive operating environments.
Ability to develop leaders, build organizational capability, and support succession planning.
Proficiency with transportation and fleet management systems, operational and financial reporting tools, Microsoft Office applications, and other business technology.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Owner Operator or contracted transportation capacity programs.
Experience with specialized, high-touch, white-glove, or other complex transportation operations.
Experience supporting business growth, customer implementations, operational expansions, or network changes.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and operational leadership across assigned Driver Operations functions, including local driver operations, specialized driver operations, operational support functions, and the Owner Operator program.
Lead and develop an assigned team of operational leaders, setting priorities, performance expectations, and accountability.
Oversee service, safety, productivity, fleet utilization, capacity, cost, and other operational performance indicators.
Establish consistent operating standards, processes, and controls to support effective, scalable execution.
Oversee fleet, driver, equipment, and transportation capacity planning to align resources with customer requirements, business needs, and anticipated growth.
Manage assigned operational financial performance, including budgets, forecasts, operating costs, labor, equipment, productivity, and other controllable expenses.
Partner with Finance and operational leaders to evaluate financial results, understand performance drivers and variances, and implement appropriate actions.
Provide strategic oversight of the Owner Operator program, including capacity, utilization, performance, and overall effectiveness.
Align local operations, specialized operations, and operational support functions to improve end-to-end execution and organizational performance.
Identify operational risks, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities, and ensure sustainable corrective actions and process improvements are implemented.
Champion safety, compliance, service, and operational discipline, and ensure adherence to applicable DOT, FMCSA, company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
Partner with Sales and cross-functional teams to support customer requirements, new business opportunities, implementations, operational expansions, and strategic initiatives.
Develop and maintain relationships with key customers and business partners and participate in operational reviews, escalations, and strategic discussions as appropriate.
Evaluate organizational structure, leadership capacity, staffing, and operational resources to support current requirements and future growth.
Develop leadership capability and succession readiness through coaching, performance management, development planning, and talent assessment.
Provide the Senior Director, Operations with updates on operational and financial performance, significant risks, resource requirements, major initiatives, and recommended actions.
Perform other duties, responsibilities, and project work as assigned by management.