Director of Transportation

G & C Food Distributors•Syracuse, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Transportation provides strategic leadership and oversight of G&C Foods’ Transportation Department. The role is accountable for transportation operations, regulatory compliance, financial performance, business growth, and continuous improvement, supporting company objectives, customer service commitments, and long-term growth. The Director oversees daily transportation and logistics operations, department personnel, budgets, fleet and equipment planning, carrier and third-party logistics relationships, and freight brokerage opportunities. The position develops transportation strategies, driver recruitment and retention programs, training, safety practices, performance measures, and business-continuity plans. It also leads cross-functional initiatives, evaluates transportation technology and operating processes, addresses customer and operational issues, and communicates departmental performance and risks to senior leadership. This is an onsite position in Syracuse, NY, with travel between company facilities and transportation locations as business needs require. A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, though equivalent relevant experience may be considered. The role requires 7–10 years of progressive transportation, logistics, or fleet operations experience, including at least five years in leadership or management. Experience in food distribution or temperature-controlled logistics is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
7–10 years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics, or fleet operations, including at least five years in a leadership or management role.
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale transportation operations, managing multiple functional areas, and developing high-performing teams.
Strong knowledge of federal and state transportation regulations, including DOT and FMCSA requirements, Hours of Service, driver qualification standards, and transportation safety programs.
Experience overseeing fleet operations, vehicle utilization, maintenance coordination, equipment planning, and transportation capacity management.
Experience developing and managing annual operating budgets, monitoring expenses, analyzing financial performance, and implementing cost-control initiatives.
Experience developing freight brokerage opportunities, negotiating carrier rates, managing third-party logistics providers, and establishing transportation partnerships.
Ability to establish KPIs, analyze operational data, improve delivery performance, control costs, and drive continuous improvement.
Experience developing driver recruitment strategies, improving retention, supporting driver engagement, and implementing training and development programs.
Ability to develop and execute long-term transportation strategies that support business growth, customer service, and operational scalability.
Strong leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and communication skills, including the ability to coach managers and supervisors and promote accountability.
Ability to travel between company facilities and transportation locations as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Experience in food distribution, refrigerated or frozen transportation, or other temperature-controlled logistics environments.
Demonstrated success implementing new processes, technology, organizational changes, or operational improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee daily transportation and logistics operations, including personnel management, delegation, performance monitoring, and execution of departmental objectives.
Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local transportation regulations, including DOT and FMCSA requirements.
Oversee safety programs, driver qualification standards, Hours of Service compliance, ELD requirements, and other regulatory obligations.
Develop, manage, and monitor the annual departmental budget, including expense control, forecasting, cost reduction, and resource allocation.
Establish competitive freight rates, negotiate carrier agreements, manage contracts, and oversee relationships with third-party logistics providers and transportation partners.
Identify, develop, and expand freight brokerage opportunities to increase revenue, improve capacity, and support business growth.
Develop and execute transportation and logistics strategies aligned with company goals and long-term business objectives.
Evaluate equipment, processes, staffing, technology, and delivery methods to identify efficiency, service, and cost-effectiveness improvements.
Oversee fleet utilization, equipment planning, preventive maintenance coordination, and asset replacement strategies.
Establish and monitor KPIs for on-time delivery, transportation costs, driver retention, safety, equipment utilization, and customer service.
Lead cross-functional initiatives with Warehouse, Sales, Customer Service, Human Resources, Finance, and other departments.
Evaluate and implement transportation technology, including TMS, route optimization tools, telematics, and reporting solutions.
Develop driver recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention strategies with Human Resources and departmental leadership.
Promote a positive, safety-focused work environment emphasizing engagement, accountability, professional development, and retention.
Coach and support managers, supervisors, and team members; strengthen leadership capabilities and support succession planning.
Set performance expectations and accountability measures for direct reports and ensure consistent execution of departmental goals, policies, and procedures.
Conduct or oversee performance evaluations, identify development opportunities, and implement corrective action when necessary.
Monitor customer service performance and resolve transportation-related complaints, service failures, and escalated operational issues.
Implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce costs, improve delivery performance, and support customer satisfaction.
Establish business continuity and contingency plans for disruptions, severe weather, equipment failures, staffing shortages, and other risks.
Prepare and communicate regular reports to senior leadership on performance, financial results, operational risks, and strategic initiatives.
Support consistent application of company programs, policies, procedures, and initiatives that promote operational effectiveness and competitive advantage.
Align departmental processes, staffing, and resources with company objectives and evolving business needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical plans with coverage starting at an affordable weekly rate.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
401(k) with company match.
Company-paid life insurance.
Performance-based bonuses of up to the equivalent of five additional weeks’ pay each year, based on impact and results.
Onsite fitness and wellness centers.
Flexible scheduling options.
Team cookouts, appreciation events, and seasonal holiday gifts.
Employee product discounts.
Career advancement pathways and leadership support for employee growth.
Open-door access to decision-makers.
Annual no-cost onsite flu clinics.