Live Production Transportation Manager- WILLMAR, MN- Jennie-O Turkey Store

Hormel Foods•Willmar, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Live Production Transportation Manager at Jennie-O Turkey Store in Willmar, MN, is responsible for developing and maintaining transportation schedules for poults, eggs, and small bird moves. This role involves coordinating with hatcheries, farms, and production teams to ensure timely deliveries, optimizing routes and costs while maintaining service quality, and managing drivers and third-party carriers. The position requires ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with internal teams to align transportation operations with business goals. Hormel Foods Corporation, a global branded food company, is seeking a qualified individual for this position and does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Logistics, Business, Agriculture, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and directly related experience
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation or fleet operations
Minimum 2 years of people management experience, including direct supervision of salaried or hourly leaders
Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.
Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.
Demonstrated experience managing commercial vehicle fleets supporting time- and condition‑sensitive loads
Accountability for operational performance, safety, compliance, and cost control within assigned area
Working knowledge of DOT / FMCSA regulations, including: Hours of Service, Driver qualification requirements, Vehicle inspection, maintenance, and recordkeeping
Experience ensuring compliance with company safety programs and applicable regulatory standards
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations consistently
Demonstrated commitment to driver safety and animal welfare
Valid driver’s license
Ability to work flexible schedules to support operational needs, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with operations, live production, safety, and maintenance teams

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with transportation or fleet management systems
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel
CDL (Class A or B) preferred
Bi-lingual, English/Spanish

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain transportation schedules for poults (newly hatched turkey), eggs, and small bird moves.
Coordinate with hatcheries, farms, and production teams to ensure timely deliveries.
Optimize routes and transportation costs while maintaining service quality.
Manage and supervise Hatchery Driver Supervisor, drivers and third-party carriers, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with HR and Safety teams for driver training and compliance audits.
Respond to transportation-related issues and emergencies promptly and effectively.
Monitor fleet performance, maintenance schedules, and vehicle safety compliance.
Manage vehicle replacement program in accordance with the vehicle policy, including creating capital requests to purchase vehicles.
Ensure full compliance with CMV and DOT regulations, including driver qualification files, hours-of-service, and vehicle inspections.
Maintain accurate records of transportation activities, including logs, permits, and compliance documentation.
Support documentation and readiness for audits and inspections.
Work closely with internal teams including HR, Safety, and Production to align transportation operations with broader business goals.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to logistics and compliance.