Manager, Driver Recruiting

Roadrunner•Downers Grove, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Driver Recruiting is a mission-critical role responsible for ensuring a consistent pipeline of qualified, compliant, and safety-focused drivers. This role directly impacts fleet utilization, service reliability, and overall operating performance. As driver availability, regulatory complexity, and market competition intensify, this position serves as the operational backbone of the recruiting function—owning the full lifecycle of applicant screening, compliance validation, and hiring execution. Success in this role means accelerating time-to-hire without compromising quality, strengthening driver retention through better hiring decisions, and ensuring strict adherence to DOT and safety standards. This is not simply a recruiting role—it is a high-accountability leadership position that bridges safety, compliance, and talent acquisition to drive measurable business outcomes.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; equivalent experience accepted
1–3+ months of related recruiting, processing, or administrative experience (transportation industry exposure preferred)
Working knowledge of DOT regulations, driver qualification requirements, and compliance standards preferred
Experience reviewing driver screening documentation (MVRs, PSP, DAC) strongly preferred
Proficiency in standard business systems (email, data entry, spreadsheets, word processing); experience with Tenstreet and AS/400 preferred
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and apply judgment in regulated scenarios
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment
Effective communication skills with the ability to engage both internal teams and external partners

Responsibilities

Lead recruiting operations and execution: Oversee day-to-day driver recruiting and processing activities, ensuring consistent, high-quality execution across the hiring lifecycle. Supervise and develop processing staff to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant applicant handling. Act as the primary escalation point for complex applicant scenarios and compliance-related decisions. Ensure recruiting workflows align with business demand, minimizing gaps in driver capacity.
Own compliance and screening integrity: Lead background screening processes, ensuring all applicants meet DOT regulations, internal safety standards, and corporate hiring criteria. Interpret and review MVRs, PSPs, DAC reports, and related screening data to make informed hiring recommendations. Maintain current knowledge of transportation laws and regulatory requirements, ensuring continuous compliance. Apply sound judgment to determine alignment with legal, safety, and operational standards.
Build and optimize recruiting systems: Utilize Tenstreet and internal systems to manage applicant flow, track progress, and maintain data accuracy. Ensure all recruiting activities adhere to established policies, procedures, and data integrity standards. Identify inefficiencies in recruiting workflows and implement process improvements to increase speed and precision. Maintain clean, actionable recruiting data to support operational decision-making.
Develop driver talent pipelines: Proactively source qualified driver applicants using both traditional and non-traditional channels. Leverage social media, direct sourcing, networking, and industry partnerships to expand candidate pipelines. Participate in job fairs, outreach events, and external partnerships to strengthen brand presence in the driver market. Continuously evaluate sourcing channels for effectiveness and return on investment.
Collaborate cross-functionally to drive outcomes: Partner closely with Safety, Operations, terminals, and external vendors to align hiring with business needs. Communicate proactively with internal and external stakeholders throughout the recruitment process. Support company-wide driver recruitment initiatives and strategic hiring priorities. Contribute to team performance goals and broader organizational objectives.