Operations Manager, DSD

Ascend • Knoxville, TN

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The DSD Operations Manager is accountable for leading a team of Fleet Managers and Planners to provide the most efficient transportation solutions for our customers. They will be responsible for delivery of product for a large doughnut manufacturer to key accounts on a daily basis.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in operations management in a driver facing role in the transportation industry.
• Working Knowledge of DOT Rules & Regulations.
• Availability to be reached after hours for operational situations, Including off days
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Effective self and team management with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication for customer interactions and collaboration across all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to work with TMS (TMW, PeopleNet).
• Experience setting and achieving KPI-driven goals.
• Independent decision-making and strategic problem-solving.
• Strong relationship-building to drive results in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and deliver exceptional service through planning and engagement.
• Dedicated to fostering a culture of trust and safety.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety, legal, ethical, and profitability standards while optimizing efficiency.
• Manage driver performance, including training, coaching, and disciplinary actions, while administering safety programs.
• Monitor loads proactively, addressing service failures, weather delays, and equipment issues with timely communication.
• Enhance customer relationships and collaborate with vendors to streamline equipment management.
• Lead problem resolution by identifying inefficiencies, analyzing key metrics, and implementing process improvements.
• Review operational performance with leadership and adjust workflows to meet customer demands.
• Ensure effective communication across operations, drivers, and all levels of management.
• Supervise other managers and/or drivers and is responsible for being results oriented, collaborative, delegating effectively and striving for harmony, ensuring team effectiveness.
• Accountable for hiring and for continued development of direct reports.
• Provides current, direct, complete, and "actionable" positive and corrective feedback to others.
• Reduce workforce turnover by improving employee relations.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Holds self and others accountable to demonstrate Ascend/DTSs Values: Zero Safety Events; Be Courageous; Act with Integrity; Inspire Trust; Teamwork; Have Fun and Build a Legacy.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (effective the 1st of the month after hire)
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Enhanced benefits, including Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED