Operations Manager - Cartage/Cross Dock

Watchpoint Logistics•Milpitas, CA

About The Position

The Cartage/Cross Dock Operations Manager leads and manages operations and resources related to local cartage, inbound and outbound transportation, receiving, storage, and order fulfillment. The role develops processes, systems, training, and metrics to maximize efficiency and ensure safety, accuracy, and effective space utilization. The manager oversees fleet assets and their lifecycle, maintenance, regulatory compliance, driver safety and training, dispatch, and warehouse activity. The role also monitors safety and operational records, works with HR and compliance teams, supports process improvements, collaborates with sales on customer billing profiles, assists with carrier negotiations, and maintains relationships with branches, agents, and third-party trucking companies. At Watchpoint, employees work in a small, experienced multidisciplinary team. The company values individual strengths and contributions and aims to achieve world-class employee and customer satisfaction in transportation and logistics. Employee feedback is used to support professional and personal growth. Watchpoint Logistics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of progressive warehouse and transportation experience in roles of increasing responsibility, or equivalent industry experience.
Knowledge and experience ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, DOT, TSA security, California DMV, and Hazmat requirements.
Advanced use of computer systems and applications, such as MS Office and Warehouse Management Systems, as trained or required.
Ability to deliver quality results consistently and on schedule.
Self-motivated, with follow-through on initiatives.
Ability to provide high-quality customer service through problem solving, rapport building, and de-escalating high-pressure conversations with patience and decorum.
Ability to lead with humility, respect others, and promote safety, trust, and teamwork.
Ability to self-regulate emotions and maintain a calm demeanor.
Clear and confident communication in customer, executive, and team environments.
Active listening and strong negotiation skills.
Independent judgment and ability to identify problems, determine root causes, and develop effective solutions.
Ability to generate ideas for change and solve problems creatively.
Ability to manage priorities, set productivity expectations, distribute initiatives fairly, and hold team members accountable.
Strong leadership and motivational skills when managing diverse teams.
Demonstrated experience managing human, financial, and operational resources to optimize resources.
Strong analytical skills and ability to make decisions based on long-term payoffs or outcomes.
Ability to operate a computer, remain stationary for most of the shift, occasionally move about the workspace, exchange information through email and other electronic communications, and observe and report on communications received by phone and computer.

Responsibilities

Manage a fleet of tractors, trailers, and straight trucks, ensuring assets are maintained, tracked, and compliant with DOT requirements.
Oversee the full asset lifecycle, including procurement, leasing, maintenance scheduling, and vehicle turnover.
Coordinate with the insurance carrier to add or remove assets promptly.
Direct preventive maintenance programs and coordinate emergency repairs to minimize vehicle downtime.
Manage relationships with third-party vendors and internal shop staff.
Ensure fleet operations comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including US DOT, OSHA, 49 CFR, and Hazmat requirements.
Manage driver safety training, incident reporting, and Hours of Service compliance.
Work with HR to recruit and train qualified drivers.
Review driver performance, safety metrics, and behavior analytics through Samsara to identify improvement opportunities.
Coach drivers, document corrective actions, and escalate safety-policy violations when appropriate.
Ensure records and reports are completed on time, including fleet and asset lists, training records, distributed company property records, safety reports, and utilization reports.
Monitor the company’s FMCSA safety record through the online portal and review DataQs for accuracy.
Understand TSA regulations and operations, act as a liaison during audits, and work with the compliance team on safety programs and procedures.
Oversee dispatch to ensure accurate, efficient, and profitable routing.
Oversee warehouse activity and ensure standards for safety, inventory and order accuracy, space utilization, productivity, and timeliness are met.
Evaluate systems and procedures, identify process-improvement opportunities, and support and implement recommendations.
Collaborate with sales representatives to create and maintain customer billing profiles.
Assist in carrier negotiations.
Liaise and network with other branches, outlying agents, and third-party trucking companies.
Represent Watchpoint Logistics to a network of agent partners.
Manage priorities, set productivity expectations, distribute initiatives fairly, and ensure the team can deliver project objectives.
Identify and take accountability for meeting KPIs.
Manage team performance through training, coaching, and feedback; delegate responsibilities, set goals, and hold team members accountable.
Manage human, financial, and operational resources to optimize their use.