Owner-Operator Senior Recruiter

Roadrunner Transportation Services•Downers Grove, IL

20d•Onsite

About The Position

Roadrunner is hiring an Owner-Operator Senior Recruiter to build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified owner-operators. This is a high-volume, results-oriented recruiting role that combines candidate assessment, sales, and full-cycle hiring. The recruiter takes candidates from first contact through orientation, explains Roadrunner’s pay, routes, expectations, and next steps, and works to convert qualified applicants into committed drivers. The role is onsite in Downers Grove, Illinois. The recruiter manages high inbound volume and proactive outbound outreach, maintains frequent follow-up, and uses a persuasive, professional approach to address objections and close next steps. The position operates in a metrics-driven environment, requiring accurate, real-time ATS/CRM updates and close attention to conversion rates, time-to-hire, pipeline stages, and weekly and monthly targets. The recruiter identifies bottlenecks and shares performance insights with the team. The role also coordinates document collection and onboarding readiness, partners with Safety, Orientation, and Fleet teams to ensure smooth handoffs, and stays engaged with drivers during early tenure to support retention. The recruiter contributes market feedback and process improvements while modeling a high-performance, accountable approach. Compensation is a $65,000–$75,000 base salary plus performance-based commission; target total compensation is approximately $80,000–$95,000 annually, with higher potential for exceptional performance. Roadrunner offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and PTO.

Requirements

At least 4 years of high-volume recruiting, sales, or business development experience; transportation or driver recruiting experience is preferred.
Proven ability to meet aggressive targets in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment.
Strong phone presence and ability to build rapport quickly while managing high call volume.
Ability to create urgency, handle objections, and drive decisions.
Understanding of drivers’ priorities and how to earn their trust.
Exceptional organization and follow-through under pressure.
Ability to work within defined processes while identifying opportunities to improve them.
Proficiency with ATS/CRM systems and strong data hygiene.
Proficiency with Tenstreet, Clearinghouse, MVR, and PSP, and ability to read consumer reports and determine whether a driver is qualified.
Resilience and composure in a high-pressure, results-oriented setting.

Nice To Haves

Transportation or driver recruiting experience.

Responsibilities

Manage the full hiring lifecycle from first contact through orientation, qualifying candidates and advancing qualified drivers promptly.
Prioritize recruiting activity according to business demand and pipeline health, and present the value of partnering with Roadrunner to candidates.
Manage inbound candidate volume and conduct outbound outreach to generate and convert leads.
Maintain a professional follow-up cadence, serve as the primary candidate contact, handle objections, and drive applicants toward decisions.
Keep ATS/CRM records accurate and current in real time, including updating Tenstreet after every conversation.
Monitor conversion rates, time-to-hire, pipeline stages, and weekly and monthly targets; identify bottlenecks and adjust activity as needed.
Provide the broader team with recruiting visibility, insights, and market feedback.
Drive document collection and onboarding readiness, coordinating with Safety, Orientation, and Fleet teams to reduce friction.
Stay engaged with drivers during early tenure to reinforce expectations and help reduce early turnover.
Share process gaps and effective approaches and contribute to continuous improvement of the recruiting function.
Make required calls and follow up daily with qualified applicants; track weekly recruiting activity and adjust when behind target.
Pre-qualify candidates early, clearly explain pay, routes, expectations, and next steps, and seek a decision or close the next step on calls when possible.
Escalate problems quickly and remain professional under pressure.