Transportation Manager

Saddle Creek Logistics Services•Lakeland, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Transportation Manager oversees all fleet operations based in Lakeland, Florida, and is responsible for the day-to-day execution of fleet-management plans for drivers and load dispatchers. The role focuses on route optimization, equipment utilization, safety, hours-of-service compliance, customer fulfillment, and meeting sales commitments and budgeted return-on-investment goals. The position reports to the Senior Director of Transportation and supports the company’s mission and values. The manager leads Transportation Supervisors and works across drivers, customers, planning, warehouses, sales, brokers, and senior management. The role also shares responsibility for fleet profit and loss, administrative accuracy, continuous improvement, and operational performance.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of 3–5 years of transportation experience supervising drivers in a truckload or LTL environment.
Ability to build credible relationships with customers and drivers and lead effective teams in a dynamic, fast-paced, hands-on environment.
Demonstrated analytical ability, attention to detail, and strong computer skills; transportation and warehouse management systems experience is preferred.
Ability to evaluate alternatives and make value-based decisions considering cost, customer expectations, driver needs, and other factors.
Ability to function in a high-stress environment, solve practical problems, and handle situations with limited standardization.
Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; proven initiative and responsibility individually and as a team member.
Ability to act with a real-time sense of urgency.
Ability to learn and become an accomplished user of transportation management and other systems.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence professionally.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or associates.
Ability to multitask and maintain attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage multiple Transportation Supervisors across day and night shifts.
Coach, train, and mentor direct reports to support personal growth and career development.
Ensure the accuracy and viability of operating plans, driver assignments, and dispatching.
Assist with driver recruiting and retention, including participating in Meet and Greet sessions and discussing driver concerns.
Develop contingency plans for absenteeism and last-minute business requirements.
Maximize asset utilization and streamline operating costs.
Develop and support a Lean Six Sigma culture through projects that improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Ensure full load coverage and on-time service; address issues and communicate proactively with customers, the planning group, warehouses, and senior management.
Work with sales and brokers to reduce empty miles by pursuing freight opportunities that align with the department’s goals.
Coordinate quarterly business reviews with temporary agencies and brokers to evaluate performance opportunities.
Ensure administrative accuracy for billing, payroll, and DOT requirements.
Maintain communication with warehouses to ensure service requests are timely.
Use systems to track driver performance and provide timely feedback.
Communicate with drivers in a positive and supportive manner.
Coordinate with other locations to identify options for eliminating empty miles.
Develop KPIs to measure performance and coordinate actions to meet goals.
Provide the Planning Group with daily feedback and communication about prior and upcoming plans.
Assist the Director with developing, managing, and controlling the fleet.
Share full responsibility for profit and loss.
Pursue continuous improvement in overall fleet operations.