Transportation Manager

Saddle Creek•Lakeland, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Transportation Manager oversees all fleet operations based in Lakeland, Florida. The role is responsible for day-to-day execution of fleet management plans for drivers and load dispatchers, including route optimization, equipment utilization, safety, and hours-of-service compliance. The manager ensures customer expectations and sales commitments are fulfilled, safety policies are followed, budgets and required shareholder ROI are met, and the company’s Mission and Values are upheld. The position reports to the Senior Director of Transportation and shares full responsibility for fleet P&L.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
At least 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 in a dynamic, fast-paced, hands-on environment.
Ability to build effective teams.
Demonstrated analytical ability, attention to detail, and strong computer skills; experience with transportation and warehouse management systems is preferred.
Ability to evaluate alternatives and make overall value decisions considering cost, customer expectations, driver needs, and other factors.
Ability to function in a high-stress environment, solve practical problems, and address situations with limited standardization.
Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proven ability to take initiative and responsibility individually and as a team member.
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 pay 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 their 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 or last-minute increases in business requirements.
Maximize asset utilization to 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 commitments; address issues and communicate proactively with customers, the planning group, warehouses, and senior management.
Work with sales teams and brokers to reduce empty miles by pursuing freight opportunities that support the department’s vision.
Coordinate quarterly business reviews with temporary agencies and brokers to identify performance opportunities.
Maintain administrative accuracy for billing, payroll, and DOT requirements.
Communicate with warehouses to ensure service requests are handled promptly.
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 daily feedback and communication to the Planning Group about previous and upcoming plans.
Assist the Director with developing, managing, and controlling the fleet.