Transportation Manager

Ashley Furniture Industries•Lubbock, TX

83d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Transportation Manager - Final Mile Delivery is a dynamic leader responsible for overseeing last-mile delivery operations at our retail fulfillment center, ensuring every customer receives their furniture on time and with exceptional care. This critical role oversees route optimization, carrier partnerships, delivery team management, and fleet operations while driving continuous improvement in service quality and operational efficiency. The Transportation Manager leads daily final mile delivery operations including route planning, scheduling, dispatch, and real-time performance monitoring while managing both in-house delivery teams and third-party carrier relationships to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required
Minimum 5 years of experience in logistics, transportation, or last-mile delivery operations
Minimum 3 years of people management experience leading frontline operations teams
Strong understanding of route optimization, fleet management, and delivery logistics
Proven track record of managing budgets and driving operational efficiency
Experience with transportation management systems (TMS) and routing software
Excellent analytical skills with ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to lead teams and manage vendor relationships
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) with advanced Excel skills preferred
Knowledge of DOT regulations, vehicle safety requirements, and driver qualification standards
Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays as operational needs require
Strong problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments
Customer-focused mindset with commitment to service excellence

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
7+ years of experience in retail, e-commerce, or furniture/large item delivery operations
Experience managing both in-house delivery teams and third-party carrier networks
Knowledge of DOT regulations and commercial driver requirements including CDL standards
Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
Experience with last-mile technology platforms such as Onfleet, Bringg, Dispatch, or similar routing and tracking systems
Familiarity with white-glove delivery services and in-home setup operations for furniture and large items
Understanding of home delivery challenges including narrow streets, apartment deliveries, and access restrictions
Experience with fleet telematics, GPS tracking, and driver performance monitoring systems
Background in P&L management and financial analysis
Project management certification or experience leading large-scale operational projects
Experience with labor management systems and productivity measurement

Responsibilities

Oversee daily final mile delivery operations including route planning, scheduling, and dispatch to ensure on-time and accurate deliveries
Manage delivery fleet operations ensuring vehicles are maintained, compliant with DOT regulations, and efficiently utilized
Monitor real-time delivery performance and proactively address service disruptions to minimize customer impact
Coordinate with warehouse operations for seamless handoff from fulfillment to delivery, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
Implement and maintain standard operating procedures for all final mile processes to drive consistency and quality
Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, safety standards, OSHA requirements, and company policies across all delivery operations
Optimize route density and delivery efficiency to reduce per-unit costs and maximize productivity
Manage delivery capacity planning to meet fluctuating demand and seasonal volume changes
Recruit, train, and develop high-performing delivery drivers, dispatchers, and coordinators to build organizational capability
Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching to improve team results and individual development
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service excellence throughout the delivery organization
Manage staffing levels to meet fluctuating demand and seasonal volume changes while controlling labor costs
Lead daily huddles to align team on priorities, performance goals, and operational updates
Make employment decisions and recommendations on hiring, promotions, corrective actions, and terminations
Create a positive work environment that promotes engagement, retention, and high performance
Provide ongoing training on safety procedures, customer service standards, and delivery best practices
Build and maintain relationships with third-party delivery carriers and service providers to ensure reliable capacity and service
Negotiate contracts and service level agreements to optimize cost and service quality
Monitor carrier performance metrics including on-time delivery, damage rates, and customer satisfaction, and conduct regular business reviews
Identify and onboard new delivery partners to expand capacity, coverage areas, and service capabilities
Resolve escalated issues with carriers related to service failures, billing disputes, or quality concerns
Manage carrier invoicing, payment processing, and financial reconciliation
Implement carrier scorecards and performance improvement plans when necessary
Track and analyze KPIs including on-time delivery, cost per delivery, customer satisfaction, and first-time completion rates
Identify trends, root causes of failures, and opportunities for improvement through data analysis
Implement process improvements and technology solutions to enhance efficiency and customer experience
Develop and present performance reports to senior leadership with actionable insights and recommendations
Lead cross-functional projects to optimize end-to-end fulfillment processes from warehouse to customer doorstep
Benchmark best practices and implement innovative solutions to drive competitive advantage
Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies
Ensure proactive customer communication about delivery windows, status updates, and any changes to scheduled deliveries
Manage escalated customer issues and drive resolution to maintain satisfaction and brand reputation
Implement customer feedback mechanisms to improve service quality and identify areas for improvement
Collaborate with customer service teams on delivery-related inquiries, concerns, and service recovery
Maintain customer satisfaction scores at or above company targets
Monitor customer reviews and feedback to identify trends and improvement opportunities
Implement white-glove delivery standards and in-home setup procedures to exceed customer expectations
Develop and manage annual operating budget for final mile operations including labor, fuel, maintenance, and carrier costs
Monitor daily expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality
Track and report on budget variance and implement corrective actions to stay on target
Forecast future costs and resource needs based on volume projections and business growth
Manage capital expenditures for fleet vehicles, equipment, and technology investments