Transportation Manager

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Transportation Manager to lead and manage all transportation operations, including the movement of over 8,000 truckloads and 2,000 rail cars annually. This role is responsible for ensuring the efficient, timely, and cost-effective movement of goods, while maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in third-party transportation, as all freight is handled via hired carriers (no captive fleet).

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily transportation operations, including route planning, load scheduling, and carrier dispatch.
• Manage third-party carriers to ensure on-time delivery, service quality, and cost performance.
• Develop and execute strategies to run transportation at an annual profit, identifying and capitalizing on efficiency gains and cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local transportation regulations (FMCSA, DOT, etc.).
• Negotiate contracts and rates with trucking companies and rail carriers.
• Manage and track transportation budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Collaborate with internal teams (sales, customer service, warehousing, etc.) to support business needs and customer expectations.
• Monitor carrier performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Analyze transportation data and metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead, develop, and support transportation staff in daily operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 5 years of experience in transportation management, preferably in high-volume environments.
• Strong knowledge of truckload and rail operations, routing systems, and freight markets.
• Proven track record of managing a profitable transportation operation with external carriers.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Solid understanding of transportation compliance and regulatory standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with TMS (Transportation Management Systems) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Food industry transportation experience required

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing outsourced freight networks with no captive fleet.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.