Transportation Manager

Transportation ManagerFPC of RiverwoodIndianapolis, INSummary:The Transportation Manager will lead the dispatch team responsible for Truckload (Refrigerated and Dry Van), LTL, Expedited, Air, and Flatbed operations, as well as business continuity planning. This position is responsible for managing daily dispatch activities, optimizing operational performance, and ensuring exceptional service delivery. The Transportation Manager will participate in an on-call rotation to support the company's 24/7 evening and weekend operations, tactfully support front-line staff as needed, and assist with the company asset fleet as a backup when capacity requires, in coordination with the Fleet Manager. The ideal candidate will also have experience managing high-value freight and ensuring its safe, timely, and compliant delivery. This role requires a strategic and hands-on leader who can drive departmental goals, maintain compliance, and foster a high-performance team culture.Evaluation of Performance:Performance will be evaluated based on:Fulfillment of the responsibilities outlined in this job description.Achievement of performance metrics and quality indicators established for this position.Adherence to company policies, procedures, and standards.Effective collaboration within the team and across departments.Delivery of high-level internal and external customer service.Performance Metrics:Metrics will be established annually and may include:Department-specific operational goals and KPIs.Achievement of stated growth initiatives.Adherence to annual budget and cost management targets.Employee retention and turnover rates.Key Responsibilities:Operational Leadership:Manage the dispatch team to ensure efficient, accurate, and cost-effective execution of all transportation operations.Oversee Truckload operations, including Refrigerated and Dry Van, as well as LTL, Expedited, Air, and Flatbed shipments.Establish annual goals for the Operations and Quality departments to align with the company's strategic revenue, net income, and customer service objectives.Ensure departmental adherence to budgets and cost management, including margin and cost of goods sold improvements.Define metrics, track progress, and evaluate performance across all operational functions to meet customer and company expectations.Negotiate with Truckload, LTL, Expedited, and Air carriers, as well as other transportation vendors, to deliver cost-effective solutions.Ensure operations meet ISO and Quality Management standards, proactively identifying and resolving service delivery bottlenecks.Provide hands-on support to front-line staff tactfully when required to maintain service levels or resolve operational issues.Assist with the company asset fleet as a backup to the Fleet Manager when operational capacity requires.Oversee handling and dispatch of high-value freight, ensuring security, compliance, and timely delivery.Team Management:Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and professional development for dispatch and operations staff.Recruit, interview, and retain high-performing team members.Monitor performance, hold employees accountable, and take appropriate action when goals are not met.Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment while maintaining high standards of service and professionalism.Interdepartmental Collaboration:Support the sales team with RFP responses, customer onboarding, and process education.Provide feedback to leadership regarding trends, customer challenges, and operational improvements.Partner with other departments to ensure seamless execution of transportation solutions.Customer & Carrier Relations:Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers, presenting a positive image of the company.Enhance carrier relations to support operational growth and ensure high-quality service.Requirements:Comprehensive understanding of logistics and transportation operations, including regulatory requirements.Experience managing high-value freight.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Ability to interpret financial statements, analyze trends, and operate within budget constraints.Time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver outcomes.Proven supervisory skills, including recruiting, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.Proactive, solution-oriented, and able to anticipate challenges and provide timely guidance.Ability to tactfully support front-line staff when needed to maintain service levels.Ability to assist with the company asset fleet as a backup when operational capacity requires.Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general computer applications.Education:Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, or related discipline preferred.5–10 years of experience in the transportation industry.Minimum of 5 years of management experience in a comparable organization.3–5 years of strong experience in LTL, Expedite and Truckload carrier negotiations.Experience managing Truckload operations, including Refrigerated and Dry Van, and high-value freight.Experience in Life Science / Cold Chain / CRT transportation environments is highly preferred.