Manager, Operations

Roadrunner is for ambitious, smart people who excel at execution over talking about it, and who would rather invent the next standard in freight than accept the status quo.We are looking for the Best of the Best. Action driven leaders who want to be part of real change and help design the future of LTL in the U.S. This is a place where high performers can grow, influence outcomes, and make an impact while working directly with executives and smart people from across industries.We bring a winner mindset. We take ownership, raise the bar, and measure ourselves by results. We Run Safe. We Run Smart. We Run Together. These principles create an environment of high standards, clear ownership, and direct collaboration. We trust data over intuition, move with urgency, and hold each other accountable because winning requires it.Roadrunner exists to prove that LTL can be better than the industry has settled for. To be the best means we need to think bigger, look outside the box, and question every assumption: too many handoffs, limited visibility, and the quiet belief that “this is just how it works.” We rejected that story. We built a proprietary Smart Network for direct, long haul, metro to metro service that delivers fewer touches, faster transit, real time visibility, and genuine accountability. We are the most tech forward company in LTL, and we are not finished widening the gap.The foundation is already strong. Recognized as one of Built In Chicago’s Best Large Places to Work. Earning top marks for improvement, quality, and service. The real opportunity is still ahead: helping invent what comes next.If you want to be evaluated among the Best of the Best and help set the new standard in LTL, we should talk.What you’ll do1. Lead end-to-end service center executionOversee daily operations across pickup and delivery, dock operations, OS&D, inbound/outbound linehaul, and office functionsEnsure execution aligns with profitability targets, service standards, and network performance expectationsStep into supervisory and managerial roles as needed to maintain continuity and performanceMaintain on-call leadership responsibility for escalations and business-critical issues2. Drive operational performance and cost controlMonitor and manage key financial and operational drivers including TOCs, revenue components, labor expenses, and freight manifestsDevelop, track, and communicate performance metrics that align with service center and corporate objectivesIdentify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions to improve throughput, cost efficiency, and service reliabilityPartner with leadership to align operational performance with broader business goals3. Build, develop, and lead high-performing teamsSupport hiring, onboarding, training, and development of service center personnelEvaluate performance and provide structured feedback to drive accountability and growthSet clear expectations and align team members to department and service center goalsLead by example—modeling professionalism, urgency, and operational discipline4. Ensure regulatory compliance and risk managementPartner with Independent Contractors to ensure adherence to safety standards and government regulationsMaintain readiness for and respond to inquiries from regulatory agencies and government officialsSafeguard sensitive business and customer information with a high degree of integrity and confidentialityUphold company policies related to HazMat, safety certifications, and equipment operation5. Strengthen cross-functional coordinationCollaborate with corporate teams, other service centers, sales teams, agents, and service providersResolve complex issues escalated beyond supervisory levels with speed and clarityParticipate in cross-functional initiatives that improve operational alignment and network performanceCommunicate clearly across all levels to ensure alignment and executionWhat you bringBachelor’s degree or 4–5 years of operations management experience in transportation, logistics, or a related fieldProven experience leading multi-functional operational teams in a fast-paced, service-driven environmentStrong financial and operational acumen, including experience managing labor, revenue components, and performance metricsProficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and general business systems; AS/400 experience preferredSolid understanding of transportation operations including linehaul, dock, and pickup/delivery workflowsHazMat certification and forklift qualification (or ability to obtain)Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across all levels, including corporate stakeholders and external partnersDemonstrated ability to analyze data, interpret regulations, and apply logical problem-solving in complex situationsExperience managing confidential business information with discretion and integrityAbility to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple operational demands simultaneouslyHow you operateYou think in systems, not silos—optimizing how operations connect end-to-endYou own outcomes and hold yourself and others accountable to measurable resultsYou move with urgency while maintaining operational discipline and safety standardsYou communicate clearly, directly, and with purpose across all stakeholdersYou make decisions based on data, not assumptionsYou lead from the front—visible, engaged, and setting the standardYou navigate complexity without losing focus on executionYou continuously look for ways to improve process, cost, and performanceAbout RoadrunnerWe’re not just moving freight; we’re reimagining long-haul shipping. Our Smart Network offers more direct long-haul metro-to-metro routes than any other nationwide LTL carrier in the United States, with service extending into Canada and Mexico and terminals across 40+ metro markets. Powered by AI and machine learning, our operations platform ensures real-time tracking, custodial control, and full shipment visibility. With driver teams executing over-the-road (OTR) moves — and no freight moving on rail — customers experience industry-leading transit times, minimal rehandling, and dramatically reduced risk of loss or damage.Our 900+ owner-operators benefit from scheduled freight, fewer touches by design, consistent long-haul density, and a differentiated metro-to-metro model that creates predictable earning opportunities.This precision and performance have earned Roadrunner national recognition by over 3,000 shippers, and was ranked this year #1 in Operations, #1 in Technology, and #1 in Value in the Quest for Quality Awards, as well as honors as a Top 100 Trucking Company by Inbound Logistics and a Top Tier Service Carrier by Mastio.We’re growing fast. Roadrunner is building something special with great people, a winning culture and a differentiated service offering in the marketplace. Join us today to grow your career!We Run Safe. We Run Smart. We Run Together.Compensation & SetupPay: $75,000–$85,000 base salaryLocation: Onsite – Chicago, ILBenefits: Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time offPhysical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical DemandsHeavy physical activity performing strenuous daily activities of a primarily product/technical nature.While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach/handle items, work with fingers, and talk and hear others in conversations via the phone or in person.The employee is occasionally asks to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb or balance and lift objects up to 100 lbs.Work EnvironmentThe noise level is moderate based on general conversation tones, ringing phones and printer operation.Works in well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office/shop environment with adequate ventilation.Might be required to occasionally work in high, precarious places.* The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position and are not intended to be all inclusive. The position and any of the requirements listed above are subject to change at any time according to the changing needs of the company.* Roadrunner is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.* We will not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters or recruiting agencies. Thank you!#LI-OnsiteChicago, IL #J-18808-Ljbffr