Fleet Manager

Are you ready to lead a high-impact operation that keeps our business moving every day of the week? We're looking for an experienced Fleet Manager to oversee our delivery fleet supporting garden center, wholesale, and greenhouse operations based out of our Inver Grove Heights Location. In this leadership role, you'll guide drivers and dispatch teams, ensure safe and reliable transportation of live plants and related products, and help drive operational excellence across all locations. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on customer satisfaction, product quality, safety, and cost control-while leading a dedicated team in a fast-paced, seasonal environment. We are seeking a candidate able to commit to full-time leadership hours, support seven-day operations, and provide on-call or extended coverage during peak seasons as needed. Grow with Gertens today! What You'll Do: * Lead the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of fleet and dispatch functions supporting retail, wholesale, and internal distribution * Supervise, coach, and develop drivers, a Dispatch Manager, and dispatch support staff * Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning * Oversee dispatch planning, route optimization, and load scheduling to maximize efficiency and service levels * Ensure reliable, on-time deliveries and resolve escalated service issues or capacity challenges * Partner with the Safety Manager to ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and state/local regulations * Oversee driver qualification files, hours of service, inspections, and incident reporting * Lead accident investigations and continuous safety improvement initiatives * Develop and manage fleet budgets, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, leasing, and capital expenses * Analyze fleet performance data to identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities * Collaborate closely with Operations, Sales, Greenhouse/Nursery leadership, Garden Centers, Feed Stores, HR, and Finance * Support seasonal planning and peak-volume contingency coverage What You'll Need: * Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, transportation management, business, or related field (or equivalent experience) * 8-10 years of progressive fleet, transportation, or logistics management experience * Minimum of 5 years in a senior or multi-site leadership role managing drivers, dispatch, and fleet assets * Strong working knowledge of DOT/FMCSA compliance and transportation safety * Experience managing live, perishable, or time-sensitive products preferred * Proven leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills * Strong financial, budgeting, and analytical capabilities * Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills * CDL (Class A or B), Certified Fleet Manager (CAFM), or similar certifications preferred Physical Requirements: * Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods * Ability to travel between facilities, yards, and job sites as needed * Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs * Work environments include office, warehouse, yard, outdoor, and on-road settings * On-call availability or extended hours during peak seasons or emergencies Why You'll Love It: Working as a Fleet Manager offers the opportunity to lead a critical operation, influence company-wide performance, and build a strong safety-first culture-while making a meaningful impact on customer experience and business success. Some of our benefits may include: Competitive Wages Well-Maintained Fleet Leadership Growth & Development Health and Welfare Insurances 401K Savings with company match ️ Employee Discounts Employee Referral Bonus E-Verify:* Gertens participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program in all facilities located in the United States. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Gertens Family of Businesses is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer