Operations Manager

Operations Manager / Lead Driver (Driver Trainer & Safety Officer) Lathrop, near Tracy, CA (On-site)Start date: October 1 Schedule: 5 days/week, with occasional 1/2 day or 6th day on weekends to oversee operations (operation runs 7 days/week) Typical hours: 810 hours/day, based on vehicle dispatch times Pay type: Hourly with overtime pay (OT)Job summaryReady Steady Cargo is hiring a hands-on Operations Manager / Lead Driver to run day-to-day transportation operations while serving as our early-stage Driver Trainer and Safety Officer. This is a working-leader role: youll coach drivers, keep routes covered, prevent incidents, and step into a truck when needed to keep service on track.Were a local transportation company partnering with a global freight operation, offering reliable year-round work and stable schedules.This role is primarily on-site in/around Tracy, CA, with some responsibilities that can be handled remotely (as operations allow).Compensation + benefitsStarting pay: $24/hour + overtime (OT)Wage progression (example adjust to fit your plan):$24/hr Starting rate (meets requirements; training period)$25$28/hr Starting rate based on prior experience (verified years, safety record, and leadership background)30-day review: eligibility for an increase based on attendance, training completion, and early KPI performance90-day review: eligibility for an increase based on safety, on-time execution, and team performanceAnnual review: tenure-based increase tied to KPI results and company needsBonus (recommended): safety + performance bonus tied to on-time execution, incident reduction, and training completion (details shared during interview)Benefits (edit to match your offer):W2 employmentPaid time off (PTO) + paid sick timeHealth / dental / vision insuranc401(k) (if offered)Company phone stipend (recommended)KPIs (how success is measured)This role is measured on safety first, then consistent execution. Youll track performance daily and weekly, coach to the gaps, and help the team improve over time.Key KPIs include:Safety: preventable incidents, at-fault collisions, injuries, property damage, safety event trends, and completion/quality of safety trainingOn-time performance: on-time departures/arrivals, route completion, missed loads, service failuresDriver performance: adherence to SOPs, coaching completion, ride-along outcomes, attendance/reliabilityEquipment readiness: pre-/post-trip compliance, defect reporting, downtime trendsA strong safety culture and reliable on-time performance are essentialand are also why this role may qualify for safety and performance bonuses.Key Results Areas (KRAs) what winning looks likeThis role isnt just a list of tasks. Youll own a few key results areas and have the freedom to build the routines, coaching, and systems that drive the winSafety culture + training Winning looks like: drivers are trained, coached, and operating with a safety-first mindset; preventable incidents trend down.Run safety huddles and refresher trainingComplete ride-alongs/coaching weekly and document follow-upsInvestigate incidents and implement corrective actionsOn-time performance + service reliability Winning looks like: consistent on-time dispatch and route completion with minimal service failures.Daily dispatch readiness + coverage planningMonitor trends daily/weekly and coach to gapsEscalate issues early and keep stakeholders informedDriver performance + accountability Winning looks like: clear expectations, consistent coaching, and measurable improvement across the team.Track performance scorecards weeklyRecognize top performance and address issues fastMaintain training/coaching recordsFleet readiness + compliance Winning looks like: vehicles are safe, inspected, and ready with minimal downtime.Ensure pre/post-trip compliance and defect reportingCoordinate maintenance and track recurring issuesKeep compliance files organizedWhat youll do (responsibilities)Own daily operations: dispatch readiness, coverage for call-outs, yard/terminal coordination, and end-of-day closeoutLead driver performance: ride-alongs, coaching, feedback, and corrective action when neededServe as Driver Trainer: onboard new drivers, run behind-the-wheel evaluations, and sign off on readiness to operate independentlyServe as Safety Officer: run safety huddles, enforce safe driving standards, track safety events, and drive prevention plansMonitor key metrics: on-time performance, attendance, route completion, safety events, customer issues, equipment conditionReview driver performance daily and weekly, identify trends, and run targeted coaching to improve safety and serviceInvestigate incidents (vehicle damage, injuries, customer complaints): document findings and implement corrective actionsMaintain fleet readiness: pre-/post-trip compliance, defect reporting, and coordination of maintenance/repairsKeep records organized: schedules, timecards, training logs, coaching notes, incident documentation, compliance filesBuild a strong team culture: clear expectations, calm communication, and a no shortcuts safety mindsetDrive when needed: in the initial months, be willing to cover shifts when drivers call out, and drive routes to learn the client operation and ways of workingWhat youll need (qualifications)10+ years of professional driving/transportation experience (CDL or non-CDL depending on your fleet requirements)Experience leading teams in transportation/delivery operations, dispatch, logistics, or fleet leadershipProven ability to train drivers and hold a team accountable to safety and performanceStrong documentation habits (training checklists, coaching notes, incident reports)Comfortable with early mornings, weekends, and peak periods as neededValid drivers license with clean driving record; able to pass background and drug screening (as applicable)Strong computer skills and comfort working in a partially remote environmentAbility to learn new apps/software used for fleet monitoring, dispatching, safety, communication, and trainingComfortable using handheld tech / smartphone apps (GPS, communication, reporting)Able to speak, read, and write in English to communicate with the public, understand road signs/signals, respond to official inquiries, and complete recordsHow the team supports you in your roleYou wont be doing this alone. Were building a high-accountability, safety-first operation with real support behind you.Involved owner support (in-person + remote): Youll work with a hands-on owner who has experience across last mile, freight, and medical transport. The owner will support you with hiring, driver performance evaluation, culture and vision, client relations, and administrative support (payroll coordination, insurance, and other back-office needs).24/7 remote dispatcher coverage: Youll have a team of remote dispatchers supporting the operation around the clock, so drivers and stations always have someone to speak to while drivers are on the roadespecially during the Ops Managers off-hours.Your role in integrating dispatch: Youll be responsible for integrating this dispatch team seamlessly into the daily operationcollaborating closely, giving and receiving feedback, and guiding best practices that serve client needs while promoting safety and on-time performance.PreferredExperience with DOT-style safety practices, hours-of-service awareness, or compliance documentationExperience leading a metric-driven team (attendance, on-time, safety)Bilingual (English/Spanish)How to applyApply on Indeed today. For faster consideration, text View phone number on click.appcast.io with your name + Ops Lead and well schedule a quick call.Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, national origin, race, color, disability, religious beliefs, sex (including sexual orientation), gender identity, pregnancy, or genetic information (including family medical history), or any other protected status under applicable law.
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