Transportation Manager

Job Description

Midwest Foods is a wholesale food distributor providing top quality food products to numerous food establishments in Chicago, surrounding suburbs, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana. Family owned and run company for two generations, we import fruits & vegetables from all over the country and other parts of the world to distribute these products to local markets.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Transportation Manager to oversee and manage delivery operations in Chicago, IL and Kenosha, WI. The Transportation Manager is responsible for managing route drivers and helpers and daily logistics operations.    

Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm/Flexibility 

Responsibilities:  

• Manage delivery team and daily logistics operations for our Chicago and Kenosha facilities.  
• Manage and monitor outgoing shipments and routes. 
• Oversee communication with drivers using tracking software and updating customers on scheduled delivery windows.  
• Oversee recruiting for direct reports.  
• Responsible for managing employee relations, approval of time off requests and scheduling delivery team.  
• Ensure driver compliance with DOT regulations and HOS.   
• Oversee registrations and licensing of fleet, USDOT# IFTA, plates etc. 
• Work with routing managers to analyze route efficiency and transportation costs to maximize profits (Overtime, routing, fuel savings, idling time, driver efficacity). 
• Develop and maintain action plans for conditions, such as vehicle breakdowns, traffic crashes, failed inspections at weigh stations and all other incidents that may occur while a fleet is traveling.  
• Resolve delivery issues in a timely manner. 
• Maintain documentation including delivery logs, driver records and regulatory compliance files.  
• Administer progressive discipline as needed for violations of company policy, safety issues or performance concerns.  
• Oversee accident SOP compliance and communicate to safety manager and HR regarding claims in a timely manner.  
• Promote safe work activities by holding company safety meetings for Transportation department. 
• Oversee safety audits for vehicles and equipment. 
• Oversee fleet availability on a weekly/daily basis.  

  Requirements:  

• Minimum 5 years of experience in transportation or logistics manager experience. 
• Strong understanding of DOT regulations, FMCSA guidelines, and food safety practices related to transportation.  
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite 365.  
• Strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure. 
• Strong leadership and time management skills. 
• Strong organizational and communication skills.  
• Availability of working on site at both locations, Chicago and Kenosha, on a weekly basis.  

Preferred Skills:  

• Experience in managing logistics for refrigerated trucks distribution. 

Benefits:  

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, VL, Accident, Critical Illness Insurance 
• 401-k with employer match 
• Vacation and PTO/sick days 

Salary: $85K - $90K