Fleet & Dispatch Manager (Greater Chicago Area)

Fleet & Dispatch Manager

N U A G E D E S I G N S · Chicago, IL · Reports to Regional Operations Manager · Full-Time - Exempt

T H E C O M P A N Y 

About Nuage Designs 

For over two decades, Nuage Designs has set the standard for couture linens and luxury event rentals — trusted by the world’s top event planners, Fortune 500 companies, and luxury hotels to make moments extraordinary.

Founded in Miami’s Wynwood district in 2004, we’ve grown into a team of over 140 across Miami, New York, and Chicago — and we’re just getting started. Now entering our most ambitious chapter yet, we’re doubling down on people who care deeply about quality, design, and the art of the unforgettable.

We’re looking for exceptional people who are energized by growth, inspired by craft, and ready to help shape a company at an inflection point. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

T H E R O L E

The Opportunity 

The Fleet & Dispatch Manager is a hands-on operational leader responsible for overseeing all transportation operations that support Nuage Designs' event installations, deliveries, and pickups. This role leads the company's fleet operations, driver team, dispatch function, and transportation compliance while ensuring every delivery is executed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

The ideal candidate is an experienced transportation leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a strong background in fleet management, driver supervision, DOT compliance, route optimization, and customer service. This position works closely with warehouse, operations, installation, and account management teams to ensure exceptional execution for every client event.

W H A T Y O U ’ L L D O 

Duties & Responsibilities 

Transportation & Fleet Operations

• Lead all daily transportation operations, dispatch activities, and fleet scheduling.
• Develop, coordinate, and optimize delivery and pickup routes based on installation schedules, event timelines, and customer requirements.
• Monitor routes throughout the day and make real-time adjustments to maximize efficiency and respond to changing priorities.
• Ensure on-time delivery and pickup performance while maintaining the highest level of customer service.
• Coordinate transportation schedules with warehouse and installation teams to ensure equipment is staged, loaded, and delivered accurately.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for transportation-related issues and resolve delivery challenges quickly.

Driver Leadership & Team Management

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop a high-performing team of commercial drivers.
• Conduct regular driver performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and accountability.
• Lead daily transportation meetings and communicate priorities, route changes, and operational updates.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety, and customer service.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels to support seasonal business demands and event schedules.

Fleet Management

• Oversee the daily operation, readiness, and utilization of the company's fleet.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance, repairs, inspections, registrations, licensing, and vendor relationships.
• Monitor fleet performance and vehicle utilization to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Ensure all company vehicles meet DOT safety requirements and company operating standards.
• Maintain accurate fleet maintenance records and documentation.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and company safety regulations.
• Monitor Driver Hours of Service (HOS) compliance and electronic logging requirements.
• Oversee driver qualification files, licensing requirements, and required certifications.
• Conduct vehicle inspections and ensure completion of pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Investigate accidents, safety incidents, and compliance violations while implementing corrective actions.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through ongoing training and communication.

Dispatch & Route Management

• Supervise daily dispatch operations and transportation scheduling.
• Monitor driver progress using GPS and fleet management technology.
• Utilize routing software to improve efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
• Manage route changes, emergency situations, weather delays, and customer requests in real time.
• Ensure accurate delivery documentation, proof of delivery, and transportation records.

Customer & Cross-Functional Communication

• Communicate proactively with customers regarding delivery windows, installation schedules, delays, and service updates.
• Partner closely with Account Managers, Event Managers, Warehouse Leadership, and Installation Teams to ensure seamless event execution.
• Resolve customer transportation concerns professionally and efficiently.
• Maintain clear communication across departments to support operational excellence.

Systems & Technology

Utilize transportation management and fleet systems including:

• Samsara
• IE Routing
• JJ Keller
• Google Workspace Suite
• Transportation and GPS tracking software

W H O Y O U A R E 

Qualifications & Experience 

• High school diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor's Degree preferred..
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Management, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of transportation, fleet management, or dispatch leadership experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing commercial drivers and transportation teams.
• Strong knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, Hours of Service (HOS), OSHA, and transportation safety regulations.
• Experience managing fleet maintenance programs and vehicle compliance.
• Experience with route planning, dispatch systems, and GPS fleet technology.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and transportation management software

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in event rental, transportation, hospitality, construction, or service industries.
• Experience with Samsara, JJ Keller, or similar fleet management systems.
• CDL preferred but not required.
• OSHA or transportation safety certifications are a plus.

Success in This Role

The successful Transportation & Fleet Manager will:

• Build and lead a high-performing transportation team.
• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient fleet operations.
• Deliver exceptional on-time performance for every event.
• Develop drivers through coaching and accountability.
• Optimize transportation costs while maintaining service excellence.
• Maintain DOT, FMCSA, and OSHA compliance at all times.
• Partner across departments to deliver an outstanding customer experience.

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout the workday in a warehouse environment.
• Frequently required to lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 lbs unassisted; team lift required for items exceeding 50 lbs.
• Must be able to operate powered industrial equipment including forklifts and pallet jacks to move inventory safely.
• Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods and move throughout a large warehouse facility.

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

• This position operates in a warehouse environment with exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, dust, and moving equipment.
• The employee may occasionally be required to work in outdoor loading dock areas subject to varying weather conditions.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety footwear, high visibility vests, and gloves is required in designated areas.
• Schedule flexibility is required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

T H E O F F E R 

Why Nuage Designs 

Nuage is pleased to offer the following compensation package:

• Salary range $100K- $110K: commensurate with experience.
• Benefit offerings including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401K with company match.
• PTO.
• Holiday Pay.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. 

Employment with Nuage Designs is at-will, mea]]> <