Transportation Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Transportation Manager

Department: Distribution Transportation
Reports To: Director of Distribution & Transportation Location: Distribution Center – Freetown, MA

Position Summary

The Transportation Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of transportation operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of products from the distribution center to retail locations. This role oversees fleet operations, driver performance, regulatory compliance, transportation financials, and customer service while maintaining a strong focus on safety, productivity, and continuous improvement.

The Transportation Manager develops and leads a high-performing team that delivers exceptional service while achieving operational and financial objectives. Success in this position requires strong leadership, analytical skills, operational expertise, and the ability to drive change within a fast-paced grocery distribution environment. Frequent interaction with warehouse operations and retail partners. Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response situations.

 

 

 

 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop transportation supervisors, routers, fleet safety coordinator, and professional drivers.
• Manage the relationship between the company and the transportation 3rd party drivers.
• Build a culture centered on safety, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and development planning.
• Foster positive labor-management relations in a unionized environment.
• Drive associate engagement initiatives to improve retention and morale.
• Ensure staffing levels & schedules support operational requirements while controlling labor costs.

Transportation Operations

• Manage daily transportation operations supporting timely deliveries to retail stores.
• Ensure consistent execution of routing, dispatching, scheduling, and delivery processes.
• Monitor service levels including:
• • On-Time Delivery
  • Delivery Accuracy
  • Trailer Utilization
  • Route Efficiency
• Collaborate with warehouse operations to optimize loading and departure schedules.
• Develop contingency plans for weather events, equipment failures, and service disruptions.

Financial Management

• Manage transportation budgets and operating expenses.
• Analyze transportation P&L and identify opportunities to reduce costs.
• Monitor:
• • Cost per Mile
  • Cost per Case
  • Fuel Expense
  • Maintenance Expense
  • Labor Costs
  • Overtime
• Review wage analysis reports and productivity metrics regularly.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service levels.

Fleet Management

• Oversee company-owned and leased fleet operations.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules.
• Ensure equipment availability and reliability.
• Manage fleet replacement planning.
• Monitor equipment utilization and idle time.
• Partner with maintenance teams to minimize downtime.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all applicable DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and company safety regulations.
• Ensure 3rd party drivers maintain required certifications and qualifications.
• Investigate vehicle accidents and safety incidents.
• Conduct root cause analysis and & provide 3rd party labor with the data.
• Monitor Hours of Service compliance.
• Lead safety meetings and driver training initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety performance and reduce preventable accidents.

Performance Management

Monitor and improve key transportation KPIs including:

• On-Time Delivery
• Driver Productivity
• Cost per Mile
• Cost per Case
• Fuel Efficiency
• Fleet Utilization
• Trailer Cube Utilization
• Empty Miles
• Overtime %
• Safety/DART Rate
• DOT Compliance
• Preventable Accidents
• Associate Engagement
• Customer Service Metrics

Continuous Improvement

• Utilize Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Identify process improvement opportunities across transportation operations.
• Analyze transportation data to improve routing efficiency and operational performance.
• Lead cross-functional projects with Distribution, Supply Chain, and Store Operations.
• Challenge existing processes to improve productivity and reduce operating costs.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive transportation leadership experience.
• Experience managing large transportation operations within retail, grocery, foodservice, or distribution.
• Experience leading unionized workforces preferred.
• Strong understanding of DOT and FMCSA regulations.
• Experience managing transportation financials and operating budgets.
• Demonstrated leadership and employee development skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and coaching abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple operational demands
• Data-driven decision-making
• Conflict resolution and labor relations experience
• Change management leadership
• Customer-focused mindset
• Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Microsoft Office Suite, and transportation analytics tools

This description is simply an overview and does not outline all required responsibilities and tasks.

The salary range for this position is $139,120.00 to $208,680.00 and will be commensurate with background, experience as well as internal equity.