Human Resources Manager

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS

Location: Greater Knoxville, Tennessee

Work Arrangement: On-Site, Multi-Site

Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Compensation: $120,000 to $135,000 plus bonus

Relocation Assistance: Available

THE OPPORTUNITY

Zaddy Solutions is conducting a confidential search for an experienced Human Resources Manager on behalf of an established organization with a large transportation workforce.

This is not a general HR management role that happens to support a few drivers. Our client needs someone who understands the regulatory, recruiting, employee-relations, and workforce challenges that come with supporting trucking operations.

The Human Resources Manager will oversee HR for several hundred truck drivers and transportation employees across multiple locations. The role will work closely with terminal leadership, dispatch, driver supervisors, operations leaders, and the corporate leadership team.

This person will also lead a small team of HR Generalists and Recruiters responsible for supporting the organization’s driver and operational workforce.

WHAT YOU WILL OWN

• Transportation HR leadership: Serve as the primary HR partner for a large, multi-site driver and transportation workforce.
• FMCSA compliance: Maintain compliant driver employment processes, documentation, and Driver Qualification files.
• Driver screening: Coordinate background checks, pre-employment medical screenings, DOT physicals, and other required hiring steps.
• Driver recruitment: Partner with recruiters and operational leaders to interview, select, and hire qualified drivers and transportation employees.
• Onboarding: Create a consistent onboarding experience that prepares new drivers and employees for the operational, safety, and performance expectations of the organization.
• Employee relations: Guide managers and employees through workplace concerns, performance issues, policy questions, and other HR matters.
• Leadership partnership: Work closely with terminal managers, dispatchers, route leaders, driver supervisors, and corporate executives.
• Retention: Develop practical strategies that improve driver and employee engagement, stability, and long-term retention.
• Training and development: Build programs that strengthen management capability, employee performance, compliance, and career development.
• Benefits administration: Support the communication and administration of employee benefit programs.
• Team leadership: Coach, develop, and establish priorities for the HR Generalists and Recruiters supporting the business.
• Multi-site consistency: Create greater alignment across locations while responding to the needs of individual terminals and operating teams.

THE EXPERIENCE WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• PHR or SPHR certification required.
• Human resources leadership experience within trucking, transportation, fleet operations, or a closely related logistics environment.
• Strong working knowledge of FMCSA regulations.
• Direct experience maintaining Driver Qualification files and supporting driver-compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating driver background checks, medical screenings, DOT physicals, and other regulated pre-employment processes.
• Experience recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding commercial drivers.
• Experience supporting a large hourly or operational employee population.
• Demonstrated employee-relations experience within a fast-moving operational environment.
• Experience developing retention, training, employee-development, or workforce-engagement programs.
• Previous responsibility for leading, coaching, or developing HR professionals or recruiters.
• Ability to build credibility with drivers, frontline supervisors, operational leaders, and corporate executives.
• Strong communication, judgment, organization, and problem-solving skills.

WHO WILL DO WELL HERE

• You understand that transportation HR cannot be managed entirely from behind a desk.
• You know how to balance employee advocacy, operational urgency, regulatory requirements, and business needs.
• You are comfortable working directly with drivers and field leaders while also communicating with senior executives.
• You can identify where an HR process is creating unnecessary delays without compromising compliance.
• You understand how hiring, onboarding, management quality, and employee development affect driver retention.
• You can bring consistency to a multi-site organization while recognizing that each location may face different workforce challenges.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Driver hiring and onboarding processes remain efficient, consistent, and compliant.
• Driver Qualification files and other regulated employment records are complete and audit-ready.
• Operational leaders receive practical and timely HR guidance.
• Employees have a clear and credible HR resource.
• Retention challenges are identified and addressed through stronger management, communication, development, and employee programs.
• The HR team operates with clear priorities, accountability, and consistent standards.
• Corporate leadership has confidence in the HR support provided to the transportation organization.

LOCATION AND TRAVEL

This is an on-site position based in the Greater Knoxville area. The role supports multiple locations, but travel is expected to be limited.

Candidates who do not currently live in the region must be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is available for the selected candidate.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Base salary between $120,000 and $135,000.
• Bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive employee benefits.
• Relocation assistance.
• Long-term growth potential within an established organization and professional leadership team.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Zaddy Solutions is managing the initial recruitment and candidate-evaluation process on behalf of our client.

Candidates should apply through LinkedIn with an updated resume. Qualified applicants will be contacted directly by Zaddy Solutions to discuss their transportation HR experience, FMCSA knowledge, Driver Qualification file responsibilities, relocation considerations, and next steps.

Additional information about the client organization will be shared with qualified candidates during the recruitment process.