Senior Transportation Manager

Job Title: Senior Transportation Manager

Location: Decatur/Huntsville, Alabama



Compensation: $130,000 $185,000 base salary + 10% target bonus + $750/month auto allowance

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Transportation Manager to lead transportation operations, supplier management, and logistics strategy supporting xPL operations across two manufacturing plants in the Decatur/Huntsville, Alabama area.

Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, this role will work closely with the Supply Chain leadership team to develop transportation solutions that improve service levels, control costs, and ensure the safe and timely movement of products and large industrial equipment.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in ground transportation, manufacturing logistics, carrier and third-party logistics (3PL) management, vendor development, and supplier relationship management. Experience coordinating the movement of oversized or heavy equipment using flatbed trailers and specialized rigging services will be a significant advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Transportation Operations: Lead ground transportation activities, coordinating shipments from manufacturing facilities to project delivery locations while ensuring safe, timely, and cost-effective delivery.

• Heavy Equipment & Rigging: Coordinate the movement of large industrial equipment, including flatbed transportation, rigging, loading, unloading, and specialized freight handling.

• Vendor Development: Identify, evaluate, develop, and manage transportation vendors, carriers, and logistics service providers to build a reliable and competitive supplier network.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strong partnerships with transportation providers and suppliers to improve service quality, responsiveness, and long-term performance.

• Carrier Management & Negotiations: Negotiate transportation rates, service agreements, and operating terms while identifying opportunities to optimize freight costs and transportation capacity.

• Manufacturing Logistics: Partner with manufacturing and supply chain teams across both plants to align transportation planning with production schedules, project requirements, and delivery commitments.

• Cost & Budget Management: Monitor transportation expenditure, manage budgets, analyze freight costs, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety or service.

• Performance Management: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time delivery, transportation costs, carrier performance, and service quality.

• Risk & Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable transportation regulations, shipping requirements, safety standards, and contractual obligations. Resolve shipment disruptions and escalate critical issues as needed.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing leadership, supply chain, project controls, and other stakeholders to develop effective logistics strategies and resolve operational challenges.

• Continuous Improvement: Analyze transportation processes, identify root causes of performance issues, and implement scalable improvements in efficiency, cost, and service delivery.

• Team Leadership: Provide guidance, coaching, and support to transportation personnel while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation, logistics, or supply chain operations, including at least five years in a direct supply chain function.

• Demonstrated experience managing ground transportation operations within a manufacturing, industrial, or related supply chain environment.

• Proven experience managing transportation carriers, third-party logistics providers, and external vendors.

• Strong track record of developing vendors and establishing effective, long-term relationships with suppliers and transportation partners.

• Experience with transportation procurement, carrier negotiations, freight cost management, and service performance improvement.

• Strong knowledge of shipment planning, transportation modes, delivery coordination, and applicable shipping regulations.

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, resolve operational issues, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rigging, heavy equipment transportation, oversized freight, and flatbed trailer shipments .

• Background supporting manufacturing plants, industrial equipment operations, or complex project logistics.

• Experience coordinating specialized transportation providers for loading, securing, moving, and unloading large equipment.

• Familiarity with domestic and international transportation networks.

• Experience managing transportation budgets, developing KPIs, and driving measurable cost reductions and service improvements.

• Advanced degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or Business Administration.

Key Success Factors

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Build and maintain a strong network of reliable transportation vendors and suppliers.

• Deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective ground transportation solutions for manufacturing operations.

• Coordinate specialized shipments involving large industrial equipment and flatbed transportation.

• Strengthen supplier relationships and improve carrier performance.

• Align transportation strategies with manufacturing schedules and broader supply chain objectives.

• Drive measurable improvements in delivery reliability, transportation costs, and operational efficiency.

Compensation & Location

• Base Salary: $130,000 $185,000 annually

• Target Bonus: 10%

• Auto Allowance: $750 per month

• Work Location: Decatur/Huntsville, Alabama

• Reporting To: Director of Manufacturing

• Key Stakeholders: Supply Chain leadership and manufacturing teams across both plants