Assistant Manager, Service Center

The Assistant Manager, Service Center is a critical operator within the Operations function, responsible for translating network strategy into disciplined, day-to-day execution. This role exists to ensure the service center runs as a high-performance hub—balancing service quality, cost control, and operational throughput while maintaining strong employee engagement and customer satisfaction.As freight networks and customer expectations grow more complex, the business requires leaders who can coordinate across dock, linehaul, pickup and delivery, and administrative operations with precision. Success in this role means delivering consistent service performance, protecting margins, and building a reliable operating rhythm that scales. This leader acts as the connective tissue between frontline execution and management strategy—stepping in wherever needed to stabilize, improve, and elevate performance.What you’ll do1. Lead service center executionCoordinate daily operations across dock, linehaul, OS&D, pickup & delivery, and office functions to ensure seamless throughputAssign responsibilities, supervise staff, and ensure consistent adherence to operational standardsStep into supervisory and managerial roles as needed to maintain continuity of operationsMaintain on-call readiness to resolve escalations beyond frontline supervision2. Optimize operational performance and cost controlMonitor revenue components, labor expenses, manifests, and key operating metrics (TOCs)Identify cost inefficiencies and partner with leadership to improve operational marginsAudit supply expenses and oversee facility maintenance to ensure cost discipline and operational readinessSupport contract creation with customers, contractors, and partners to align operational and financial outcomes3. Drive service quality and issue resolutionInvestigate OS&D claims and ensure accurate, timely resolutionAddress complex service disruptions and customer issues with accountability and urgencyCommunicate service center performance clearly to the Service Center ManagerBuild and maintain positive customer and partner relationships through consistent service delivery4. Build and lead a high-performing workforceDirect hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management of service center personnelRecruit and onboard independent contractors and support equipment leasing effortsReinforce a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvementLead by example—sharing expertise and developing team capability across functions5. Align teams to business goalsPartner with leadership and staff to set departmental and service center goalsCommunicate HR-related information, including benefits and policies, clearly to employeesEnsure alignment between daily execution and broader company objectivesParticipate actively in cross-functional initiatives and continuous improvement effortsWhat you bringBachelor’s degree or 2–3 years of relevant operations or logistics management experience (or equivalent combination)Proven experience supervising, developing, and evaluating operational teamsStrong understanding of transportation, logistics, and service center operations (dock, linehaul, P&D, OS&D)Financial and analytical capability, including interpreting metrics, labor cost management, and revenue componentsProficiency with business systems and tools, including Microsoft Office; experience with AS/400 and McLeod preferredAbility to read, analyze, and interpret technical and regulatory documentsStrong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholdersExperience managing sensitive and confidential information with discretionHazMat certification and forklift qualification (or ability to obtain)Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate effectively, and execute under pressurePreferred:Experience within LTL, freight, or transportation network environmentsExposure to contract development and vendor/partner managementHow you operateYou think in systems, not silos—understanding how each function impacts overall network performanceYou own outcomes, not activity, and hold yourself and others accountable to measurable resultsYou move with urgency while maintaining operational discipline and stabilityYou communicate clearly, directly, and with intent across all levels of the organizationYou are comfortable stepping into ambiguity and bringing structure to complex situationsYou lead from the floor—visible, hands-on, and engaged with frontline teamsYou challenge inefficiencies constructively and drive continuous improvementCompensation & SetupPay: $90,000–$100,000 base salaryLocation: Onsite – Chicago, ILBenefits: Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time offPhysical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical DemandsHeavy physical activity performing strenuous daily activities of a primarily product/technical nature.While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach/handle items, work with fingers, utilize close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguished colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus), and talk and hear others in conversations via the phone or in person.The employee is occasionally asks to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb or balance and lift objects up to 100 lb.Work EnvironmentThe noise level is moderate based on general conversation tones, ringing phones and laser printer operation.Works in well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office/shop environment with adequate ventilation.Minimal overnight travel (10%) by land and/or air required.Might be required to occasionally work in high, precarious places.* The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position and are not intended to be all inclusive. The position and any of the requirements listed above are subject to change at any time according to the changing needs of the company.* Roadrunner is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.* We will not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters or recruiting agencies. Thank you!#LI-OnsiteChicago, ILAbout RoadrunnerRoadrunner is for ambitious, smart people who excel at execution over talking about it, and who would rather invent the next standard in freight than accept the status quo.We are looking for the Best of the Best. Action driven leaders who want to be part of real change and help design the future of LTL in the U.S. This is a place where high performers can grow, influence outcomes, and make an impact while working directly with executives and smart people from across industries.We bring a winner mindset. We take ownership, raise the bar, and measure ourselves by results. We Run Safe. We Run Smart. We Run Together. These principles create an environment of high standards, clear ownership, and direct collaboration. We trust data over intuition, move with urgency, and hold each other accountable because winning requires it.Roadrunner exists to prove that LTL can be better than the industry has settled for. To be the best means we need to think bigger, look outside the box, and question every assumption: too many handoffs, limited visibility, and the quiet belief that “this is just how it works.” We rejected that story. We built a proprietary Smart Network for direct, long haul, metro to metro service that delivers fewer touches, faster transit, real time visibility, and genuine accountability. We are the most tech forward company in LTL, and we are not finished widening the gap.The foundation is already strong. Recognized as one of Built In Chicago’s Best Large Places to Work. Earning top marks for improvement, quality, and service. The real opportunity is still ahead: helping invent what comes next.If you want to be evaluated among the Best of the Best and help set the new standard in LTL, we should talk. #J-18808-Ljbffr Roadrunner