Operations Manager - Transportation (Supply Chain/Logistics)

Job Title: Operations Manager Transportation (Supply Chain/Logistics)

Location: Columbus, OH



Schedule: Monday Friday, approximately 6:30 AM 4:30 PM; hours may vary based on business needs



Salary Range: $85,600 $115,600 + performance-based bonus

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead transportation and logistics operations in a fast-paced environment. This role will oversee supervisors, associates, and Class A CDL drivers while ensuring customer requirements, operational goals, financial targets, and safety standards are consistently achieved.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in transportation management, DOT-regulated operations, team leadership, performance metrics, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership

• Lead, train, develop, and retain supervisors and associates.

• Ensure employees are properly trained, competent, and aligned with customer and operational objectives.

• Establish effective two-way communication and recognize team performance.

• Build strong relationships with employees, customers, and internal support teams.

• Provide coaching and development to improve individual and team performance.

Transportation & Operations

• Oversee daily transportation operations and a team of Class A CDL drivers.

• Meet or exceed customer KPIs and operational objectives.

• Maintain regular communication with customers to understand current and emerging needs.

• Drive improvements in route optimization, carrier selection, backhaul utilization, trailer loading, and delivery performance.

• Monitor driver tracking, Hours of Service (HOS), routes, and on-time delivery performance.

• Conduct data audits and field observations to identify operational opportunities.

• Collaborate with other locations to share best practices and optimize resources.

Financial Management

• Develop and execute annual financial and operating plans.

• Manage the operation to meet or exceed business plan and financial targets.

• Monitor operating metrics and P&L performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.

• Ensure customer billing, payroll, payables, and intercompany charges are accurate and completed on time.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture through leadership by example.

• Ensure compliance with applicable DOT regulations and other regulatory requirements.

• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce accidents and injuries.

• Conduct safety observations and provide positive coaching.

• Identify and correct unsafe conditions, processes, and behaviors.

• Ensure employees understand their safety responsibilities and operational expectations.

Customer Experience & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, service quality, and operational efficiency.

• Track and demonstrate value delivered to customers.

• Identify opportunities for profitable business growth.

• Use operational metrics to maximize customer efficiency and achieve cost savings.

• Maintain strong customer relationships and respond quickly to changing business needs.

Fleet & Equipment

• Improve fleet and equipment utilization, maintenance availability, and fuel efficiency.

• Support equipment specifications during new-site start-ups and equipment renewals.

• Develop effective relationships with equipment vendors and transportation support teams.

• Complete additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 4 6 years of relevant transportation, logistics, or operations experience.

• 3+ years of managerial or supervisory experience in a DOT-regulated environment.

• Experience managing transportation operations and Class A CDL drivers.

• Proven experience leading mid-size to large teams and managing other leaders.

• Strong knowledge of DOT regulations and transportation compliance.

• Demonstrated experience with operational metrics, driver performance, and continuous improvement.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

• Strong financial management and operating-plan experience.

• Ability to analyze problems, make independent decisions, and implement solutions.

• Strong organizational, time-management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to build relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong sense of ownership, urgency, accountability, and follow-through.

• Ability to lead change and drive process improvements.

• Strong presentation and active-listening skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with driver tracking and transportation management systems.

• Knowledge of Hours of Service (HOS) requirements.

• Experience managing route optimization and on-time delivery.

• Experience with fleet and equipment management.

• Experience using operational data and KPIs to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work the required schedule and maintain reliable attendance.

• Willingness to travel as needed.

• Ability to work at the designated operational location.

• Successful completion of applicable background screening and drug screening.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to read, communicate verbally and in writing, analyze information, and understand and follow instructions.

The individual may be required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods and frequently use their hands to handle materials and equipment. The ability to occasionally lift or move items weighing up to approximately 25 lbs. is required. Specific visual abilities may include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Equal Opportunity Employer