Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Markham, IL

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and scale a national LTL/PTL transportation and cross-dock operation across multiple terminals and operational teams.

The COO will be responsible for end-to-end operational execution, network performance, service reliability, operational profitability, safety, and organizational scalability. This executive will oversee daily operations across linehaul, pickup and delivery, cross-dock operations, fleet coordination, dispatch, network planning, and operational performance management.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operational leader with a proven track record of scaling asset-based transportation companies through disciplined execution, strong leadership, modern management systems, and data-driven decision-making.

Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership

• Lead nationwide LTL/PTL operations across multiple terminals and operational teams.

• Oversee:

  • Pickup & Delivery Operations

  • PTL Linehaul Operations

  • Cross-Dock Operations

  • Dispatch & Route Planning

  • Fleet Coordination

  • Network Performance

  • Service Recovery & Exception Management

• Drive operational excellence across safety, service, equipment utilization, and profitability.

• Develop scalable operational systems, SOPs, performance standards, and accountability frameworks.

Network & Service Management

• Optimize terminal-to-terminal network performance.

• Improve transit times, dock productivity, and route efficiency.

• Enhance customer service levels and operational reliability.

• Reduce empty miles, detention, claims, and operational waste.

• Partner with Commercial and Finance teams to maximize network efficiency and contribution margins.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead regional operations leaders, terminal managers, dispatch teams, and operational managers.

• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Mentor and develop future operational leaders.

• Align operational teams around standardized operating processes and performance expectations.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across:

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

  • Dispatch Systems

  • KPI Dashboards

  • Operational Analytics

  • Automation Projects

• Collaborate with IT and Data teams to improve operational visibility and reporting.

• Establish KPI governance and data-driven operational management.

Financial & Performance Management

• Own and improve key operational metrics, including:

  • Operating Ratio (OR)

  • Contribution Margin

  • On-Time Pickup & Delivery

  • Dock Productivity

  • Fleet Utilization

  • Cost per Mile

  • Claims Ratio

  • Driver Productivity

• Support operational budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and network expansion initiatives.

• Drive profitability through operational efficiency and disciplined execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Transportation, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within transportation or logistics operations.

• Extensive experience with:

  • Less-than-Truckload (LTL) Operations

  • Partial Truckload (PTL)

  • Cross-Dock Networks

  • Asset-Based Transportation

  • Multi-Terminal Operations

• Experience leading large dispatch, fleet, and operational teams.

• Strong understanding of transportation finance, operational KPIs, and cost management.

• Proven success in building scalable transportation operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience scaling regional or national transportation networks.

• Experience implementing or optimizing TMS and ERP systems.

• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, or modern operational management methodologies.

• Experience with Agile, POD, or decentralized operational structures is a plus.

• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and operational problem-solving skills.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong ownership and accountability.

• Build scalable systems and sustainable operational processes.

• Lead through execution, coaching, and performance management.

• Balance strategic vision with operational excellence.

• Thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

• Drive organizational change while maintaining service excellence.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Improved Operating Ratio (OR)

• Increased operational profitability

• Higher on-time pickup and delivery performance

• Enhanced customer satisfaction and retention

• Improved dock productivity and fleet utilization

• Reduced claims, detention, and cost per mile

• Scalable multi-terminal operational performance

• Strong leadership development and organizational accountability

• Continuous operational improvement through data-driven decision-making

\nCompany Description

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.

We’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.

Our Services
W3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.

We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.

We are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.

Our Expertise
W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.

As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Company Description

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.\r\n\r\nWe’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.\r\n\r\nOur Services\r\nW3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.\r\n\r\nWe specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.\r\n\r\nWe are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.\r\n\r\nOur Expertise\r\nW3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.\r\n\r\nAs a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.