Transportation Manager

Responsible for the overall leadership and day-to-day operations of the Transportation Department, including MHF Driver and Freight operations. Ensuring customer needs are met through safe, reliable, efficient, and on-time service.

Provides leadership through clear communication, accountability, employee development, proactive problem-solving, and follow-through. The Transportation Manager is expected to take ownership of the operation and ensure the team consistently delivers results.

Reports directly to the Operations Manager. Directly supervises Transportation leadership, including the Dispatch Supervisor, Dispatchers, Freight, and other assigned Transportation personnel. Works closely with Safety to ensure DOT and company safety expectations are met. Coordinates loading and operational needs with the Warehouse Manager and fleet/equipment needs with the Shop Manager. Works collaboratively with OTR and other departments to support the overall operation.

• Leads the Transportation Department in alignment with the company’s core values of Collaboration, Curiosity, Ownership, Humility, and Integrity.
• Maintains overall ownership and accountability for MHF Driver and Freight operations.
• Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and development to Transportation supervisors, dispatchers, and professional drivers.
• Establishes clear expectations and holds the Transportation team accountable for performance, behavior, communication, and results.
• Maintains clear and timely communication with employees, leadership, internal departments, customers, vendors, and outside partners.
• Proactively identifies operational challenges, develops solutions, communicates action plans, and follows issues through resolution.
• In charge of recruitment, interviewing, hiring, orientation, training, development, and retention of Transportation employees.
• Ensures appropriate staffing and scheduling to support daily routes, Freight operations, and future business needs.
• Monitors and maintains a high level of on-time delivery, reliability, service, and customer satisfaction.
• Manages and analyzes key Transportation performance indicators and takes corrective action when expectations are not being achieved.
• Ensure Transportation leaders understand their responsibilities and are held accountable for managing their respective areas and employees.
• Responsible for departmental financial performance, including labor, overtime, Freight costs, equipment needs, and other controllable expenses.
• Reviews department expenses and financial performance and communicates significant variances to senior leadership.
• Evaluates equipment needs and makes recommendations based on current and future operational requirements.
• Reviews and approves driver payroll as required.
• Partners with Safety to maintain DOT, regulatory, and company safety compliance, including Hours of Service, driver qualifications, required inspections, accident/incident investigations, and employee training.
• Ensures corrective actions resulting from safety incidents, performance issues, or operational concerns are implemented and followed through.
• Works closely with the Shop Manager regarding tractor and trailer availability, maintenance priorities, repairs, and equipment needs.
• Works closely with Warehouse leadership regarding route readiness, loading priorities, dispatch schedules, and operational changes.
• Works collaboratively with OTR and other departments to resolve issues and support company-wide operational goals.
• Maintains a strong understanding of the daily operation and anticipates staffing, equipment, service, and operational needs before they become larger issues.
• Develops leaders within the Transportation Department and promotes a culture of ownership, accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.

EDUCATION:

High school graduate or equivalent required. Degree in Logistics, Transportation, Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred. Minimum of four years of Transportation or Logistics experience is preferred. Previous management experience in food service, grocery distribution, or a similar operation preferred. Completes ongoing management education and professional development through internal and external sources as required.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE:

Ability to learn and utilize computer programs and Transportation systems to advance the operational performance of the department. Ability to coach employees in the effective use of required programs and systems. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Strong understanding of Transportation operations, DOT requirements, driver management, routing, fleet coordination, and operational performance metrics.

LANGUAGE

SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with employees, leadership, customers, vendors, and…