Manager, Transportation - Parts DC

Manager, Transportation

The Manager, Transportation is responsible for leading the daily transportation operations for a high-volume parts distribution center. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of inbound and outbound freight while delivering exceptional service to customers and internal stakeholders. The Manager oversees transportation personnel, third-party carriers, routing, scheduling, and regulatory compliance to achieve on-time delivery performance, maximize fleet and carrier utilization, and support overall distribution center objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise daily transportation operations, including inbound and outbound shipments, routing, scheduling, dispatch, and carrier performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop transportation coordinators, drivers (if applicable), and other transportation personnel to achieve operational excellence.
• Monitor daily transportation metrics including on-time delivery, freight costs, carrier performance, equipment utilization, and customer service levels.
• Ensure all transportation activities comply with DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, company safety policies, and other applicable regulations.
• Partner with warehouse, inventory, customer service, procurement, and supply chain teams to coordinate shipping priorities and resolve transportation issues.
• Manage relationships with third-party logistics providers and freight carriers, ensuring service level agreements are met.
• Identify opportunities to optimize routes, improve trailer utilization, reduce freight expenses, and increase transportation efficiency.
• Investigate shipping delays, service failures, freight claims, and customer issues while implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate transportation documentation, including bills of lading, shipping records, freight invoices, and regulatory documentation.
• Monitor transportation budgets and support cost reduction initiatives while maintaining service expectations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through Lean principles, process standardization, and operational excellence programs.
• Maintain staffing plans, scheduling, training, and performance management for transportation team members.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, inspections, and audits to promote a culture of safety and compliance.
• Participate in peak season planning, contingency planning, and business continuity efforts.
• Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP systems, and reporting tools to manage transportation operations.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of inventory control or warehouse experience, preferably in a distribution center.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience in a high-volume distribution center or parts distribution environment preferred.
• Experience managing third-party carriers and freight providers.
• Experience with transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) preferred.
• Strong understanding of transportation operations, routing, freight management, and carrier performance.
• Knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and transportation compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with ERP, TMS, and WMS platforms.
• Ability to analyze transportation metrics and implement data-driven improvements.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the distribution center.
• Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and climb as required.
• Ability to operate warehouse equipment after appropriate training, if required.

Compensation: This is a salaried exempt role. The starting salary range for this role and market is between $89K - $117K annually. Factors that may affect starting salary include geography/market and the skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. Employees in this role are also eligible for a 10% annual bonus in accordance with the terms of the Company's applicable plan.

Employees in this role are not eligible for overtime.

Benefits: Subject to applicable eligibility requirements, the following benefits are offered for this role: tuition reimbursement; medical, dental, and vision insurance; prescription drug coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; short-term disability insurance; 8 weeks paid birthing leave; 2 weeks paid bonding leave; life and long-term disability insurance.

Depending on date of hire, and subject to applicable eligibility requirements, new…