Director Operations Manager Jobs in Edwardsville, IL

This position is based on-site at our Des Peres, Missouri headquarters.

The Director, Operations provides strategic leadership for UniGroup's transportation and logistics network, helping ensure efficient capacity planning, resource utilization, and service execution across multiple product lines. This role plays a key part in optimizing transportation capacity, strengthening our Contract Truckman (CT) network, and supporting the continued growth of our Express and transportation services. 

Success in this role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on operational leadership. The Director partners closely with agents, Contract Truckmen, customers, and internal teams to improve network performance, increase profitability, solve complex transportation challenges, and deliver exceptional service.

• Lead transportation operations across multiple product lines, ensuring efficient capacity planning, resource utilization, and service execution.
• Develop and execute strategies that optimize transportation capacity and maximize fleet and Contract Truckman utilization.
• Partner with agents, Contract Truckmen, customers, and internal stakeholders to strengthen relationships and support business growth.
• Monitor transportation volume, market capacity, and operational performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Drive operational excellence through process improvements, technology enhancements, and best practice development.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, and business leaders to align transportation capabilities with customer needs and growth objectives.
• Support initiatives focused on Contract Truckman recruitment, retention, and network development.
• Evaluate financial and operational performance metrics to improve efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and contractual requirements.
• Manage departmental budgets, expenses, and operational resources.
• Prepare and present operational updates, performance metrics, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support additional projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Eight or more years of transportation, logistics, fleet operations, or related industry experience.
• Five or more years of leadership experience with responsibility for managing teams and driving operational results.
• Strong understanding of transportation operations, capacity management, and network optimization.
• Experience analyzing operational and financial performance metrics to drive business decisions.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience supporting transportation networks that utilize owner-operators, independent contractors, carriers, or Contract Truckmen.
• Truckload (TL), transportation brokerage, fleet operations, or logistics management experience. 
• Experience utilizing transportation load boards, carrier sourcing strategies, or capacity management tools. 
• Experience leading operational transformation, network optimization, or growth initiatives.
• Familiarity with household goods, moving, transportation, or logistics industries.
• Experience presenting business recommendations and operational updates to executive leadership.

Top performers in this role tend to be:

• Strategic leaders who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational demands.
• Transportation professionals who understand how to optimize capacity, utilization, and profitability.
• Relationship-builders who establish trust with agents, Contract Truckmen, customers, and internal stakeholders.
• Results-oriented leaders who use data and operational insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Problem-solvers who can navigate complex transportation challenges and identify practical solutions.
• Adaptable professionals who thrive in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
• Hands-on leaders who enjoy working closely with their teams and understanding the details behind operational performance. 

UniGroup is a transportation cooperative that owns and supports the United Van Lines and Mayflower brands. We partner with a nationwide network of agents and van operators to deliver household goods, specialty logistics, and transportation services across the United States and internationally. Our cooperative model emphasizes collaboration, shared success, and long-term relationships with our agents, customers, and employees.

UniGroup offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellness resources

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. UniGroup is unable to provide visa sponsorship or employment authorization support now or in the future.