Manager Operational Excellence Jobs in Minnesota

Operations Manager

As an Operations Manager, you play a critical leadership role in driving the success of ATS Specialized by overseeing operational performance, leading high-performing teams, and ensuring exceptional service for customers and drivers. You are responsible for directing daily operations, optimizing fleet productivity, supporting employee development, and executing strategic initiatives that contribute to the overall success and growth of the business.

In this dynamic leadership position, you will partner with customers, drivers, and internal stakeholders to improve operational efficiency, solve complex challenges, and deliver results. You thrive in a fast-paced environment where strong decision-making, financial acumen, and people leadership are essential to success.

If you are a results-driven transportation professional who enjoys developing teams, improving processes, and leading operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Plan, direct, and oversee the operational functions of ATS Specialized while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, customer requirements, and business priorities.

Actively engage in customer relationships, business development efforts, pricing strategies, equipment purchasing decisions, and operational execution to support profitability and growth.

Monitor and analyze key performance indicators, productivity metrics, and operational data to maximize fleet utilization, efficiency, and financial performance.

Identify opportunities for improvement and develop actionable plans to enhance quality, efficiency, productivity, and operational effectiveness across the business.

Partner with Driver Managers to address drivers' personal, financial, productivity, training, and service needs while ensuring a positive driver experience and operational success.

Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational issues while minimizing disruptions to customers, drivers, and business operations.

Support Fleet Managers with DOT-regulated requirements including hours-of-service compliance, drug testing programs, safety initiatives, and other regulatory responsibilities.

Recruit, coach, develop, and retain talented team members through performance management, ongoing feedback, training, and career development opportunities.

Conduct performance evaluations, establish goals and expectations, recommend compensation actions, and provide guidance to help employees achieve individual and departmental objectives.

Assign, schedule, and review work to ensure appropriate staffing levels, balanced workloads, and consistent operational coverage.

Address performance concerns, facilitate coaching and corrective action processes, support employee engagement efforts, and participate in termination and exit interview processes when necessary.

Establish operational budgets, contribute to strategic planning efforts, and ensure departmental performance aligns with company goals and financial targets.

Create, update, and improve operational processes, tools, resources, and best practices to support scalability and operational excellence.

Ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, and organizational standards across the operation.

Consistently model ATS culture, values, and leadership competencies while fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable work environment.

Perform additional duties as assigned and provide leadership support outside normal business hours when business requirements arise.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Transportation, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 3-5 years of operational leadership experience within transportation, logistics, trucking, or a related industry.
• Strong understanding of commercial transportation operations, logistics, fleet management, and transportation principles.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, developing employees, and driving operational performance.
• Financially minded with the ability to analyze operational data, manage budgets, and make business-driven decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data to improve results.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer service mindset with experience responding to customer needs and resolving issues professionally.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Innovative thinker with the ability to contribute creative solutions and process improvements.
• Experience working with DOT regulations, driver management, and transportation compliance is preferred.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Willingness to travel occasionally, including infrequent overnight travel.

This position primarily operates in an office environment and requires frequent use of computers, keyboards, monitors, telephones, and communication technology. The role involves ongoing interaction with employees, drivers, customers, and business partners. Regular periods of sitting are required, along with occasional movement throughout the office. Position responsibilities may require availability outside of normal business hours and occasional travel based on business needs.