Sotalent

Manager, Transportation

Position Overview

An opportunity is available for a Transportation Manager to oversee transportation operations, including driver management, dispatch, routing, delivery planning, fleet coordination, and regulatory compliance.

The role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, timely, and cost-effective transportation services while working closely with warehouse operations, maintenance, customer service, vendors, and other business functions.

Key Responsibilities

Transportation Operations

• Manage transportation operations, including dispatch, routing, delivery planning, backhauls, and third-party transportation services.
• Plan and coordinate deliveries to maximize driver and equipment utilization while reducing mileage and operating costs.
• Oversee dispatch schedules and resolve operational issues affecting deliveries.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure transportation activities support customer and business requirements.
• Negotiate rates with third-party carriers and contract drivers when required.

Fleet & Driver Management

• Oversee driver scheduling, performance, training, and operational compliance.
• Monitor vehicle and equipment availability, utilization, maintenance, and fuel efficiency.
• Partner with maintenance teams to ensure preventative maintenance, inspections, and repairs are completed on schedule.
• Address equipment breakdowns and other operational issues as needed.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable DOT, CSA, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Oversee compliance with hours-of-service, trip reporting, driver records, and transportation documentation.
• Investigate and address accidents, injuries, safety incidents, and other compliance issues.
• Promote safety programs and security awareness across transportation operations.

Performance & Cost Management

• Analyze transportation performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Develop and maintain reporting covering metrics such as cost per mile, operating ratios, driver and equipment utilization, delivery performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage transportation operating budgets and contribute to capital planning and cost-control initiatives.
• Monitor fuel efficiency, equipment utilization, productivity, and overall operating performance.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.

Leadership & Team Development

• Manage transportation personnel, including staffing, training, performance management, and career development.
• Establish department goals and monitor performance against operational objectives.
• Maintain effective working relationships with warehouse leadership, customers, vendors, and third-party transportation providers.
• Where applicable, support labor relations, union contract administration, and grievance processes.

Process & Compliance Improvement

• Develop and maintain transportation policies, procedures, and processes.
• Stay current with transportation regulations, industry trends, technology, and best practices.
• Recommend operational improvements to enhance efficiency, service quality, and compliance.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate degree in Logistics, Transportation, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; bachelor's degree preferred. Equivalent education and experience may also be considered.
• At least 5 years of transportation planning, logistics, or dispatch experience.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of transportation operations, including dispatch, routing, backhauls, contract carriers, Bills of Lading, manifests, and related processes.
• Experience with transportation management and onboard technology systems; experience with Cadec or Omnitracs is preferred.
• Knowledge of DOT/CSA, OSHA, and transportation safety and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, and business skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work across departments and with vendors and third-party service providers in a time-sensitive environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and participate in an on-call rotation when required.
• Ability to travel up to 5% as needed.

Additional Requirements

• The position operates primarily Monday through Friday, with flexibility required to address operational issues outside standard hours.
• The role involves working in a warehouse and transportation environment and may require periods of standing, walking, bending, lifting, and other physical activity.
• Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.