Transportation Manager

Why Work for Saddle Creek? Saddle Creek Logistics Services succeeds by promoting a diverse, friendly, and respectful teamwork environment. As a vital service provider, we not only make a difference in our community but offer our associates opportunities to enhance their skills, build meaningful careers and end each day with a sense of accomplishment. If you’re looking for a family-oriented company that lives by its values and offers competitive pay and benefits, join our team today. Note that if you are viewing this posting on an external job board (such as Indeed, LinkedIn,  ZipRecruiter, etc.), unless specifically stated in the posting, the provided salary  estimates  may not be accurate as they are not provided by Saddle Creek. Our recruiters look forward to speaking with you about your background, skills, and compensation requirements. Location: Harrisburg, NC Position Description The Transportation Manager will oversee all fleet operations based in Harrisburg, NC. This position is responsible for the successful day to day execution of the operational plans for fleet management of drivers and load dispatchers, including efficient route optimization, equipment utilization, safety and hours of service. This position will report to the Senior Manager of Transportation and provide flawless fulfillment of customer expectations and sales commitments, compliance with SCTI safety policy, delivering required ROI to shareholders in line with budgets and meeting the commitment SCTI extends to all associates to adhere to our Mission and Values. Responsibilities: Manage multiple Transportation Supervisors (Day/Night) Personally coach, train, and mentor direct reports to ensure personal growth and career development Ensure accuracy and viability of the operating plan, driver assignments and dispatching Assist with driver recruiting and retention by participating in ‘Meet and Greet’ sessions and having discussions with drivers regarding any concerns Develop a viable contingency plan in the event of absenteeism or last-minute additional business requirements Ensure maximum utilization of assets to streamline operating costs. Develop and support a Lean Six Sigma culture by creating projects that support and further the goal of streamlining efficiencies and reducing costs Customer Service – ensure 100% load coverage and deliver on-time service commitments; address issues and maintain proactive, direct communication with customers, the planning group, warehouse and senior management Work with sales and brokers to reduce empty miles by taking additional freight opportunities that support the department vision Coordinate quarterly business review with temp agencies and brokers to evaluate performance opportunities Ensure administrative accuracy related to billing, payroll and DOT requirements Maintain communication with all warehouses to ensure requests for service are timely Utilize systems to track driver performance and provide feedback related to performance in a timely manner Ensure drivers are communicated with in a positive and supportive manner Coordinate with other locations when necessary to ensure best options for eliminating empty miles Develop KPI’s to measure performance and coordinate necessary steps to ensure goals are met Provide daily feedback and communication to the Planning Group relating to previous and upcoming plans Assist the Director with every aspect of developing, managing, and controlling the fleet Share in full responsibility for P&L Strive for continuous improvement of overall fleet operations Qualifications Education/Experience Bachelor’s degree preferred (High School Diploma or GED Required) Minimum of 3-5 years of Transportation experience supervising drivers in a truckload or LTL environment Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to build credible relationships with customers, drivers and lead in a dynamic, fast-paced, hands-on environment and to build effective teams Demonstrated analytical ability, attention to detail, and strong computer skills preferably with transportation and warehouse management systems Ability to evaluate alternatives to make the best overall value decisions considering cost, customer expectations, driver needs and other factors Ability to function in a high-stress environment and solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists Exercise solid judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Must possess a proven record of taking initiative and responsibility, both individually and as a member of a team Act with a real time sense of urgency Possess the ability to learn and become an accomplished user in transportation management and other systems Possess the ability to write routine reports and correspondence in a professional manner Possess the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals Possess the ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or associates Must be able to multi-task and be detail oriented #LI-LB1 . Benefits: Benefits package including medical, dental, vision, HSA, and medical reimbursement Annual bonus eligibility 401(k) match Vacation and holiday pay Employee assistance and identity theft protection Career development and opportunity for internal promotions Tuition reimbursement for further education Company paid life insurance and short term disability Saddle Creek is an Equal Opportunity employer and an Affirmative Action employer, as required by law. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and existing associates and evaluate qualified candidates without regard to race, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, color, religious creed, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy, br