Transportation Manager

The Transportation Manager is responsible for developing and executing transportation strategies that ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of goods throughout the supply chain. This role oversees carrier management, freight procurement, transportation compliance, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives while partnering with internal stakeholders and third-party providers to optimize service levels, control costs, and support business objectives. The Transportation Manager is an individual contributor role reporting to the Procurement Director and leads transportation operations, monitors carrier performance, and ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory and safety requirements.

• Leading and managing all transportation operations to ensure the safe, timely, and cost-effective movement of products throughout our network.
• Managing the strategic flow of freight across the transportation network to maximize efficiency, improve service levels, and reduce overall transportation costs.
• Working with the Procurement Director to provide the most efficient transportation solutions for our internal and external customers through strategic and effective planning.
• Procuring and managing third-party transportation and logistics services, including carrier selection, performance management, and contract administration.

• Negotiating carrier agreements and service contracts, while utilizing effective communication and problem-solving skills to resolve transportation issues and maintain strong carrier relationships.
• Ensuring compliance with DOT regulations and transportation-related safety requirements, including training and educating employees on applicable regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Managing transportation budgets, freight spending, and invoice review processes to ensure financial accountability and cost control.
• Identifying and addressing inefficient processes, procedures, and operational deficiencies, while leading continuous improvement initiatives that enhance transportation performance and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of transportation purchasing and management experience.
• Understanding of all areas of the supply chain, budgets, and financial controls, and transportation.
• Strong understanding of LTL and dry van freight market.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently, collaborate across all organizational levels, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong knowledge of FMCSA, DOT, and transportation industry regulations.
• Ability to work independently and with all levels of the organization.
• Available to be reached after hours for operational situations.
• Ability for domestic travel to plant locations as needed (10% or less of work time).
• Experience negotiating transportation contracts and managing carrier relationships.
• Experience with carrier qualification and compliance processes.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Power BI, and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).