Manager of Logistics & Transportation

Manager of Logistics \& Transportation (Cold Chain, Fleet, Routing, DOT Compliance)

Role purpose

Own end-to-end cold-chain transportation across last-mile, middle-mile, and/or multi-stop distribution: routing \+ dispatch, fleet \& reefer reliability, driver performance, DOT compliance, admin rigor, and customer service outcomes—with a bias toward same-day execution and measurable cost control.

This leader builds the system: standards, training, audits, scorecards, and accountability that keep vehicles moving, product safe, and service consistent.

Job Responsibilities:

1) Routing, dispatch, and daily execution

• Build and run daily/weekly route plans, balancing service windows, capacity, staffing, and cold-chain constraints.
• Lead dispatch cadence: cutoffs, staging, loadout sequencing, departure discipline, and exception handling.
• Implement route optimization and performance management using data (late drivers, route drift, missed scans, failed temps).

2) Fleet ownership (refrigerated vehicles \+ material handling assets)

• Own fleet readiness: AM schedules, inspections, vendor coordination, tire/brake programs, reefer maintenance, and breakdown response.
• Set standards for vehicle cleanliness, sanitation, and temperature performance; enforce pre-trip/post-trip routines.
• Manage fleet vendors (leasing, maintenance, telematics, reefer service) and hold them accountable to uptime SLAs.

3) DOT/FMCSA compliance (non-negotiable)

• Ensure compliance with DOT/FMCSA rules, including Hours of Service, log requirements (where applicable), and safety operating standards.
• Maintain driver qualification standards and documentation requirements (e.g., qualification rules, driver files).
• Lead safety training, corrective actions, and a culture of professional driving and safe yard behavior.

4) Food safety in transportation (FSMA Sanitary Transportation / cold chain)

• Implement and audit written procedures for temperature-controlled food transportation, including monitoring, corrective actions, and records.
• Ensure trailers/vehicles are sanitary, compatible with cargo, and cleaned between loads as required.

5) People leadership (drivers, dispatch, admin)

• Lead and develop drivers/dispatch/admin through coaching, evaluations, shift coverage planning, and performance plans—while sustaining morale and accountability.
• Create standardized training for new drivers/dispatchers and recurrent refreshers.

6) Admin Rigor

• Own transportation admin: schedules, timekeeping inputs, route documentation, incident reports, customer delivery exceptions, POD discipline.
• Maintain clean systems for: maintenance logs, asset inventory, fuel usage, tolls, claims, violations, and vendor invoices.

7) Cost, KPI, and continuous improvement

• Build KPI dashboards and weekly ops reviews: on-time %, route adherence, temp compliance, fleet uptime, cost/mile, cost/stop, claims rate, accidents, overtime, and missed deliveries.
• Drive continuous improvement projects (process, layout/loadout flow, routing logic, compliance controls).

Job Requirements:

• 5-10 years in transportation/logistics leadership; food distribution / meal logistics / cold chain strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership of drivers \+ dispatch \+ transportation admin.

Working mastery of:

• Route planning/optimization and multi-stop delivery operations.
• Fleet maintenance (ideally refrigerated vehicles), vendor management, and uptime discipline.
• DOT/FMCSA compliance culture and documentation, including HOS basics and driver qualification requirements.
• FSMA Sanitary Transportation / temperature control procedures and recordkeeping expectations.
• Strong operational writing: SOPs, training guides, corrective action documentation.
• Calm under pressure (bad weather, call-outs, breakdowns, hot loads)
• Data discipline (runs the business on scorecards, not vibes)