Manager of Logistics & Transportation
4 days ago
New York
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., • 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)