Manager of 3rd Party Transportation Operations
3 days ago
Orange
Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager of 3rd Party Transportation Operations to build, lead, and scale our company’s 3rd Party trucking division. This leader will be responsible for transitioning our current third-party brokered freight model to a direct-contracting model with independent owner-operators, optimizing cost, service levels, and compliance. This role will be critical in designing the operational infrastructure, recruiting drivers, and developing all supporting processes to ensure a seamless and cost-effective in-house transportation network. Work Hours: Monday to Friday from 08:00 AM to 06:30 PM, 2 Saturday(s) a month from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM Seniority Level: Mid-Senior Level Employment Type: Full-time Compensation: This salaried, exempt position pays from $95,000 to $120,000 per year. The estimated annual pay for new hires generally ranges from $95,000 to $120,000 or more, depending on experience, education level and annual bonuses. To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to complete the following essential duties and responsibilities: • Develop and implement the strategic roadmap for launching an in-house transportation division., • Lead the transition from a third-party broker model to direct engagement with independent owner-operators., • Design the organizational structure, hire key personnel, and oversee daily transportation operations., • Build and manage driver recruitment programs to attract and retain qualified independent owner-operators., • Establish driver agreements, pricing models, and compliance standards to govern owner-operator partnerships., • Ensure all transportation activities meet DOT, FMCSA, and internal safety compliance requirements., • Implement systems for dispatching, scheduling, tracking, and performance monitoring of carrier operations., • Manage transportation budgets, monitor KPIs, and drive ongoing process improvements., • Collaborate with logistics, sales, and customer service teams to align transportation with business goals., • Oversee deployment of transportation technologies, including TMS platforms, driver portals, and ELD systems., • Negotiate and manage vendor agreements for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and other fleet support services., • Seven (7) plus years of experience in transportation, logistics, or fleet management, with significant exposure to working with independent owner-operators., • Proven track record of building or scaling in-house trucking operations., • Strong understanding of DOT regulations, carrier compliance, driver onboarding, and transportation insurance., • Previous experience managing both flatbed and dry van freight preferred., • Experience using third-party TMS and load board platforms such as DAT, Truckstop.com, or similar tools to manage driver networks, load postings, and freight matching., • Exceptional leadership, project management, and change management skills., • Excellent negotiation and relationship management abilities., • Proficient in transportation management systems (TMS), dispatch software, and ELD platforms., • Strong financial acumen with experience managing transportation budgets and vendor contracts., • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field preferred., • Experience transitioning from brokered freight to in-house trucking operations preferred., • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions., • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with their hands and arms; and communicate verbally. The employee frequently walks, stands and occasionally sits., • The employee must regularly lift, pull and move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 70lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision., • This is a safety-sensitive position. Benefits: MSI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: • Referral, Holiday, and Annual Bonuses, • Annual pay increases, • Paid Time Off, • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, • Company-paid Short Term and Long Term disability, • Company-paid Life Insurance, • Tuition Reimbursement, • Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with company matching contributions, • Charitable donation matching programs, • Free, company-sponsored 1-on-1 tutoring for children/dependents of MSI employees in grades k-12, including free tutoring for SAT and ACT tests About MSI: Founded in 1975, MSI is a leading supplier of ___, ___, ___ and ___ surfaces products in North America. Headquartered in Orange, California, MSI also maintains over 50 state-of-the-art showroom and distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada. MSI's product line includes an extensive offering of ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___ and ___ imported from over 36 countries on six continents. Over the years, MSI has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including: • Top 5 fastest growing companies - OC Business Journal, • Supplier Diversity Award - Home Depot, • #1 Flooring Distributor multiple years in a row - Floor Covering Weekly, • Top Workplaces Award winner multiple times - Top Workplaces