Job Description
Assistant Manager Transport - Job Description
Position Summary
The Assistant Transport Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing comprehensive transportation operations, managing complex logistics networks, and driving operational excellence across all transport functions. This position requires extensive industry expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to optimize transportation systems while ensuring regulatory compliance and cost efficiency.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Transportation Management
Develop and implement comprehensive transportation strategies that align with organizational goals and market demands. Conduct thorough analysis of transportation networks, identifying opportunities for route optimization, modal selection, and capacity utilization improvements. Lead strategic initiatives for expanding transportation capabilities, entering new markets, or consolidating operations. Create long-term transportation plans that anticipate business growth, seasonal fluctuations, and industry changes.
Operations Leadership and Oversight
Direct day-to-day transportation operations across multiple channels including inbound/outbound logistics, distribution, and specialized transport requirements. Oversee fleet management activities including vehicle acquisition, maintenance scheduling, replacement planning, and utilization optimization. Manage transportation control centers, dispatch operations, and real-time monitoring systems. Coordinate with warehouse operations, production scheduling, and customer service teams to ensure seamless logistics integration.
Development
Establish clear performance metrics, conduct regular performance reviews, and implement professional development programs. Create cross-training initiatives to build operational flexibility and succession planning. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all transportation functions.
Vendor and Carrier Management
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with transportation partners including common carriers, specialized haulers, intermodal providers, and third-party logistics companies. Negotiate complex transportation contracts covering rates, service levels, capacity commitments, and performance standards. Conduct carrier evaluations, qualification processes, and ongoing performance monitoring. Manage carrier scorecards and implement continuous improvement initiatives with key partners.
Financial Planning and Cost Management
Develop comprehensive transportation budgets covering operational expenses, capital investments, and strategic initiatives. Implement cost control measures while maintaining service quality standards. Conduct regular financial analysis of transportation operations including cost-per-mile, cost-per-shipment, and productivity metrics. Lead cost reduction initiatives through process optimization, technology implementation, and operational efficiency improvements.
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
Ensure full compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and state/local transportation laws. Maintain current knowledge of regulatory changes and implement necessary operational adjustments. Manage transportation insurance programs, claims processing, and risk mitigation strategies. Oversee driver qualification programs, hours-of-service compliance, and vehicle inspection procedures.
Technology and Systems Management
Oversee implementation and optimization of transportation management systems (TMS), fleet management software, and tracking technologies. Evaluate emerging technologies including telematics, GPS tracking, electronic logging devices (ELD), and automated routing systems. Lead digital transformation initiatives to improve operational visibility, customer communication, and data-driven decision making.
Customer Service and Stakeholder Relations
Ensure transportation operations meet or exceed customer service expectations for on-time delivery, shipment visibility, and issue resolution. Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for service quality measurement and continuous improvement. Manage escalated customer issues and implement corrective action plans. Collaborate with sales, customer service, and operations teams to support business development initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree.
Minimum 7-10 Years Of Progressive Experience In Transportation Operations
Industry Experience
Experience in specific industry verticals such as manufacturing, retail distribution, automotive, chemicals, or specialized commodities. Background in both asset-based and non-asset transportation models. International transportation and customs compliance experience valued. Experience with union environments and collective bargaining processes beneficial.
Advanced Skills
Proficiency with advanced analytics, machine learning applications in logistics, or transportation optimization algorithms. Experience with sustainability initiatives, alternative fuel programs, or environmental compliance beyond standard requirements. Knowledge of emerging technologies including autonomous vehicles, blockchain applications, or Internet of Things (IoT) implementations in transportation.
Key Performance Indicators
Operational Metrics
On-time delivery performance consistently above 95%, cost-per-mile optimization achieving annual targets, fleet utilization rates exceeding 85%, and safety metrics including accident frequency rates below industry benchmarks.
Financial Performance
Transportation cost as percentage of revenue meeting budgetary goals, successful contract negotiations achieving cost savings targets, and accurate budget forecasting with variance control within established parameters.
Team Development
Employee retention rates above industry standards, successful completion of individual development plans, and promotion of internal candidates to leadership positions demonstrating succession planning effectiveness.
Reporting Structure
This position typically reports to the Manager of operation
