Operations Manager, Dedicated Fleet

The Dedicated Fleet Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a local asset-based fleet of 100+ drivers supporting manufacturing inbound transportation needs in a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation. This role leads driver operations, coordinates dispatch execution and equipment availability, and aligns fleet capacity with customer production schedules. The manager is accountable for safe, reliable service, driver engagement, staffing coverage, asset utilization, operating cost control, and continuous improvement. The position partners with customers, maintenance, safety, Human Resources, and internal leadership to resolve operational issues and maintain consistent execution across all shifts. Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Manage daily operations for a local fleet of 100+ drivers, maintaining safe, reliable inbound transportation service for manufacturing customers across all shifts. Plan driver staffing, schedules, time-off coverage, and contingency resources to support a 24/7 operation and changes in production demand. Direct dispatch priorities and driver assignments to meet pickup schedules, transit times, and time-sensitive manufacturing requirements. Monitor shipments and service exceptions; coordinate recovery plans for delays, call-offs, equipment failures, and urgent requests to minimize production disruption. Balance driver capacity, tractors, trailers, and workload to improve asset utilization, reduce unproductive time, and maintain dependable coverage. Review fleet KPIs, including on-time pickup and delivery, driver availability, equipment utilization, overtime, and operating costs; implement corrective actions for gaps. Set clear driver expectations; provide coaching and recognition; and address attendance, conduct, and performance concerns with Human Resources and leadership. Partner with recruiting, safety, and training teams on driver hiring, onboarding, development, and retention; align staffing plans with operational needs. Ensure accurate, timely transportation records, system updates, delivery documentation, and driver time and payroll information; resolve discrepancies with support teams. Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and replacement equipment with maintenance teams; ensure out-of-service or restricted assets are not assigned until cleared. Serve as the primary fleet operations contact for customers and internal partners, communicating service status, capacity constraints, and recovery actions promptly. Partner with safety and leadership to reinforce applicable transportation requirements and company policies, address unsafe conditions, and investigate incidents and service failures. Establish consistent shift-start communication, handoffs, and after-hours escalation coverage for open loads, staffing gaps, equipment restrictions, and customer concerns. Manage controllable fleet expenses, review cost and productivity trends, and improve standard work, route execution, service reliability, and customer satisfaction. Maintain contingency plans for peak demand and operational disruptions; coordinate cross-functional response and follow through on root causes and preventive actions Required Qualifications: Experience in fleet operations, transportation, or logistics, including responsibility for driver supervision, dispatch coordination, and daily service execution. Demonstrated ability to lead a large driver workforce, manage staffing across multiple shifts, coach employees, and hold teams accountable to established expectations. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to coordinate effectively with drivers, dispatchers, manufacturing customers, maintenance, and leadership. Ability to prioritize competing demands, make timely operating decisions, and resolve service disruptions in a fast-paced, round-the-clock environment. Proficiency with standard computer applications and the ability to use transportation, dispatch, tracking, and f…

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