Hybrid Manager, Startup Transportation

Posted 2 weeks ago

Apply now

About the role

  • Transportation & Dock Startup Manager leading dock, yard, and transportation operations during new warehouse launches. Overseeing performance, processes, and staffing for operational readiness and compliance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead all preparations for dock, yard, and transportation execution, including trailer flow design, staging plans, pre-receiving workflows, shipping lanes, returns processes, and carrier readiness.
  • Coordinate with Engineering and Start-Up teams on SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) for dock equipment, yard systems, yard tractors, sensors, and automation supporting dock-level operations.
  • Ensure all dock-related 5S work, signage, safety barriers, trailer restraints, and traffic plans are completed before go-live.
  • Onboard and validate all transportation and dock vendors, including carriers, yard management services, and MHE providers.
  • Serve as the on-site leader for dock, yard, and transportation execution, directing daily operations during ramp-up.
  • Manage and deploy ~100 hourly associates (dock workers, yard spotters, clerks, and transportation support roles).
  • Oversee inbound and outbound trailer movement, live vs. drop prioritization, pre-receiving planning, dispatch readiness, returns handling, and value-added services.
  • Validate WMS/WES transaction accuracy for trailer check-in/out, load closures, yard map movements, and dock-door assignments.
  • Monitor dock cycle times, unload/load pacing, transportation service levels, and carrier compliance.
  • Troubleshoot operational and system issues in real time to stabilize performance.
  • Drive key execution metrics including trailer turn-time, on-time shipping, dock-to-stock times, yard accuracy, shrink, and cost per unit.
  • Partner with automation and technology teams to integrate robotics/AI tools into dock workflows and to ensure systems remain operational during launch.
  • Identify waste and inefficiencies, implementing Lean practices, standard work, and corrective action plans to improve throughput.
  • Conduct structured root-cause analyses on delays, bottlenecks, carrier issues, or yard misalignments.
  • Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors and leads who oversee dock and yard associates.
  • Ensure all personnel achieve certification in standard work, MHE, safety, and dock processes.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and high performance at the launch site.
  • Coordinate closely with maintenance, robotics engineering, IT, safety, HR, customer service, and supply chain teams to ensure all transportation and dock operations support broader building needs.
  • Partner with carriers and transportation providers to resolve issues and align on service expectations.
  • Maintain dock and transportation budget discipline across labor, equipment, consumables, and yard operations.
  • Ensure full compliance with OSHA, DOT, environmental regulations, and company safety policies.
  • Prepare and present transportation and dock performance reports, KPI dashboards, and launch-readiness updates to senior leadership.

Requirements

  • High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in dock, yard, or transportation operations within a warehouse or distribution center environment.
  • Experience managing inbound and outbound dock activities, trailer flow, yard operations, or carrier coordination.
  • Exposure to transportation systems, yard management systems (YMS), WMS, or dock-level automation preferred.
  • Experience leading large hourly teams across multiple shifts in fast-paced environments.
  • Strong understanding of dock safety, yard traffic flow, and transportation compliance requirements.
  • Ability to manage labor, productivity, service levels, and safety performance.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to react quickly to delays, disruptions, or system issues.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and operational reporting tools.
  • Comfortable working in physically demanding environments, including prolonged standing, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Flexibility to travel extensively and work non-standard schedules during site launches.

Benefits

  • medical
  • dental
  • vision
  • disability
  • 401K
  • PTO

Job title

Manager, Startup Transportation

Job type

Experience level

Mid levelSenior

Salary

$95,000 - $131,000 per year

Degree requirement

High School Diploma

Tech skills

Location requirements

Report this job

See something inaccurate? Let us know and we'll update the listing.

Report job