Senior Operations Manager

Senior Operations Manager – Transportation & LogisticsLocation: Hopewell Junction, NY, with additional location options in Covington, PA; Newburgh, NY; Swedesboro, NJ; and Glen Burnie (Baltimore area), MDWork Arrangement: On-site in Hopewell Junction, NY, 2–3 days per weekEmployment Type: Full-Time, Direct HirePosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager – Transportation & Logistics to lead a complex, multi-site transportation operation supporting major automotive and manufacturing customers. This leadership role is responsible for operational performance, customer relationships, financial results, leadership development, safety, and continuous improvement across multiple locations.The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in transportation, logistics, dedicated fleetoperations, or third-party logistics (3PL), along with demonstrated success managing multiple locations, developing operations leaders, improving service performance, and driving financial accountability.This position requires a hands-on leader who can establish operational consistency, strengthen customer confidence, improve KPI accuracy, and implement sustainable processes across a geographically dispersed transportation network.Key ResponsibilitiesTransportation Operations & Multi-Site LeadershipLead transportation operations across multiple locations, ensuring consistent service delivery, operational efficiency, and compliance with established standards.Oversee Operations Managers and their teams, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and performance goals.Manage transportation resources, fleet utilization, driver productivity, routing, scheduling, and service execution.Establish standardized operating procedures and operating rhythms across all locations.Identify operational gaps and implement corrective action plans to improve service reliability and overall performance.Customer Relationship ManagementDevelop and maintain strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders.Lead customer escalations, investigate service failures, and implement sustainable solutions.Communicate proactively regarding service disruptions, delivery performance, and corrective actions.Build customer confidence through transparency, consistent execution, and measurable improvements.Financial Management & Business PerformanceManage operating budgets, cost controls, and financial performance across transportation operations.Monitor key cost drivers, including labor, fuel, fleet maintenance, equipment utilization, and transportation expenses.Identify opportunities to improve profitability, reduce waste, and increase operational productivity.Align operational decisions with customer commitments and financial objectives.KPI Management & Continuous ImprovementMonitor and analyze key performance indicators, including on-time delivery, service failures, fleet utilization, safety, labor productivity, and cost performance.Validate operational reporting and investigate discrepancies between reported results and actual performance.Conduct root-cause analyses and implement measurable corrective and preventive actions.Develop reporting processes and performance reviews that improve operational visibility and management accountability.Use data-driven decision-making to establish reliable baselines and track sustained improvement.People Leadership & DevelopmentCoach and develop Operations Managers, supervisors, and frontline leaders.Build a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Identify leadership development needs and establish plans to improve team effectiveness.Support workforce planning, staffing, employee performance management, and succession development.Safety & CompliancePromote a strong safety culture across transportation operations.Ensure adherence to applicable transportation regulations, company policies, and customer requirements.Monitor safety performance, investigate incidents, and implement corrective actions.Balance customer service expectations with safe and compliant transportation practices.Required QualificationsSignificant leadership experience in transportation, logistics, fleet operations, dedicated transportation, or 3PL environments.Demonstrated experience managing multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams.Experience leading managers, supervisors, drivers, and operational support personnel.Strong understanding of transportation KPIs, service-level performance, cost management, and operational improvement.Experience with operating budgets, financial performance, and cost-control initiatives.Proven ability to manage customer relationships, resolve escalations, and improve service outcomes.Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.Ability to travel regularly between locations and work on-site in Hopewell Junction, NY, 2–3 days per week.Preferred QualificationsExperience supporting automotive manufacturers, automotive parts distribution, or manufacturing supply chains.Background in dedicated contract carriage, LTL, high-touch transportation, time-sensitive delivery, or overnight distribution.Experience leading operational turnarounds or improving underperforming transportation networks.Experience improving KPI accuracy, reporting integrity, and data-driven decision-making.Experience managing operations across multiple customer sites or locations with differing operational requirements.Compensation & BenefitsBase Salary: $140,000–$150,000 annuallyPerformance Bonus: Up to 40%Company CarRelocation AssistanceService Mileage Reimbursement: $0.26 per mile when travelingIdeal Candidate ProfileThe successful candidate will be a credible, hands-on transportation leader who can manage through other managers, build strong customer relationships, improve operational performance, and establish accountability across multiple locations. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced transportation environment, interpreting complex operational data, addressing service challenges, and delivering sustainable financial and operational results.Candidates must be comfortable with the weekly on-site requirement in Hopewell Junction and regular travel between locations.