Department Manager I

Lew Thompson & Son Trucking; Jane (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Match

Health Insurance

Disability Coverage

HSA

Life Insurance

PTO & Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

EAP

Job summary

Covenant Logistics is seeking a Department Manager to coordinate a dedicated fleet of professional drivers, mentor staff, and align operations with customer needs. The role emphasizes safety, performance, and cost efficiency across transportation activities.

The position requires leadership experience, a high school diploma, and transportation knowledge. Competitive pay and benefits are provided consistent with our pay bands and tenure.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• CDL preferred.
• 1+ years of transportation experience required.
• Leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage Dedicated Fleet of Professional Drivers: monitor performance, attendance, safety and quality.
• Dispatch and direct all transportation activities within the department.
• Address service failures and coordinate with drivers, dispatch, and planning to improve outcomes.
• Maintain strong customer relations through clear communication with clients.
• Update Position Control spreadsheets daily.
• Coach drivers based on feedback from cameras and performance data.
• Track attendance, time off, and home time requests.
• Communicate performance expectations to drivers and provide ongoing feedback.
• Monitor and trace loads to update customers on delays or changes.
• Collaborate with other departments to resolve issues and ensure service quality.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

DOT Regulations

HOS Knowledge

People Management

Self-Motivation

Education

High School Diploma

CDL Preferred

Job description

The Department Manager is a key operations link between the organization, drivers, and customers. The Department Manger oversees a specific department (Feed, Live Haul, Feed Mill) and coaches and mentors a group of experienced drivers and achieves specific customer service and key company goals. The Department Manager will coordinate and communicate with customers related to the fleet activity to maximize utilization of drivers and company assets. May engage in planning activities as well with customer engagement.

Responsibilities

• Manage Dedicated Fleet of Professional Drivers-monitoring performance, attendance, safety and quality.
• Monitor, direct and dispatch all transportation activities within the assigned department.
• Responsible for Service Failures (Driver, Dispatch, Planning), Communication, Equipment, Utilization, Driver Turnover, Fuel (MPG, out of network, idle time of equipment, out of route miles), Safety (Safety Initiative, Accidents, Worker’s Comp, Random Drug), Maintenance (PM Services, Equipment Inspections)
• Maintain Customer Relations through excellent communication and client interactions.
• Daily Updates to Position Control spreadsheet
• Review and issue coaching in correspondence with the Lytx cameras
• Track and manage attendance, time off and home time requests in accordance with departments expectations.
• Maintain positive and productive communication with drivers to deliver on time, prevent service failures, and reduce turnover.
• Receive ETAs and PTAs and manage throughout the day.
• Receive confirmations of load assignments.
• Communicate and establish expectations for performance, conduct, and safety, and provide ongoing feedback for the professional driver.
• Monitor and trace loads so that follow-up can be made to customers regarding late pickups and or deliveries, as well as any other load changes that may occur.
• Work with other internal departments to resolve customer or company issues when necessary.
• Follow established procedures and best practices to ensure consistency and quality.
• Manage Driver PM Schedules for both tractor and trailers
• Assist drivers with payroll needs, Advances, Fuel issues
• Prepare, organize and assist in the loading process

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Products
• Must be able to effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and electronically
• Knowledge of DOT regulations and Driver HOS necessary
• Ability to work in a fast paced and always changing environment
• Ability to manage people effectively
• Ability to be self‑motivated and work unsupervised

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid CDL preferred
• 1+ years of transportation experience required
• Leadership experience preferred

Competitive Compensation

We believe in rewarding excellence. Our compensation approach balances market-based salary ranges with individual performance, experience, and tenure ensuring your pay is fair, competitive, and aligned with your growth. The posted range reflects the full pay band for the position. The expected pay range below represents where most candidates are hired, based on experience, skills, and internal equity. Candidates with more extensive or highly relevant experience may be considered toward the higher end of the overall pay band.

• Expected Pay Range: $49,657.00-$56,485.20
• Full Pay Range: $49,657.00-$77,924.00
• Pay Grade: 8
• 401(k) Match: Build your future with our generous company match.
• Serious Health Condition Pay: Financial protection when it matters most.

Robust Health & Wellness Benefits

Your well-being is our priority. Our full health benefits package is designed to support every aspect of your health—from preventive care to peace of mind:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Telemedicine Access
• Company-Paid Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance

Time to Recharge

We believe rest fuels results. Our time-off benefits help you maintain balance and bring your best self to work:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Company Holidays
• Time off to Volunteer

Culture-Driven Perks

We’ve created a workplace culture where people feel empowered, supported, and excited to grow. Our corporate perks are designed to elevate your everyday:

• Casual Dress Code: Dress for your day.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Advance your education with financial support.
• Employee Discount Program: Exclusive savings on everyday essentials and more.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DFSA)
• Adoption Assistance: Meaningful support for growing families.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential, 24/7 support for life’s challenges.
• Pet Insurance: To protect your furry family members

Covenant Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Disability/Veteran

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI286786964