Department Manager I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discount Program

EAP

Job summary

Covenant Logistics is seeking a Department Manager to oversee a designated department (Feed, Live Haul, or Feed Mill) and mentor experienced drivers. You will drive performance, safety, and on-time service while coordinating with customers and internal teams to maximize driver utilization and assets.

The role requires strong leadership, knowledge of DOT regulations, and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment. High school diploma or equivalent, CDL preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required or preferred.
• CDL preferred but not required for all roles.

Responsibilities

• Manage dedicated fleet of professional drivers with focus on performance, attendance, safety and quality.
• Direct and dispatch transportation activities within the department.
• Maintain customer relations through proactive communication and issue resolution.
• Monitor loads, ETAs/PTAs and communicate with customers on updates and changes.
• Coordinate with internal teams to resolve service issues and optimize utilization.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

DOT regulations knowledge

Leadership

Driver & fleet coordination

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

CDL preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Department Manager is a key operations link between the organization, drivers, and customers. The Department Manager 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.