Director, Operations

UniGroup; Des Peres (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Life insurance and disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement and professional

Employee assistance and wellness

Job summary

UniGroup, a leading transportation cooperative, seeks a Director of Operations to lead and optimize the transportation and logistics network from our Des Peres, MO headquarters. You will drive capacity planning, fleet utilization, and service excellence across multiple product lines, partnering with agents and Contract Truckmen to support growth and profitability.

You will supervise a high-performing team, manage budgets, and present performance metrics to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Eight or more years of transportation, logistics, fleet operations, or related industry experience.
• Five or more years of leadership experience with responsibility for managing teams and driving operational results.
• Strong understanding of transportation operations, capacity management, and network optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead transportation operations across multiple product lines, ensuring efficient capacity planning, resource utilization, and service execution.
• Develop and execute strategies that optimize transportation capacity and maximize fleet and Contract Truckman utilization.
• Partner with agents, Contract Truckmen, customers, and internal stakeholders to strengthen relationships and support business growth.
• Monitor transportation volume, market capacity, and operational performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Drive operational excellence through process improvements, technology enhancements, and best practice development.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, and business leaders to align transportation capabilities with customer needs and growth objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Relationship building

Data analysis

Problem solving

Adaptability

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Tools

Load boards

Carrier sourcing

Capacity management tools

Job description

Work Arrangement: On-Site

This position is based on-site at our Des Peres, Missouri headquarters.

About The Role

The Director, Operations provides strategic leadership for UniGroup's transportation and logistics network, helping ensure efficient capacity planning, resource utilization, and service execution across multiple product lines. This role plays a key part in optimizing transportation capacity, strengthening our Contract Truckman (CT) network, and supporting the continued growth of our Express and transportation services.

What You'll Do

• Lead transportation operations across multiple product lines, ensuring efficient capacity planning, resource utilization, and service execution.
• Develop and execute strategies that optimize transportation capacity and maximize fleet and Contract Truckman utilization.
• Partner with agents, Contract Truckmen, customers, and internal stakeholders to strengthen relationships and support business growth.
• Monitor transportation volume, market capacity, and operational performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Drive operational excellence through process improvements, technology enhancements, and best practice development.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, and business leaders to align transportation capabilities with customer needs and growth objectives.
• Support initiatives focused on Contract Truckman recruitment, retention, and network development.
• Evaluate financial and operational performance metrics to improve efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and contractual requirements.
• Manage departmental budgets, expenses, and operational resources.
• Prepare and present operational updates, performance metrics, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support additional projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Eight or more years of transportation, logistics, fleet operations, or related industry experience.
• Five or more years of leadership experience with responsibility for managing teams and driving operational results.
• Strong understanding of transportation operations, capacity management, and network optimization.
• Experience analyzing operational and financial performance metrics to drive business decisions.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience supporting transportation networks that utilize owner-operators, independent contractors, carriers, or Contract Truckmen.
• Truckload (TL), transportation brokerage, fleet operations, or logistics management experience.
• Experience utilizing transportation load boards, carrier sourcing strategies, or capacity management tools.
• Experience leading operational transformation, network optimization, or growth initiatives.
• Familiarity with household goods, moving, transportation, or logistics industries.
• Experience presenting business recommendations and operational updates to executive leadership.

How You'll Be Successful

• Strategic leaders who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational demands.
• Transportation professionals who understand how to optimize capacity, utilization, and profitability.
• Relationship-builders who establish trust with agents, Contract Truckmen, customers, and internal stakeholders.
• Results-oriented leaders who use data and operational insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Problem-solvers who can navigate complex transportation challenges and identify practical solutions.
• Adaptable professionals who thrive in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
• Hands-on leaders who enjoy working closely with their teams and understanding the details behind operational performance.

About UniGroup

UniGroup is a transportation cooperative that owns and supports the United Van Lines and Mayflower brands. We partner with a nationwide network of agents and van operators to deliver household goods, specialty logistics, and transportation services across the United States and internationally. Our cooperative model emphasizes collaboration, shared success, and long-term relationships with our agents, customers, and employees.

Benefits & Total Rewards

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellness resources

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. UniGroup is unable to provide visa sponsorship or employment authorization support now or in the future.

We foster diversity, in part, by imposing a strict policy of non-discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information or other status protected by the law.

We value the unique skills and experiences that veterans and separated service members bring to our workforce. While serving our country you have gained skills such as leadership, flexibility, and agility, which will help to make you successful here. We are dedicated to supporting military families and ensuring that we provide a welcoming environment for our country’s heroes. We hope you consider joining the UniGroup family.

UniGroup is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, UniGroup will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].