Driver Dispatch & Fleet Operations Lead

Vital Tech Solutions; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vital Tech Solutions in Joliet, IL is seeking a Logistics Driver Dispatch Manager to oversee a fleet of drivers and contractors, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient transportation operations. You will act as the primary liaison among drivers, operations, safety, and planning teams while coaching and leading performance improvements.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, strong communication, and the ability to build positive relationships to maintain operational efficiency and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Transportation, Supply Chain, or related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation, dispatch, logistics, fleet operations, or workforce management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop employees in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong analytical skillset.
• Transportation, trucking, fleet management, or logistics industry experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of driver management, dispatch operations, and transportation-related performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and manage assigned drivers by establishing performance expectations, conducting regular reviews, and implementing corrective action plans when necessary.
• Partner with Operations, Human Resources, and Safety teams to address performance concerns, policy violations, and disciplinary matters.
• Maintain accountability for driver safety performance and regulatory compliance, ensuring all drivers meet company and FMCSA requirements.
• Collaborate with Safety Coordinators to monitor compliance related to Hours of Service, driver qualifications, licensing, endorsements, and random drug testing requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for driver-related concerns, providing timely issue resolution and ongoing support.
• Promote driver engagement and retention through effective communication, relationship building, coaching, and recognition.
• Train and mentor drivers on company procedures, operational expectations, technology platforms, and industry best practices.
• Manage driver schedules, planned absences, vacation requests, holiday pay compliance, and workforce availability.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, including approval of accessorial and additional compensation when appropriate.
• Monitor driver utilization and productivity metrics, partnering with load planning teams to maximize operational efficiency.
• Ensure drivers are properly dispatched, informed, and equipped to successfully execute assigned work.
• Support load planning efforts through load recovery, re-planning activities, and service issue resolution.
• Monitor daily pickups and deliveries, proactively identifying potential service failures and communicating risks to the appropriate teams.
• Enforce compliance with company policies, procedures, safety standards, and organizational values.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance work environment focused on teamwork and operational excellence.
• Remain engaged with daily operations until driver issues are resolved or appropriately transitioned to the next point of contact.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Logistics

Tools

Excel

TMS software

Job description

Vital Tech Solutions in Joliet, IL is seeking a Logistics Driver Dispatch Manager to oversee a fleet of drivers and contractors, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient transportation operations. You will act as the primary liaison among drivers, operations, safety, and planning teams while coaching and leading performance improvements.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, strong communication, and the ability to build positive relationships to maintain operational efficiency and