Multimodal Operations Lead – Carrier & Customer Excellence

Top Talent LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Talent LLC in Chicago, IL is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and improve day-to-day transportation operations across a growing multimodal logistics environment.

This hands-on leadership role requires expertise in truckload, LTL, and intermodal operations, carrier and customer management, and continuous improvement. You will drive SOPs, oversee QBRs, and scale processes with leadership support.

Qualifications

• Several years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics, freight brokerage, or supply chain operations.
• Strong understanding of multimodal transportation operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage customer and carrier relationships.
• Strong analytical skills and advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong working knowledge of PowerPoint and presentation development.
• Experience with Visio or process mapping is a plus.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze complex information, identify issues, and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing professional, accurate work.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and improve day-to-day transportation operations across multiple modes, including truckload, LTL, and intermodal.
• Manage customer and carrier performance through scorecards, KPIs, reporting, and performance reviews.
• Conduct and lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with customers and develop actionable follow-up plans.
• Manage customer onboarding and ensure new business follows established operational processes and SOPs.
• Identify operational issues, determine root causes, and develop solutions to improve service, efficiency, and profitability.
• Manage operational issue lists, ensuring problems are assigned, tracked, and resolved.
• Support and lead continuous improvement initiatives across transportation operations.
• Participate in technology implementations and system improvements, including transportation management and related operational platforms.
• Support implementation and optimization of AI, freight audit/pay, and transportation management technologies.
• Analyze operational data and utilize spreadsheets and reporting tools to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Work closely with carriers and internal teams to improve service, capacity, processes, and overall performance.
• Assist with RFPs, customer implementations, network optimization, and other strategic operational initiatives.
• Ensure operational teams have the processes, tools, and information necessary to execute effectively.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to operations personnel.
• Serve as a hands-on problem solver who can independently assess a situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Help leadership scale the operation by taking ownership of projects and responsibilities rather than requiring extensive day-to-day direction.

Skills

Multimodal operations

Data analysis

KPI and performance management

Leadership & coaching

Project management

Carrier management

SOP development

Operational excellence

Continuous improvement

Job description

Top Talent LLC in Chicago, IL is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and improve day-to-day transportation operations across a growing multimodal logistics environment.

This hands-on leadership role requires expertise in truckload, LTL, and intermodal operations, carrier and customer management, and continuous improvement. You will drive SOPs, oversee QBRs, and scale processes with leadership support.