Operations Manager, DSD

Ascend; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend in Knoxville seeks an experienced DSD Operations Manager to lead a team of Fleet Managers and Planners, delivering efficient transportation solutions for a major doughnut manufacturer. You will supervise daily operations, manage drivers, monitor loads, and maintain safety and profitability standards while ensuring strong customer relationships.

The role requires 5+ years in operations management in a driver-facing environment, with knowledge of DOT rules.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of operations management experience in a driver-facing role in transportation.
• Working Knowledge of DOT Rules & Regulations.
• Availability to be reached after hours for operational situations, including off days.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, ensuring safety, legal, ethical, and profitability standards while optimizing efficiency.
• Manage driver performance, including training, coaching, and disciplinary actions, while administering safety programs.
• Monitor loads proactively, addressing service failures, weather delays, and equipment issues with timely communication.
• Enhance customer relationships and collaborate with vendors to streamline equipment management.
• Lead problem resolution by identifying inefficiencies, analyzing metrics, and implementing process improvements.
• Review operational performance with leadership and adjust workflows to meet customer demands.
• Ensure effective communication across operations, drivers, and all levels of management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team development

DOT knowledge

KPI-driven

Decision-making

Relationship building

Planning

Safety culture

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

TMW

PeopleNet

Job description

PURPOSE

The DSD Operations Manager is accountable for leading a team of Fleet Managers and Planners to provide the most efficient transportation solutions for our customers. They will be responsible for delivery of product for a large doughnut manufacturer to key accounts on a daily basis.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Oversee daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety, legal, ethical, and profitability standards while optimizing efficiency.

• Manage driver performance, including training, coaching, and disciplinary actions, while administering safety programs.

• Monitor loads proactively, addressing service failures, weather delays, and equipment issues with timely communication.

• Enhance customer relationships and collaborate with vendors to streamline equipment management.

• Lead problem resolution by identifying inefficiencies, analyzing key metrics, and implementing process improvements.

• Review operational performance with leadership and adjust workflows to meet customer demands.

• Ensure effective communication across operations, drivers, and all levels of management.

Leadership and Management

• This position supervises other managers and/or drivers and is responsible for being results oriented, collaborative, delegating effectively and striving for harmony, ensuring team effectiveness.

• Accountable for hiring and for continued development of direct reports.

• Provides current, direct, complete, and \"actionable\" positive and corrective feedback to others.

• Reduce workforce turnover by improving employee relations.

• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

• Holds self and others accountable to demonstrate Ascend/DTS s Values: Zero Safety Events; Be Courageous; Act with Integrity; Inspire Trust; Teamwork; Have Fun and Build a Legacy.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in operations management in a driver facing role in the transportation industry.

• Working Knowledge of DOT Rules & Regulations.

• Availability to be reached after hours for operational situations, Including off days.

KNOWLEDGE, Skills, and traits

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.

• Effective self and team management with attention to detail.

• Excellent communication for customer interactions and collaboration across all levels.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to work with TMS (TMW, PeopleNet).

• Experience setting and achieving KPI-driven goals.

• Independent decision-making and strategic problem-solving.

• Strong relationship-building to drive results in a team-oriented environment.

• Ability to meet deadlines and deliver exceptional service through planning and engagement.

• Dedicated to fostering a culture of trust and safety.

Education, CERTIFICATIONS, & License Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED with relevant experience.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Ascend/DSD is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, inclusive environment where all individuals may grow and thrive, respecting the different experiences that each employee brings to their job. Ascend/DSD believes that a diverse work environment results in a better experience for employees and customers and makes Ascend/DSD stronger.

With our mission of diversity and inclusion in mind, we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), religion, age, disability, citizenship, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), marital status, ancestry, genetic information, veteran and/or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or Ascend/DSD policy.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position, other duties outside of normal responsibilities may be performed as necessary to meet the needs of the organization. Nothing in this position description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Employee’s acknowledgment constitutes employee’s understanding of the principal accountabilities and duties of the position and certifies that they are physically able to perform the necessary duties in the work environment.