Route Driver Manager, DSD

Ascend; Fort Lauderdale, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend in Fort Lauderdale seeks a Route Driver Manager to lead a fleet of drivers, maximize on-time performance, and control costs while meeting customer service needs.

You will strengthen driver relations, collaborate with dispatch, coach performance, ensure safety, monitor mileage and overtime, and oversee payroll compliance, reporting to operations and management.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 6+ months of experience in the transportation industry in a driver-facing role.
• Strong leadership and self-management skills are essential.
• Effective communication across all levels of the organization is expected.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen employee relations to reduce workforce turnover and build strong driver relationships.
• Collaborate with operational personnel and dispatch to ensure seamless communication and efficiency.
• Promote and uphold driver safety, demonstrating a personal commitment to a safe work environment.
• Manage driver performance, productivity, and disciplinary actions, including terminations when necessary.
• Provide clear, constructive, and actionable feedback for continuous improvement.
• Monitor and manage out-of-route mileage and overtime.
• Enforce company policies while ensuring accurate payroll processing for drivers.
• Serve as a liaison between drivers and all operational departments to enhance coordination.
• Proactively resolve load issues to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Communicate professionally with drivers, operations, and management at all levels.
• Exemplify and promote Ascend/DTS’ core values: Zero Safety Events, Be Courageous, Act with Integrity, Inspire Trust, Teamwork, Have Fun, and Build a Legacy.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Computer skills

Decision making

Relationship building

Team player

Coaching

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

PURPOSE

The Route Driver Manager is responsible for managing a fleet of drivers to meet or exceed all required metrics, maximize revenue, minimize costs, and meet or exceed the customer’s service needs.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Strengthen employee relations to reduce workforce turnover and build strong driver relationships.
• Collaborate with operational personnel and dispatch to ensure seamless communication and efficiency.
• Promote and uphold driver safety, demonstrating a personal commitment to a safe work environment.
• Manage driver performance, productivity, and disciplinary actions, including terminations when necessary.
• Provide clear, constructive, and actionable feedback for continuous improvement.
• Monitor and manage out-of-route mileage and overtime.
• Enforce company policies while ensuring accurate payroll processing for drivers.
• Serve as a liaison between drivers and all operational departments to enhance coordination.
• Proactively resolve load issues to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Communicate professionally with drivers, operations, and management at all levels.
• Exemplify and promote Ascend/DTS’ core values: Zero Safety Events, Be Courageous, Act with Integrity, Inspire Trust, Teamwork, Have Fun, and Build a Legacy.

Qualifications

• 6+ months of experience in or knowledge of the transportation industry in a driver facing role (Driver Manager, Fleet Manager, Dispatcher, Planner, etc.).

KNOWLEDGE, Skills, and traits

• Strong leadership and self-management skills.
• Effective communication across all levels of the organization.
• Proficient in computer-based tasks with the ability to learn new software systems.
• Independent decision-making and strategic planning to meet deadlines.
• Ability to build relationships that drive results and foster a culture of trust and safety.
• Team-oriented mindset focused on continuous improvement.
• Skilled in coaching drivers in performance improvement.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional service with positive engagement and patience.

Education, Certifications, & License Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.

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.