Senior Route Operations Leader

Gunderson's Companies, Inc.; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gunderson Inc in Appleton, WI is seeking a Senior Transportation Manager to build and lead a hands-on routing team, drive safe, reliable, on-time service, and translate strategic priorities into daily staffing and fleet decisions.

You will stay visible in the field, coach Route Managers, use performance data to improve results, and ensure compliance with FMCSA/DOT requirements. This is a leadership-focused role requiring strong communication and talent development across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Ownership, follow-through, and the initiative to address issues early.
• Sound judgment and confidence making timely decisions in a fast-moving operation.
• A proven ability to build trust, develop talent, and manage performance fairly.
• Clear, adaptable communication and a collaborative approach to solving problems.
• A steady, hands-on leadership style and flexibility to travel and work alongside the team.

Responsibilities

• Build a safety-first culture and ensure hazards, incidents, and near misses lead to effective corrective action.
• Lead the Route Managers and strengthen safe, reliable, on-time service across locations.
• Translate distribution priorities into clear daily expectations for staffing, schedules, fleet, equipment, and capacity.
• Stay visible in the field, using route rides and firsthand feedback to reinforce standards and address emerging needs.
• Develop strong managers and teams through coaching, recognition, clear expectations, and accountability.
• Use performance data and sound judgment to resolve issues, standardize practices, and recommend improvements.

Skills

Ownership

Decisive decision-making

Leadership

Communication

Travel flexibility

Job description

Gunderson Inc in Appleton, WI is seeking a Senior Transportation Manager to build and lead a hands-on routing team, drive safe, reliable, on-time service, and translate strategic priorities into daily staffing and fleet decisions.

You will stay visible in the field, coach Route Managers, use performance data to improve results, and ensure compliance with FMCSA/DOT requirements. This is a leadership-focused role requiring strong communication and talent development across multiple locations.