Terminal Manager

Haskel Thompson & Associates, LLC - Executive Recruiters; Minnesota; On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment firm is seeking a Terminal Manager to oversee terminal operations in Minnesota. This leadership role demands at least 5 years in transportation and logistics, alongside a proven track record in managing personnel and resources. The Terminal Manager will be responsible for operational efficiency and compliance with regulations, while also fostering a team-oriented environment. The ideal candidate must possess strong leadership skills and knowledge of DOT regulations. The position is primarily on-site, emphasizing safety and customer service.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, or related operations.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong financial and operational analysis skills.
• Strong financial and operational analysis skills.
• Proven ability to lead and develop terminal staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all daily terminal operations.
• Recruit, interview, and manage terminal personnel.
• Monitor financial performance, including labor costs and operating expenses.
• Lead terminal-level safety programs and promote a safety culture.
• Recruit, interview, hire, coach, evaluate, discipline, and terminate employees in accordance with policy and law.
• Oversee dispatch operations to ensure drivers are scheduled, utilized, and routed efficiently.
• Ensure Hours of Service compliance and effective use of ELD systems.
• Monitor terminal financial performance and analyze monthly reports for improvement opportunities.
• Lead terminal safety programs and promote a strong safety culture.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Operational analysis

DOT regulations knowledge

Staff management

TMS proficiency

Hazmat knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Job description

The Terminal Manager is a leadership role responsible for the overall operational, financial, safety, and people performance of an assigned terminal. This position provides strategic direction and managerial oversight to ensure efficient, compliant, and profitable terminal operations while delivering exceptional customer service. The Terminal Manager exercises independent judgment and decision-making authority in managing personnel, resources, and operational priorities. While the role may occasionally assist with day-to-day operational activities, the primary focus is leadership, planning, coordination, and accountability for terminal results.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all daily terminal operations to ensure efficient use of labor, equipment, and facilities.
• Establish operational priorities, allocate resources, and adjust plans as needed to meet service, safety, and financial objectives.
• Coordinate with other terminals and dispatch offices to optimize fleet utilization and customer coverage across the organization.
• Assess terminal capacity, staffing levels, and workload demands to support business volume and growth.
• Lead, develop, and manage terminal personnel including drivers, dispatch staff, and support employees.
• Recruit, interview, hire, coach, evaluate, discipline, and terminate employees in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.
• Set clear performance expectations and hold team members accountable through regular feedback and formal performance reviews.
• Foster a professional, respectful, and team-oriented work environment aligned with company values.
• Develop succession plans and provide training to build bench strength and long-term capability.
• Oversee dispatch operations to ensure drivers are efficiently scheduled, properly utilized, and assigned routes aligned with business needs.
• Ensure dispatch staff provide drivers with accurate, complete, and timely load information including routing, equipment requirements, product details, and delivery expectations.
• Ensure compliance with Hours of Service regulations and effective use of ELD systems.
• Ensure consistent execution of service standards across all dispatch activities.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with customers through proactive communication and service oversight.
• Ensure customers receive accurate and timely load information, documentation, and status updates.
• Address escalated customer issues and resolve service challenges in a timely and professional manner.
• Monitor terminal financial performance, including labor costs, overtime, and operating expenses.
• Analyze operational metrics and monthly financial reports to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Lead terminal-level safety programs and promote a strong safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations including DOT, OSHA, hazardous materials, and company policies.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable, cost-effective solutions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and service reliability.
• Authority to make staffing, scheduling, disciplinary, and operational decisions within company guidelines.
• Authority to manage terminal expenses and recommend capital or resource investments.
• Authority to resolve customer and operational issues requiring managerial judgment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, or related operations.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of DOT regulations, Hours of Service, and transportation safety requirements.
• Proven leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing drivers and dispatch operations.
• Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), preferably TMW.
• Strong financial and operational analysis skills.
• Hazmat knowledge and experience.
• Work is performed primarily onsite at the terminal.