Transportation & Fleet Manager
Department: Transportation
Status: Full-time
Who We Are
At Sertoma Star Services, we're on a mission to empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness to reach their goals and lead fulfilling lives. With a strategic presence in South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, we proudly serve over 2,000 consumers through a diverse range of vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential programs.
Sertoma Star Services’ roots trace back to the merger of two dynamic social services organizations, New Star and Sertoma Centre combining over 125 years of expertise in providing cutting-edge, person-first services. Our united commitment is straightforward: to transform lives through delivering comprehensive services, choices, and opportunities to those we support in an environment that promotes self-advocacy and personal success.
By joining the Sertoma Star Team you will have a unique opportunity to challenge limits and change lives. Together, we can shape a brighter future for those we serve.
Your Role
The Transportation & Fleet Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations, maintenance, and management of the organization’s vehicle fleet and transportation logistics. This role ensures vehicles are safe, well-maintained, and efficiently utilized while coordinating transportation services that meet client needs. The Transportation & Fleet Manager partners closely with other departments, external vendors, and transportation partners (e.g., PACE) to ensure regulatory compliance, optimize routes, and maintain high service standards
Responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of transportation and fleet operations, including vehicle maintenance, repairs, fuel tracking, utilization, and readiness to ensure maximum uptime and cost efficiency.
- Work closely with internal departments and external repair vendors to streamline maintenance schedules, reduce downtime, and drive operating costs down.
- Collaborate with PACE and department managers to implement and refine fleet best practices that improve safety, performance, and overall operational efficiency.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date fleet records, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal protocols.
- Track vehicle usage and performance through GPS/routing software and provide detailed reporting to vendors as needed.
- Monitor and analyze fuel consumption trends; flag irregularities and investigate potential misuse of fuel cards.
- Coordinate procurement of new vehicles and equipment as needed, ensuring alignment with organizational needs and budget.
- Ensure all transportation assets adhere to sanitation standards and preventative maintenance schedules to support health and safety requirements.
- Plan, supervise, and coordinate daily transportation activities to ensure timely, safe, and client-centered service delivery.
- Maintain accurate records related to route performance, client schedules, and transportation metrics in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.
- Oversee dispatch operations and optimize route planning for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service quality.
- Supervise, train, and support all drivers—including temporary and part-time personnel—ensuring professional conduct and adherence to safety protocols.
- Conduct driver ride-alongs and performance evaluations to monitor quality and identify training needs.
- Implement driver training programs to improve safe driving practices and reduce the risk of incidents and claims.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for internal departments and external partners regarding transportation needs, challenges, and coordination.
- Support real-time communication with drivers, co-workers, and stakeholders to address issues promptly and maintain service continuity.
- Ensure full compliance with DOT regulations, safety standards, and internal transportation policies.
- Generate and analyze reports related to transportation performance, vehicle availability, route efficiency, and driver safety.
- Evaluate transportation and fleet procedures regularly, recommending and implementing process improvements to enhance reliability, safety, and cost savings.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align logistics and transportation services with broader agency objectives.
- Remain flexible and available to respond to last-minute operational needs, including extended hours or urgent troubleshooting.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the agency’s mission and the effective delivery of services.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in transportation and logistics operations.
- At least 5 years of experience in a management or supervisory role overseeing transportation or fleet services.
- Minimum of 5 years of direct experience with DOT compliance, including documentation, audits, and reporting.
- Proficient with fleet tracking systems, GPS-based routing software, and fleet maintenance compliance platforms.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and data reporting tools.
- DOT Medical Examiner’s Certification required.
- Must acquire and maintain required driver and safety-sensitive personnel certification with third-party partner (PACE).
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with third-party vendors, including repair shops, fuel providers, and vehicle suppliers.
- Demonstrated experience managing vehicle procurement, including negotiation and cost control.
- Experience with government-funded programs or grants related to transportation operations, including compliance with associated regulatory requirements.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off
- 13 Paid holidays
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Employer Paid Insurance: Basic Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- 403(b) with company match
- Tuition assistance
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
Health, Safety, and Culture
Sertoma Star is an equal opportunity employer that embraces the uniqueness of every person. Sertoma understands that in order for you to work effectively and be an advocate of inclusivity, we must foster an environment that is respectful and sensitive to persons of all gender identities and from every cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial background. Our open-door, team-building concept supports both agency goals and employee success.