Transportation Manager

AppleOne Employment Services; Vernon (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AppleOne Employment Services seeks a Transportation and Logistics Manager to lead operations ensuring safe, cost-effective product movement and on-time delivery across the supply chain.

You will supervise logistics staff, manage ERP order processing and customer portals, coordinate carrier relationships, track metrics, drive process improvements, and ensure regulatory compliance in support of the company's operational and financial objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience leading logistics and transportation operations.
• Experience in food industry preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership.
• Proficient with ERP and MS Office.
• Ability to analyze costs and drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily transportation and logistics operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective product movement.
• Resolve transport, logistics, import/export, and customer service issues to maintain continuity.
• Manage customer order processing through ERP and portals with accuracy and timely fulfillment.
• Coordinate order entry, scheduling, tracking, and exception management across stakeholders.
• Manage freight expenditures and backhaul revenues to maximize asset utilization and profitability.
• Negotiate rates, contracts, and service agreements; manage carrier onboarding and performance.
• Develop transport strategies, routing plans, and backhaul programs to improve service and costs.
• Monitor spend and metrics to meet budgets and objectives.

Skills

MS Office

ERP (SAGE)

Inventory Systems

Leadership

Communication

Food Industry Experience

Education

GED

Tools

SAGE ERP

Job description

This position leads transportation, logistics, and order management operations to ensure efficient product movement, exceptional customer service, and on-time delivery. This role oversees logistics personnel, manages ERP and customer portal order processing, directs carrier relationships, controls freight expenditures, develops backhaul revenue opportunities, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures regulatory compliance while supporting the company's operational and financial objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Transportation & Logistics Management

• Lead and oversee daily transportation and logistics operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective product movement.
• Resolve transportation, logistics, import/export, and customer service issues to maintain operational continuity.
• Manage customer order processing through ERP systems and customer portals, ensuring order accuracy, timely fulfillment, shipment visibility, and compliance with customer requirements.
• Coordinate order entry, scheduling, tracking, and exception management across internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage company freight expenditures and backhaul revenue generation, maximizing asset utilization and transportation profitability.

Carrier & Supply Chain Management

• Negotiate transportation rates, contracts, and service agreements to optimize cost, service, and profitability.
• Manage carrier selection, onboarding, performance evaluation, and compliance with company standards.
• Develop and execute transportation strategies, routing plans, and backhaul programs to improve service levels and reduce freight costs.
• Monitor freight spend, carrier performance, and transportation metrics to achieve budget and operational objectives.

Process Improvement & Analytics

• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Production, Accounting, and Operations to align logistics processes with business objectives.
• Analyze logistics costs, operational performance, and transportation trends to identify efficiency and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve logistics systems, workflows, KPIs, and reporting metrics.
• Evaluate and recommend technology and automation solutions to improve operational performance.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with transportation regulations, import/export requirements, customer specifications, and company policies.
• Develop and maintain logistics policies, procedures, and risk mitigation plans to support business continuity and supply chain resilience.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop transportation and logistics personnel, including Drivers, Transportation Coordinators, and Supervisors.
• Establish performance expectations, monitor team effectiveness, and promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience with Inventory Systems.
• Skilled in MS Office applications.
• Organizational and leadership abilities.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• Food Industry Experience required

Skills & Abilities

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED): Required
• Experience: 3-5 years of progressive experience in logistics, transportation, supply chain or distribution within the food industry
• Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems (SAGE)
• Certificates: Transportation, logistics, or supply certificates a plus