Transportation Operations Manager

Crate & Barrel; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Crate & Barrel is seeking a Transportation Operations Manager to lead inbound transportation execution and drive network performance. You will manage a team of Inbound Planners routing TL, LTL, Intermodal, and parcel shipments to DCs, balancing costs, service, and reliability.

You will translate strategy into actionable plans, leverage reporting and analytics, partner with distribution centers and carriers, and coach your team to deliver consistent, high‑quality results across high‑volume

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business or related field.
• 5+ years of transportation or supply chain experience across TL, LTL, Intermodal and Parcel.
• 1–2+ years of direct people management experience with a track record of developing a team.
• Strong understanding of transportation execution, network flow, and carrier operations.
• Working knowledge of parcel operations, including carrier performance and cost drivers.
• Experience using Transportation Management Systems; Blue Yonder preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directly manage a team of Inbound Planners responsible for routing TL, LTL, and Intermodal shipments.
• Oversee daily inbound transportation operations and routing to ensure timely delivery to DCs.
• Manage execution across all modes, including Parcel, to optimize cost and service.
• Make real-time routing, mode selection, and carrier utilization decisions.
• Monitor KPIs, identify gaps, and drive corrective actions across the team.
• Conduct root cause analysis on service issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• Oversee parcel execution and high-priority freight, ensuring timely delivery and issue resolution.
• Monitor carrier performance, transit times, and charges; escalate as needed.
• Support parcel-related projects and peak season execution initiatives.
• Partner with DCs and carriers to optimize trailer cube and inbound flow.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with SOPs and standards.
• Maintain day-to-day carrier relationships and resolve service issues.
• Utilize TMS to execute, manage, and audit shipments.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across inbound operations.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Cross functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business

Tools

Transportation Management System (TMS)

Blue Yonder

Job description

As a Transportation Operations Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day execution of inbound transportation operations while driving operational excellence across the network. This role directly manages a team of Inbound Planners responsible for the daily routing of Truckload (TL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), and Intermodal shipments, serving as their primary escalation point and ensuring the efficient, timely flow of goods into Distribution Centers. Your role will focus on translating transportation strategy into executionrleveraging existing reporting and analytics to make informed decisions, resolve issues, and improve performance. You will play a key role in ensuring parcel operations and high-priority shipments are executed effectively, maintaining service levels, controlling costs through strong operational discipline, and leading parcel-related initiatives and process improvements. In addition, you will provide direct people leadership, performance management, and professional development for your team, establishing clear operational priorities and ensuring consistent execution of transportation processes. You will partner cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to deliver reliable and scalable transportation operations.

A day in the life as a Transportation Operations Manager...

• Directly manage a team of Inbound Planners, providing performance management, coaching, development, and daily operational oversight.
• Oversee daily inbound transportation operations and routing execution across TL, LTL, and Intermodal to ensure timely delivery to DCs and alignment with network plans
• Manage execution across all modes, including Parcel, to optimize cost, service, and network efficiency
• Make real-time operational decisions related to routing, mode selection, and carrier utilization to support business needs
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), identify performance gaps, and drive corrective actions across the team as needed
• Conduct root cause analysis on service failures, delays, and cost inefficiencies, and implement sustainable solutions
• Oversee parcel execution and high-priority freight, ensuring timely delivery performance, issue resolution, and adherence to operational standards
• Monitor parcel carrier performance, transit times, and charges, escalating issues when appropriate
• Support parcel-related projects and peak season execution initiatives to ensure operational readiness
• Partner with Distribution Centers to optimize trailer cube, scheduling, and inbound flow efficiency
• Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with routing expectations and execution standards
• Maintain day-to-day operational relationships with carriers to support execution and resolve service issues
• Ensure adherence to transportation SOPs, system processes, and execution standards
• Utilize Transportation Management System (TMS) to execute, manage, and audit shipments
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and process enhancements across inbound operations
• Lead the team through execution against peak season plans and other high-volume business periods
• Perform other duties as required or directed

We\'d love to hear from you if you have...

• Bachelornga€™s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of transportation or supply chain experience across TL, LTL, Intermodal, and Parcel
• 1–2+ years of direct people management experience, with a proven track record of developing and leading a team.
• Strong understanding of transportation execution, network flow, and carrier operations
• Working knowledge of parcel operations, including carrier performance and cost drivers
• Experience using Transportation Management Systems; Blue Yonder preferred
• Ability to interpret and leverage reporting and dashboards to drive operational decisions and team accountability
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with a bias for action
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills across internal and external partners
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on execution and follow-through
• Highly adaptable, flexible, and results-oriented