Senior Transportation Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Transportation Operations Manager is responsible for guiding and enhancing the operations of CPX’s transportation network, a division of Canada Cartage. This leadership role encompasses strategic oversight and hands-on management across dispatch, planning, driver management, and customer service to achieve operational excellence, cost efficiency, and dependable service.

Serving as a key escalation contact for clients and internal teams, the manager also plays a vital role in commercial efforts such as RFPs and pricing while aligning cross-departmental goals to advance company growth and profitability.

Location: Surrey, British Columbia
Schedule: Standard business hours with the need for flexibility due to transportation industry demands (not a traditional 9–5 schedule).

Key Responsibilities

• Manage full operational performance of full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and cross-dock operations throughout the network.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and accountability for dispatch, planning, and operations staff.
• Implement structured processes and maintain discipline in daily operational execution.
• Drive ongoing service improvements, operational efficiency, and cost management.
• Ensure adequate resource planning including drivers, equipment, and capacity.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for significant customer issues and service disruptions.
• Develop and sustain strong relationships with key strategic clients.
• Lead customer-facing operational meetings, performance evaluations, and issue resolutions.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication to align operational activities with customer expectations.
• Contribute to commercial activities including RFP responses, pricing strategies, and cost analysis.
• Support margin and rate strategies by providing operational insights.
• Identify inefficiencies and cost leakages, recommending improvements to enhance profitability.
• Assist business development with operational design and implementation planning.
• Act as a liaison between Operations, Sales, Finance, Safety, and IT to ensure cohesive execution and delivery.
• Drive accountability for billing accuracy, payroll alignment, and operational data inputs.
• Oversee strategies for driver communication and engagement.
• Align planning, dispatch, and driver expectations clearly.
• Back driver retention efforts and consistency in their operational experience.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as service levels, cost per mile, utilization, and punctuality.
• Apply corrective actions to address performance deficiencies.
• Foster a culture centered on accountability and data-driven decision-making.

Candidate Profile

• More than 8 years of experience in transportation or logistics with significant senior operational leadership roles.
• Proven management of complex FTL/LTL operations in high-volume settings.
• Strong commercial understanding including pricing, RFP coordination, and cost modeling.
• Effective leadership skills with a track record in conflict resolution and accountability enforcement.
• Extensive customer-facing experience, adept at managing escalations and challenging stakeholder dynamics.
• Capable of balancing strategic vision with practical hands-on management.

Why Join Canada Cartage?

• A supportive and cohesive team environment promoting a positive work culture.
• Clear pathways for professional growth and development.
• Recognition programs rewarding exceptional customer service, teamwork, and embodiment of company values.
• Employee perks include discounts on hotels, car rentals, entertainment, gym memberships, phone plans, and electronics.
• Organized events such as summer barbeques and driver appreciation weeks fostering team spirit.
• Commitment to community involvement through volunteering and donations to local charities.
• Strong company stability ensuring resilience during economic fluctuations like pandemics and recessions.