Operations Manager - Solar Transport

This position may be located in Des Moines, IA, Indianapolis, IN, Charlotte, NC OR Detroit, MI, and is a hybrid working environment.

Are you a transportation industry professional looking for a new challenge?

Solar Transport is looking for a talented and experienced transportation professional to join their team as the Operations Manager. This important role will provide operational and business leadership for Solar Transport in the designated region and will be responsible and accountable for Safety, Customer Service, Driver performance, revenue maximization, cost control and efficiency.

As the Operations Manager, you will provide direction and supervision for Drivers in the achievement of performance, safety, and productivity. You’ll be responsible for driver retention and be the first line of communication with drivers on all local issues while monitoring Drivers Hours of Service, DOT compliance, and Risk Mitigation.  You’ll also drive efficiency and consistency in operation to maximize Associate and Customer Satisfaction, and operating margin.

Solar Transport is seeking an influential team member who can serve as the voice that engages associates and provides constant development to create a world-class transport company with strong performance.

What you’ll do:

• Manages physical assets and human resources to maximize customer service, minimize operating costs and maximize operating margin

• Monitors and identifies performance gaps, analyzes root cause, and implement systemic and individual adjustments to excel at all operational scorecard metrics

• Provides leadership to build Driver satisfaction and performance

• Maintains visibility and communications with Customers and Drivers, ensuring that Company goals for performance are understood and modeled

• Seeks to continuously improve operations to build Driver and Customer retention.

• Establish short- and long-term plans for growth and operational efficiency

• Establish and implements 90-day plans for staffing, equipment positioning, and efficient use of all Company resources

• Provides regular guidance to Safety, Recruiting, and Fleet Maintenance to ensure availability of equipment, Drivers, and programs are to meet all operational requirements

• Works with Dispatch and Regional Maintenance Supervisors to establish work assignments that effectively balance work among Drivers, recognizing volume peaks and Customer requirements to support our 99.8% Run-Out Free performance standard

• Front line contact for recruitment, including screening of candidates and coordination of application completion and submittal (in coordination with Recruiting team)

• Regularly communicates with Customers to ensure their satisfaction with Solar Service and strives to increase volumes

• Works closely with Business Development to ensure accurate forecast of costs to support best pricing for new account growth

• Ensures that all safety policies and procedures are implemented and monitored

What we’re looking for:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship skills

• Ability to effectively resolve conflicts in a business setting

• Strong organizational skills and detail orientation

• Knowledgeable with DOT Regulations, Accident and Spill procedures

• Self-motivated and goal oriented

• Strong computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Word and Excel

• Excellent communication skills

Other key requirements:

• Experience in the transportation industry

• Experience in bulk fuel transportation

• Previous experience in truck line management

• Relocation to the Des Moines, IA, Indianapolis, IN, Charlotte, NC OR Detroit, MI area is required

Leadership Competencies

• Communication: Delivers clear, effective communication and listens to others.

• Conceptual/Systems Thinking: Recognizes patterns, trends, themes, and connections in information to develop innovative ideas and solutions.

• Constructive Engagement: Expresses ideas and disagreements, constructively resolves conflict, and encourages others to do the same.

• Customer Orientation: Meets the expectations and needs of internal and external customers.

• Decision Making: Makes good decisions in a timely manner.

• Empowerment: Takes initiative and solves problems.

• Talent Development: Maximizes potential and improves overall performance.

• Influence: Proactively builds relationships and influences others.

• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Accurately assesses problems and effectively and efficiently arrives at solutions.

• Strategic Thinking: Understands the current state and is able to visualize the ideal state and how to achieve it.

About Solar Transport

Solar Transport is a family-focused company. With more than 40 locations, our drivers make it home every night. We genuinely value our team and go above and beyond to reward their hard work. Solar Transport is among the nation's best when it comes to tank-truck carriers and logistics providers. For over 50 years, Solar has strived to set the standard in how refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, ethanol and jet fuel are managed, transported and delivered helping our customers become more productive and profitable. A Krause Group company.

Krause Group is an Iowa-based company housing a diverse set of businesses with over 5,000 associates across the U.S. and Italy. These companies include Kum & Go, L.C., Solar Transport, Krause+, Pro Iowa, and the Des Moines Menace soccer team. Krause Group is also home to Italian wineries Vietti and Enrico Serafino, the historic soccer club Parma Calcio 1913, and boutique luxury hotel Casa di Langa, located in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Solar Transport is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an inclusive environment encouraging all interested candidates to apply.