Behlen Mfg. Co. is seeking an experienced and results-driven General Manager to lead and grow our transportation operations. This position is responsible for the overall management, safety, compliance, financial performance, and strategic direction of Behlen's transportation network. The successful candidate will oversee a fleet of 80-100 owner-operator trucks, transportation support staff, and third-party carrier relationships while ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation solutions that support company objectives.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead and manage a fleet of 80-100 owner-operator trucks while ensuring full compliance with all Department of Transportation (DOT), FMCSA, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Direct and develop transportation support staff, including dispatch, fleet administration, recruiting, and operational personnel.
- Manage third-party carrier relationships to ensure adequate transportation capacity, competitive pricing, and exceptional service levels.
- Drive transportation performance through continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, service, efficiency, cost management, and on-time delivery.
- Develop and execute fleet growth, driver recruitment, and retention strategies to support business needs.
- Oversee transportation budgets, freight spend, carrier negotiations, and operational performance metrics.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and customer service throughout the transportation organization.
- Must have the ability to work towards continuous improvement of product quality and ISO 9000.
- Must follow all safety procedures, policy and JSA (Job Safety Analysis).
Qualifications:- Proven leadership experience in transportation, logistics, fleet management, or trucking operations.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive transportation management experience.
- Strong knowledge of DOT regulations, driver qualification requirements, hours-of-service regulations, safety programs, and compliance standards.
- Demonstrated success managing owner-operator fleets, carrier networks, and transportation personnel.
- Strong financial, operational, and strategic planning skills.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building abilities.
- Experience with driver recruitment, retention, and fleet growth initiatives.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Transportation, or a related field preferred.
