Operations / Dispatch Manager Leadership | Accountability | Operational Excellence
Location: Owatonna, MN or Lakeville, MN
Salary: $70,000-$95,000 based on experience and qualifications
About the Role: This position is responsible for effective load planning, driver and equipment utilization, service performance, and fleet productivity. The Operations / Dispatch Manager will work closely with Dispatch, Drivers, Safety, Maintenance, and Management to ensure the fleet operates safely, efficiently, and profitably.
What You'll Do: - Lead, coach, and manage dispatch personnel, including priorities, coverage, performance, and accountability.
- Oversee load planning and driver assignments while balancing freight, equipment availability, Hours of Service, home time, and customer commitments.
- Monitor key fleet metrics including revenue per truck, total miles, deadhead, utilization, idle trucks, and freight quality.
- Evaluate lanes, reload opportunities, and repositioning decisions based on the economics of the complete freight cycle.
- Monitor pickups, deliveries, appointments, delays, and service issues and ensure timely resolution.
- Maintain clear and consistent communication with drivers regarding assignments, schedules, delays, equipment, and home time.
- Work with Safety on driver eligibility and compliance concerns and with Maintenance on equipment readiness, breakdowns, and downtime.
- Identify operational issues and underperformance, establish corrective actions, and follow through to completion.
- Maintain accurate operational records and ensure established dispatch procedures are followed.
- Provide weekly management updates on fleet performance, staffing, service issues, and corrective actions.
- Participate in an established after-hours operational escalation rotation.
What You'll Need: - 3+ years of experience in OTR trucking, dispatch, fleet operations, or transportation management.
- Previous dispatch or operations leadership experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of Hours of Service, load planning, driver utilization, deadhead, revenue-per-mile, and fleet economics.
- Strong communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to analyze operational data and make sound business decisions.
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced transportation environment.
- Experience with TMS, ELD, or fleet-management systems preferred.
