Director Fleet Operations (Caldwell, ID)

Summary

This role is the Senior Leader accountable for Transportation Operations of Simplot Private Fleet. Provides strategic direction and overall management of Transportation operations associated with asset utilization, acquisitions, equipment disposition, business development, labor relations, wage and incentive programs, diesel fuel purchasing strategies, state, local and federal regulatory compliance relating to Federal Motor Carrier Compliance, OSHA, Environmental and Safety Agencies. Develops transportation strategies for four states and 5 terminal locations. Directs activities for Transportation Safety, Security, Human Resources, IT, accounting, payroll, business management, purchasing departments and Fleet terminal operations. Establishes vision and direction for transportation operations to ensure North American Food Group strategic direction and execution of goals and objectives are achieved. Provides leadership in liaison efforts between external and internal customers relating to pricing, regulatory compliance, safety, capital purchases, diesel fuel strategies and business acquisitions. Represents Transportation at the executive level to industry members (ATA, ITA, National Private Truck Council) business partners (Heinz), internal supply chain departments, legal and risk management departments. This position is responsible for moving and handling in excess of 5.5 billion pounds of raw and finished product annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Represents the Company within trade groups and before government bodies on transportation issues.
• Directs the acquisition, disposition, utilization and operation of highway rolling stock assets and employees.
• Establishes relationships and conducts negotiations with transportation and distribution vendors in order to achieve the Company's strategic objectives for asset acquisitions and disposition.
• Defines, plans, implements and monitors the strategic course of the department and related functional activity throughout transportation operations. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company and regulatory policies and programs. Responsible for hiring, training, planning, assigning employees and assets to maximize productivity. Appraises performance, rewards and disciplines employees, and addresses and resolves complaints and problems relating to all transportation operations.  
• Establishes operational policies, goals and functional practices for transportation activities including internal and external business and departments.     
• Manages and develops five subordinate managers who supervise approx. 200 employees domiciled in five different locations. Provides policy direction and functional guidance to internal and external transportation and distribution professionals. Responsible for overall management of approx. 80,000 loads tendered to company and contract carriers that operate in 4 states. 

Typical Education

Relevant Experience

• At least 7 years of relevant Fleet and Transportation experience
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the transportation industry.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of financial processes.
• Strong understanding and experience in managing both internal and external relationships.
• At least 5 years senior management experience is required.
• Strong experience managing and negotiating with 3rd party carriers 
• Experience with a private truck fleet is preferred
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