Transportation operations managers perform various functions in ensuring effective and efficient transport service in their companies.

The job description below is a typical example of the kind of tasks, duties, and responsibilities commonly assigned to individuals who work as transportation operations manager in most organizations:

• Direct the activities of staff in relation to transport operations within the company on duties like dispatching and tracking/monitoring of transportation vehicles

• Monitor the general operations of staff of the transportation department to make sure that their operations are within the guidelines, safety measures, government orders, and administrative policies

• Involve in the negotiation and authorization of contracts and other forms of purchases and procurements that are related to the company’s transportation needs

• Develop important indicators that measure and show the effectiveness of the company’s transportation operations

• Develop transportation policies across appropriate units within the firm

• Appoint competent transportation staff. This usually involves carrying out interview, selection, training, and performance appraisal of every transportation personnel

• Negotiate with warehouse owners or operators and carriers for their services and for fair rates

• Conduct necessary investigation(s) to determine the cause of problems like accidents (if any arises) and to set up safety measures to avoid recurrence of such issues

• Develop and implement plans that will lead to improvement in company profit

• Implement management recommendations, like proposed fees and change in movement schedule

• Maintain open dialogue with other units’ managers so as to organize activities that will enhance company’s general performance

• Take charge of investigations that look into customer complaints with regards to product delivery and other transportation-associated issues

• Make recommendation for the acquisition of new equipment or the replacement of old ones.

Requirements – Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

When hiring for the role of transportation operations manager, most employers will expect you to meet the following requirements to qualify for an interview appointment:

• Must possess good communication skills, with emphasis on the ability to effectively produce and distribute information across different units within and outside the firm

• Good leadership qualities are of utmost importance

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and also to lead a team when the opportunity arises

• Excellent analytical skills

• Good time management abilities

• Good negotiation skills and excellent decision-making ability

• Good customer service skills so as to be able to maintain/retain existing customers

• Good interpersonal skills are also important

• A degree in any social science or management field will suffice

• Knowledge of the procedures and modes of transportation for moving goods

• Basic computer knowledge

• Knowledge of basic customer service procedures

• 1-3 years working experience in a similar role or capacity.