Transportation Manager

River Valley Holdings is a family-owned distribution company based in Syracuse, NY, serving retail customers across the northeastern United States. The River Valley family of companies: River Valley Foods, Cavallaro Foods and Garden Spot Foods, distributes a wide range of specialty dry and frozen grocery items and consumable products out of warehouses in Syracuse, NY and New Holland, PA.

The Transportation Manager is responsible for providing strategic oversight and leadership to the transportation department, managing the team of transportation employees, and ensuring operational excellence in meeting customer needs.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Department Oversight:

• Develop and implement transportation department strategies and policies
• Review and optimize departmental processes and procedures
• Manage departmental budget and resource allocation
• Lead quarterly route planning meetings with sales team
• Develop annual budget and strategic plans
• Analyze and improve department KPIs and metrics

Regulatory & Compliance:

• Ensure department-wide compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and FSMA regulations
• Oversee DOT Drug and Alcohol testing program compliance
• Participate on Company Safety Committee
• Review and approve Driver Qualification Files
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement required updates
• Ensure compliance with company food safety programs

Business Development & Partner Relations:

• Evaluate and negotiate cross-dock partnerships
• Manage vehicle leasing/maintenance partner relationships and maintenance programs
• Develop backhaul programs and analyze revenue opportunities
• Review and approve new customer service area qualifications
• Build relationships with key vendors and partners
• Develop and manage 3rd party carrier partnerships

Financial Management:

• Review monthly departmental expenses versus budget
• Analyze route profitability using Transportation Costing System
• Optimize resource allocation across routes
• Evaluate cost/benefit of backhaul activities
• Monitor fuel costs and efficiency metrics

Team Development:

• Provide leadership and guidance to Transportation Team
• Review staffing needs and structure
• Ensure proper training programs are in place for both office staff and driver team
• Monitor team performance metrics
• Lead quarterly department meetings

Systems Management:

• Oversee Omnitracs routing software utilization
• Review route optimization opportunities
• Ensure accurate customer data maintenance
• Monitor technology needs and improvements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required
• 5+ years' experience in Transportation or Supply Chain role
• Management experience
• Strong understanding of DOT regulations
• Experience with transportation management systems
• Food industry experience preferred
• High degree of competency with MS Office applications

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic planning and leadership
• Financial analysis and budgeting
• Team development and management
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Vendor relationship management

Wages:

• $70,000 - $95,000 per year

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

Benefits:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Company paid holidays
• Health, prescription, and dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Supplemental insurances
• 401 (k) with company match
• Employee assistant program
• Employee purchase program

River Valley Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)