Job description
At Aurora Transport Solutions, we optimize the movement of goods across North America. We are seeking a results-driven Senior Transportation Operations Manager to lead our operations team in Chicago, driving efficiency, safety, and service levels for our diverse client base.
In this role, you will leverage data-driven insights to optimize carrier performance, routing, and fleet utilization while ensuring compliance with transportation regulations. This is a hands-on leadership position that collaborates across procurement, customer service, and warehouse operations to deliver exceptional logistics solutions.
Responsibility
- Lead daily transportation operations, optimizing routes and carrier assignments to achieve on-time delivery targets and cost efficiency.
- Manage a multi-modal fleet (truckload, parcel, and intermodal) and coordinate maintenance, compliance, and safety programs.
- Develop and monitor KPIs (OTIF, cost per mile, on-time arrivals, claims rate) and provide actionable reporting to leadership.
- Negotiate rates and service terms with carriers, 3PLs, and broker networks to maximize value for customers.
- Collaborate with procurement, warehouse, and customer service to design end-to-end supply chain solutions.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives (routing optimization, load consolidation, parcel visibility, and exception handling).
- Oversee regulatory compliance (FMCSA/DOT, hazmat, hours-of-service) and safety programs to minimize risk.
- Mentor and develop a high-performing transportation team, setting clear goals and performance feedback.
Qualification
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, or a related field.
- 7+ years of transportation and logistics operations experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of FMCSA/DOT regulations, HOS rules, safety programs, and compliance frameworks.
- Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), including data extraction and reporting; experience with SAP/Oracle a plus.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with a data-driven mindset.
- Proven ability to negotiate with carriers and manage vendor relationships.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills; capability to lead and develop a team.
- Project management and process improvement experience; Lean or Six Sigma familiarity is a plus.