Transportation Operations Manager
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 12, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 30, 2026. Kalmbach Feeds® scores B on the Alion truth index.
About the Role
The Transportation Operations Manager leads the day-to-day transportation operation for Kalmbach Trucking and Best In Show Logistics. This role owns every live board (bulk outbound, inbound, van, and extended-hours coverage) and is accountable for loads being covered on time, at the right cost, every day.
Leading a team of seven planners and coordinators, the Transportation Operations Manager is the single owner of the live operation. This allows senior transportation leadership to focus on network design, carrier strategy, and total transportation cost.
Primary Responsibilities
- Own the daily operating plan across bulk outbound, inbound, and van freight, keeping service and cost on target
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of seven: Driver & Carrier Relations Manager, Senior Bulk Load Planner, Inbound Load Planner, Van Load Planner, Retail Logistics Coordinator, Transportation Contracts & Audit Administrator, and Extended Hours Transportation Coordinator
- Manage capacity by tracking expected and committed carrier and contractor capacity against what is actually delivered, and close gaps before they affect plants or customers
- Serve as the first point of escalation for exceptions and service failures, and drive root-cause correction
- Approve daily rates and freight spend within the cost standards set by the Regional Transportation Manager
- Oversee contractor settlements, and serve as backup for the bulk plan, weekly contractor settlements, accessorial approvals in Beyond Trucks, and driver and carrier relations
- Set extended-hours coverage and team staffing to match actual freight demand, and manage team utilization
- Establish, track, and report operating KPIs, including on-time pickup and delivery, exceptions closed, and cost per load against standard
- Maintain written procedures and cross-training so that no critical task depends on a single person
- Partner with plant operations, Purchasing, Customer Service, Warehousing, Safety, and the Shop to keep the daily plan current
- Identify capacity and staffing needs early as volume grows and new plants come online
The Right Candidate
- 5+ years of transportation or logistics operations experience, including at least 2 years leading a team
- Experience with bulk (hopper) and/or truckload van operations; experience managing a company or contractor fleet strongly preferred
- Contractor settlements and payroll experience strongly preferred
- Working knowledge of a transportation management system (Beyond Trucks a plus), load-planning tools, and Microsoft Excel
- Sound judgment making real-time decisions on service, cost, and capacity
- Credible, clear communicator with drivers, carriers, plant teams, and internal partners
- Working knowledge of FMCSA hours-of-service requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, or business, or equivalent experience
About the Company
Kalmbach Feeds offers the highest quality nutritional products for livestock, poultry, and companion animals. The company was founded in 1963 by Milton and Ruth Kalmbach with a vision to develop the finest products, providing customers with the best possible nutritional value. The Kalmbach family’s traditional core values have served as the compass for consistent success for six decades, and the company has become the regional leader within the animal nutrition industry.
Additional information can be found at www.kalmbachfeeds.com.
Kalmbach Feeds Offers
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits with eligibility on date of hire
- 401(K) (traditional and Roth options) with generous company match
- 3 Weeks Paid Time Off in first year
- Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Competitive Compensation
- On Staff Life Coach
- Medical and Dependent Care Reimbursement Plans
- Access to Beach Front Company Condo in Fort Myers, FL
Kalmbach Feeds is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Each applicant for employment is considered solely based on job qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. The information contained within your resume and application, including employment history, educational history, and references, are subject to verification. Pre-employment drug screen (hair and urine), physical, and criminal background check required.
Only qualified candidates will be contacted.