Transportation Manager Indianapolis, IN | On-site | Approximately $100-110K base We are supporting an established, growing logistics organization seeking a hands-on Transportation Manager to lead daily dispatch and scheduling across a high-volume, multimodal transportation operation. This is a player-coach leadership role for someone who knows how to develop a team, build strong carrier relationships, improve execution and service, and stay focused on transportation cost and margin performance. This is not a transactional carrier-sales or bid-board environment. The organization places a premium on long-term relationships, disciplined execution, and strategic carrier partnerships. The successful leader will bring strong operational judgment, communicate well, and be comfortable stepping in alongside the team when service or capacity challenges require it. The Opportunity

• Lead a team of approximately five responsible for dispatch and scheduling across roughly 150-200 non-asset shipments per day.
• Oversee execution across Truckload (Refrigerated and Dry Van), LTL, Expedited, Air, and Flatbed transportation.
• Drive efficient, accurate, and cost-effective transportation execution while maintaining a high level of service.
• Build and strengthen carrier relationships, negotiate rates and capacity, and partner with Carrier Relations on routing-guide performance.
• Monitor operational KPIs, service performance, transportation costs, and margin goals; identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Coach, develop, and hold team members accountable while improving morale, floor execution, and overall team performance.
• Ensure strong tracking, tracing, visibility, carrier compliance, and exception management, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive freight.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, sales, quality, fleet, and other internal teams to support customer requirements and business growth.
• Provide occasional after-hours support as part of a rotation and assist with the company asset fleet when operational capacity requires. What We Are Looking For
• 5-10 years of transportation or logistics industry experience, with at least 5 years of management experience in a comparable environment.
• Proven experience leading, coaching, recruiting, and developing transportation or dispatch teams.
• 3-5 years of strong carrier negotiation experience across Truckload, LTL, and Expedited transportation.
• Hands-on Truckload operations experience, including Refrigerated and Dry Van, with experience supporting high-value freight.
• Strong understanding of transportation operations, carrier relations, service execution, regulatory requirements, and operational KPIs.
• Financial and commercial awareness, including the ability to analyze trends, manage transportation costs, and contribute to margin improvement.
• A hands-on, relationship-oriented leadership style with strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, or a related discipline preferred. Preferred Experience
• Life sciences, cold-chain, controlled-room-temperature (CRT), or other temperature-controlled transportation.
• Air, Flatbed, high-value, or time-critical freight.
• ISO or Quality Management environments.
• Asset-fleet exposure and experience supporting business continuity or 24/7 transportation operations.
• TMS, carrier-compliance, and visibility platforms such as Infios/MercuryGate, Carrier Assure, Highway, project44, or comparable systems.

Schedule & Work Environment This is an on-site role in the Indianapolis area. The typical schedule is Monday-Friday, approximately 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, with flexibility based on operational requirements and occasional participation in an after-hours coverage rotation. Compensation & Benefits

• Approximately $105K base salary.
• Bonus program currently in development.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match up to 3%.
• Paid time off.
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.

Why Consider This Opportunity? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a meaningful transportation operation within an organization that is continuing to grow its logistics network and expand its capabilities in life sciences and cold-chain transportation. The role offers visibility, cross-functional exposure, and longer-term growth potential for a leader who can strengthen the team, improve execution, and build durable carrier relationships.

Pay:

$100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have hands-on experience managing non-asset Truckload transportation operations, including carrier sourcing, negotiation, dispatch, or execution? Which transportation modes have you directly managed? Truckload / LTL / Refrigerated / Expedited / Air / Flatbed /

Other Experience:

Transportation management: 5 years (Preferred) Transportation planning: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person