Transportation Operations Center Manager

**Job Description:** **Transportation Operations Center Manager** **Franklin, TN** **Onsite**        How do you keep a global network running smoothly? With exceptional leadership. As our new **Transport Operations Manager,** you will own the execution of our day-to-day transportation and shipment activities. Serving as the vital link between our manufacturing sites, RDCs, and external partners, you will manage critical carrier relationships, champion continuous improvement, and ensure world-class customer service. **Your mission:** Lead our logistics specialists in high-stakes load planning, scheduling, and error resolution, transforming daily operational challenges into streamlined, productive successes. **What are we looking for?** ============================  Minimum * Bachelor's Degree within Business, Logistics, Supply Chain or highly quantitative field **AND/OR** * 2\+ years’ experience in Logistics or Supply Chain Management * 5–7 years of progressive experience in transportation operations, logistics, or supply chain management. * 2–3 years of direct people management experience (leading logistics specialists, coordinators, or dispatchers). * Hands-on experience working with a major Transportation Management System TMS (e.g., Blue Yonder, SAP, Oracle, OTM).• Proficiency in Excel for data analysis (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, data modeling). * Experience managing operational budgets, tracking logistics costs, and mitigating accessorial fees. * Experience managing carrier relationships, tracking SLAs, and enforcing carrier compliance. * Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate, coach, motivate and lead a team  * Strong written and verbal communication skills ​Ability to drive positive change in both processes, systems, and culture   Preferred * 8+ years of experience in a large-scale, fast-paced FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), Food/Beverage, or retail distribution environment. ​ * Direct experience with UberFreight TMS and CASS (freight payment/audit system).• Advanced analytics capability (experience with Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or network optimization software like Optilogic/Llamasoft). * Extensive experience managing large-scale 3PL partnerships and co-developing long-term network load-planning solutions. * Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification. * Proven track record of leading structured CI projects that resulted in measurable cost savings (productivity) and service improvements. * Experience with process optimization, task automation (using tools like VBA, Power Automate, or Python), and creating interactive visualization tools/dashboards (such as Power BI, Tableau, or custom TMS reporting) to track and optimize key transport metrics. **What will be your key responsibilities?** =========================================== * Direct day-to-day activities for Inbound/Outbound Logistics Specialists to ensure operational procedures are followed and business needs are met. * Oversee daily transport operations, ensuring all shipments are covered, scheduled (delivery/pickup), and tendered in a timely manner. * Develops and maintains root cause corrective action procedures including trend analysis resulting in driving process improvements * Ensures daily staffing plans including contingency plans for time sensitive operations (unscheduled absentees, customer issues, system malfunctions, equipment issues, etc.) * Support site operations by ensuring carrier partners are adhering to shipment schedules * Meet or exceed performance targets (On Time Pickup and Delivery, Tender Acceptance, SRG and Check Call Compliance, Linehaul Spend) * Support Transportation cost management – linehaul, accessorials, and Fines & Fees mitigation * Create lean ways of working, drivers and measures supporting key priorities for the business * Own business relationship with TMS, CASS, and facilitate innovation of analytics and insights * Manage Transportation P&L including OHs and expenses for transportation services * Analyze data and build network optimization models, including identify and lead initiatives to reduce logistics costs, identify and lead initiatives to improve transportation service and performance, and remove non-value add activities * Investigate causes for service failures to determine where changes to process or performance are necessary and take appropriate actions * Act as the primary interface for 3PL load-planning partners to develop and execute future-forward network strategies. * Ensure carrier compliance with all Mars technical and business process requirements and develop corrective plans as needed **What can you expect from Mars?** * Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. * Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. * Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. * An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus. #LI-AS2 #LI-Onsite _**Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.**_ _**This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.**_