Operations Manager (Logistics or Transportation)

Career Guide

Oversees daily logistics or transportation operations to move goods on time and within budget. Plans staffing and workflows, manages routing/dispatch, tracks KPIs, ensures DOT/OSHA compliance, and drives process improvements using systems like TMS/WMS.

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Key Responsibilities

Oversee warehouse, cross-dock, or terminal operations across shifts
Plan staffing, scheduling, and labor productivity targets
Manage routing/dispatch and load planning to meet on-time delivery
Track KPIs (OTIF, pick rate, dwell time) and action variances
Ensure DOT and OSHA compliance; lead safety programs
Manage carrier and vendor relationships, rates, and SLAs
Own budget, cost control, and inventory/yard accuracy
Lead continuous improvement and system adoption (TMS/WMS)

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Operations Manager

Director of Logistics/Transportation

Distribution Center General Manager

Regional Operations Manager

Transition Opportunities

Supply Chain Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

Procurement Manager

Fleet Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

TMS/WMS configuration and reportingDOT hours-of-service and fleet complianceCarrier procurement and rate negotiationApplied Lean/Six Sigma in warehouse/transport settings

Development SuggestionsComplete TMS/WMS training (e.g., Manhattan, SAP/Oracle TM) and a DOT/OSHA compliance course; lead a small DMAIC project on the floor and partner with carriers to practice bid and rate analysis.

Market Intelligence Report

Operations Manager (Logistics or Transportation) is part of the Logistics category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$65,000–$90,000

Mid Level$95,000–$120,000

Senior Level$125,000–$160,000

Growth Trend

growing — E-commerce and freight volume sustain demand for experienced ops leaders

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AmazonUPSFedEx

Industry Sectors

Transportation & WarehousingRetail & E-commerceManufacturingThird-Party Logistics (3PL)

Recommended Next Steps

Earn ASCM CLTD or CSCP to validate end-to-end logistics knowledge and credibility

Complete OSHA 30 (General Industry) and take a DOT HOS compliance course

Build a KPI dashboard (on-time, dwell, cost-per-stop) using Excel/SQL and present a CI case study from a pilot project