Operations Manager

Job Overview

Aquila Transportation is seeking a hands-on Operations Manager to lead the full daily operation of our intermodal drayage business. This role functions as a general manager for operations, with direct ownership of dispatch, planning, customer service and communications, yard operations, and equipment.

This is a working leadership role. The Operations Manager will be the primary point of contact and direct supervisor for drivers and operations staff and will set the standard for how our team is led, trained, and supported.

In the first months, the role will be heavily hands-on: taking over training of the outsourced dispatch and operations team, developing the in-house operations staff, and stepping into the work directly when the operation needs it.

The Operations Manager will work closely with Sales and HR to plan capacity for incoming business and to manage hiring and recruiting needs. This is a demanding role with significant impact, built for a proven leader who is comfortable owning results across every part of the operation.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Leadership and People Management:

o Lead the full operations team, including company drivers, yard staff, dispatch, operations support, and maintenance

o Set clear expectations, coach performance, and hold the team accountable to Aquila's standards

o Conduct training, performance reviews, corrective action, and documentation in coordination with HR

o Build a respectful, consistent working environment that retains drivers and staff

o Resolve driver and staff concerns promptly and escalate to human resources when appropriate

o Assess the current operations team structure, roles, and staffing within the first 90 days, and reorganize roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines to fit the operation

• Driver, Contractor, and Yard Staff Management:

o Serve as the primary point of contact and direct supervisor for company drivers, including assignments, performance, safety coaching, and corrective action

o Manage independent contractor relationships, including onboarding, compliance documentation, load tendering, and settlement accuracy

o Supervise yard staff, including scheduling, training, and safe yard practices

o Monitor driver and contractor retention and address causes of turnover

• Outsourced Team Management:

o Own training and onboarding of the outsourced dispatch and operations team

o Define procedures, handoffs, and quality standards between the in-house and outsourced teams

o Monitor outsourced team performance and correct gaps quickly

• Dispatch and Planning:

o Oversee daily and weekly planning of pickups, deliveries, and returns

o Ensure efficient driver assignments and equipment utilization

o Step in to dispatch and plan directly when volume or staffing requires it

o Develop contingency plans for delays, equipment failures, and terminal disruptions

• Customer Service and Communications:

o Ensure proactive, accurate, and timely load updates to customers

o Serve as the escalation point for customer service issues and resolve them to closure

o Ensure load documentation is complete and delivered to customers, warehouses, terminals, and equipment providers

• Yard Operations:

o Oversee yard activity, including container and chassis movement, staging, and gate activity

o Maintain accurate yard inventory and ensure safe yard practices

• Equipment and Maintenance:

o Direct the maintenance function, including preventive maintenance scheduling and repair prioritization

o Track equipment lifecycle, availability, and costs

o Coordinate with equipment providers on chassis and container issues

• Cross-Functional Coordination:

o Work with Sales to plan capacity and onboard incoming business

o Work with HR to forecast staffing, recruit and hire drivers, contractors, and staff, and manage onboarding

o Provide regular operational updates to ownership

• Performance and Compliance:

o Track and report KPIs, including on-time performance, driver productivity, equipment utilization, and customer satisfaction

o Ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, port, and terminal requirements and company safety policies

o Identify and implement process improvements using our TMS and reporting tools

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:

o 5+ years of operations experience in trucking, intermodal drayage, or a closely related transportation environment

o 3+ years of proven people management, directly supervising drivers, dispatchers, or operations staff

o Demonstrated track record of leading teams through change and improving operational results

o Bachelor's degree in business, logistics, supply chain, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered

• Skills:

o Working knowledge of dispatch, planning, customer service, yard operations, and equipment maintenance, with the ability to perform the work when needed

o Strong knowledge of Los Angeles and Long Beach port and terminal operations, including appointment systems

o Proficiency with TMS platforms (PortPro preferred) and Microsoft Office

o Excellent written and verbal communication with drivers, staff, customers, and vendors

o Steady, composed leadership under pressure, with the ability to hold people accountable while treating them with respect

o Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in fast-moving situations

• Other Requirements:

o Familiarity with DOT and FMCSA regulations and safety standards for motor carriers

o Experience training or managing outsourced or remote teams is a plus

o Spanish language proficiency is a plus

o Availability for after-hours escalations and occasional extended hours

Pay: $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person