Transportation Manager

Description

Since 1921, URM has stood behind the success of independent grocers. We are more than a distributor — we are a cooperative of people who believe local grocery stores build stronger communities. Every day, we deliver more than products. We deliver trust, partnership, and progress. Together, we keep local communities thriving.

Does this sound like a team you’d like to join? We are looking for a Transportation Manager to join our Spokane, WA logistics operations team — a role where you’ll lead a talented team, drive results, and help shape the future of our transportation operations.

Reporting to the Director of Transportation, the Transportation Manager oversees the daily execution of moving goods safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively from our distribution centers to our customers and back haul loads. The ideal candidate brings hands-on grocery logistics experience, strong management skills, and a proven ability to improve performance using KPIs. You’ll lead supervisors and drivers with integrity and purpose, all while embodying URM’s Corporate promise to our customers and communities by “efficiently providing the resources, innovation, and reliability that help our customers grow.”

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily transportation operations across WA, OR, MT, and ID, ensuring efficient, safe, and on-time multi-stop deliveries.
• Lead and coach Transportation Supervisors and drivers, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
• Monitor and manage key transportation KPIs, including on-time delivery, cost per mile, fuel efficiency, equipment utilization, and driver productivity, proactively resolving operational issues.
• Plan and manage staffing, scheduling, vacation bidding, and overtime to balance operational requirements with employee work-life quality.
• Maintain compliance with DOT/FMCSA regulations, Hours of Service, ELD standards, and driver qualification requirements.
• Build and maintain productive relationships in a union environment, ensuring adherence to labor agreements and equitable workplace practices.
• Act as a visible, hands-on leader across the yard, warehouse, delivery routes, and during Member interactions as needed.
• Collaborate with Safety, Maintenance, Warehouse Operations, Customer Service, and Member retailers  to align on service expectations, seasonal demand, and promotional volumes.
• Handle customer complaints, implement corrective actions, and enforce company policies, procedures, and labor agreements, including administering corrective discipline when necessary.

  Our Ideal Transportation Manager:

• A steady, respected, reliable leader who brings clarity, composure, and direction to fast-paced operations.
• A problem-solver who thrives on tackling operational challenges and enhancing service reliability.
• An adaptable professional who remains flexible, resourceful, and steady in a continually evolving environment.
• A principled professional committed to integrity, consistency, and accountability.
• A collaborative communicator who is able to communicate concepts verbally and in writing, giving clear direction across all levels of Company with transparency, empathy, and respect.
• A cross-functional partner who works effectively with teams across the organization to drive aligned outcomes.
• An emotionally intelligent professional who demonstrates high standards, a solid work ethic and quality in all endeavors.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of transportation or logistics leadership experience within warehousing. 
• At least 3 years of people-leadership experience, including supervising, coaching, performance management, and driving accountability.
• Strong working knowledge of grocery or high-volume distribution operations, with a clear understanding of customer service expectations.
• Demonstrated experience working in a union environment, including understanding the CBA, upholding contractual obligations, and maintaining positive labor relations.
• Proven ability to manage DOT-regulated fleets, consistently prioritizing safety in all operational decisions.
• Proficiency in core transportation functions, including routing, dispatch operations, and cost control.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong emotional intelligence to build trust, influence stakeholders, and lead teams through change.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean MVR. 
• Proven ability to interpret data and utilize key transportation KPIs (e.g., OTIF, freight cost per lb, carrier scorecards).
• Knowledge of freight claims processes.
• Working knowledge and understanding of DOT and FMCSA regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

A Legacy of Local Impact Since 1921

For more than a century, we’ve fueled local success by delivering quality products, dependable service, and cooperative strength. Our brand reflects that legacy, one rooted in community, trust, and shared prosperity. Today, we employ more than 3,000 dedicated team members across URM and our thriving subsidiaries—Rosauers Supermarkets and Peirone Produce. 

Join our team and thrive in a supportive, team-oriented environment where our amazing culture comes with a range of exciting perks and a comprehensive compensation package.

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, the prevailing minimum wage for the location, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs.  Established salary range $90,000-$94,000 annually DOE, plus so much more!
• URM offers a rich benefits package, covering 100% of medical, dental, vision, and prescription premiums for employees and over 90% for their dependents.
• Our employees also have access to additional benefits, including subsidized life insurance (with strong family rates), Company-paid long-term disability, optional short-term disability and cancer coverage, and discounted Life Flight rate.
• Helping our non-union employees prepare for the future, URM offers a 401k Retirement Plan with an amazing Company match, up  to 9% of their annual salary!
• URM offers  a strong work–life benefits package that includes a great vacation plan,  paid holidays, paid personal holidays, paid sick days, and a paid Volunteer Service Day! 
• Employees enjoy a variety of company-sponsored events for them and their families, including March Madness brackets, Family      Hockey Night, Holiday Mingle & Jingle, Summer Wine & Music evenings, and Winter Break Movie Night.
• Employees receive a range of corporate discounts, including gym memberships, cell phone and computer deals, plus exclusive      discounts at our Company-owned stores.

URM Stores, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, and workplace practices.

Please note: All selected candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening, as URM maintains a drug-free workplace.