Senior Fleet Operations Manager - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

SALARY RANGE: $120,900.00 - $166,212.50

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Responsible for leading all aspects of carrier and customer relationships, and the safety and regulatory compliance of transportation operations. Delivers unsurpassed levels of customer service in the most cost-effective movement of assigned products. Ensures that rates are maintained in the system and that all regions meet or exceed established financial objectives. Responsible for carrier operations, negotiating rates, and leases with carriers to ensure we have capacity to make required deliveries. Ensures the development of an in-depth seasonal plan for all FS and other key customers for all products lines served by GROWMARK logistics.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHP

Supervises, leads, and develops all Fleet Operations Managers. Drives a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with GROWMARK’s strategic goals. Builds and maintains strong communication channels with customers and product divisions to understand, anticipate, and effectively address transportation capacity needs, thereby protecting and enhancing the GROWMARK System’s operational reliability and customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Directs and leads the overall operations and marketing plans for all truck transportation services to member cooperatives and external customers.

Leads the overall short- and long-term planning process for service to customers across all delivery types including private fleet, third party providers, and less than truckload freight.

Builds relationships with carriers and customers across the GROWMARK operating footprint to ensure high quality, costs effective, safe, and continuous service.

Works closely with the Dispatch Operations Team and GROWMARK Tank and Truck Centers team to provide unsurpassed service to our member cooperatives and external customers.

Negotiates and manages contractual relationships with providers for win/win outcomes.

Communicates with customers, carriers, and internal product divisions on transportation needs required to exceed their expectations.

Ensures that all trucking operations meet environmental and DOT regulations through comprehensive training programs that promote safety and compliance. 

Builds and cultivates a culture of accountability, service, quality, and continuous improvement.

Coordinates the lease and deployment of GROWMARK-owned trailing assets, including van trailers and pressure vessels, to maximize utilization and ensure carrier capacity to meet the seasonal needs of anhydrous ammonia and propane in collaboration with the Director, Logistics.

Creates and maintains safety training program for third-party carriers in collaboration with Fleet Operations Managers and the GROWMARK safety team.

Drives long-term talent develop through strategic recruiting, retention, and succession planning to build a high-performance leadership pipeline.

Maintains a focus on high levels of customer service while optimizing overall cost to serve.

Drives the adoption of innovative practices and digital tools, fostering a culture of technology-enabled efficiency and continuous improvement within the fleet operations team.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

Responsible for encouraging, supporting, and promoting innovative practices, ideas, and technologies within the team.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a transportation or business-related field or equivalent plus at least ten years of transportation planning experience.

Proven track record for developing training and coaching teams.

Proficient at clearly defining, analyzing, and resolving problems and process weaknesses.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, problem solving, decision making and skill development.

Must possess the ability to work well in both individual and team-oriented environments.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Must have the ability to travel independently and overnight when necessary.

A valid passport for out-of-the-country travel is required.

Must have the ability and willingness to work extended hours beyond what is considered normal.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position. 

At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.  In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.