Transportation Manager

Overview

Tree of Life Canada ULC is an Employer who strives to provide an inclusive work environment that involves everyone and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. If selected for an interview, we will be happy to work with you to ensure your interview is accessible and accommodation is provided. When your interview is being scheduled, please advise the Recruiter of how we might be able to support your participation.

** NOTE: Reference checks will be conducted for potential candidates and the information collected will be used in making the final hiring decision.

Primary Responsibilities

The Transportation Manager is responsible for overseeing transportation operations and supporting the efficient, cost-effective, and reliable movement of goods across the North American network. This role serves as the transportation subject matter expert, partnering closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Customer Care, Sales, Procurement, and external providers to ensure service requirements are met while balancing cost, capacity, and operational performance. The Transportation Manager is accountable for carrier relationship management, freight spend oversight, transportation performance, Transportation Management System (TMS) optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role leverages transportation data, market intelligence, and industry relationships to identify opportunities that improve service, enhance supply chain resilience, and optimize freight costs. This position also contributes to strategic projects, network optimization efforts, and cross-functional initiatives that support business growth and operational excellence.

Location: On-site (Mississauga)

Travel: Up to 10-20% based on project requirements.

Essential Functions

Transportation Operations & Carrier Management

• Manage daily transportation activities to ensure service, cost, and operational objectives are achieved.
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for transportation-related service issues, disruptions, and carrier performance concerns.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with transportation providers, including Brokerage partners.
• Monitor carrier performance and implement corrective actions to address service, capacity, or compliance issues.
• Support carrier sourcing activities, route optimization initiatives, and transportation capacity planning.
• Collaborate with transportation partners to ensure equipment availability and business continuity.

Freight Spend & Transportation Performance

• Monitor freight expenditures and transportation performance metrics across the network.
• Analyze freight costs, market trends, and rate fluctuations to identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Support annual transportation budgeting, forecasting, and freight spend reporting activities.
• Evaluate transportation service levels while balancing cost-to-serve objectives.
• Develop recommendations that improve transportation efficiency and reduce costs without impacting customer service.

Transportation Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Act as the business lead for Transportation Management System (TMS) support, enhancements, and issue resolution.
• Leverage transportation analytics and reporting tools to drive operational decision-making.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance visibility, service performance, and transportation efficiency.
• Support transportation technology initiatives and digital transformation projects.
• Develop reporting, dashboards, and performance metrics to support continuous improvement efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Supply Planning, Customer Service, Sales, Procurement, and Warehouse teams to support business requirements.
• Provide transportation expertise for new business opportunities, customer initiatives, and network optimization projects.
• Contribute transportation insights and recommendations during S&OP and other cross-functional planning processes.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to identify and mitigate transportation-related risks.
• Support inventory flow optimization and warehouse requirements as needed.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Develop and maintain transportation KPI reporting and performance dashboards.
• Monitor key metrics including on-time delivery, carrier performance, tender acceptance, transportation costs, and service levels.
• Prepare regular performance reviews and business updates for leadership.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to improve transportation network performance and customer service.
• Track industry trends and market conditions to support business planning and transportation strategy.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Transportation, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of transportation, logistics, or supply chain experience.
• Experience managing carrier relationships, freight procurement activities, and transportation operations.
• Experience working within manufacturing, distribution, retail, or related industries.
• Experience supporting transportation projects, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives.

• SAP or other ERP reporting tools
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Data analysis and KPI development

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive results.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.

The base compensation range for this role is $74,400 CAD - $111,600 CAD. Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual’s knowledge, skills and experience with consideration given to internal equity. Base pay is one part of a comprehensive Total Reward program which also includes flexible and supportive benefits and other wellbeing programs. This role may also be eligible for an Annual Bonus based on a combination of enterprise and individual performance.