Manager - Intra Cal chez Hirschbach Motor Lines

The Manager of Intra-California Logistics Operations is responsible for strategic execution and operational performance of freight movement within the state of California. This role leads specialized team of Capacity managers and drives regional reliability, profitability, and service excellence.  

As a player-coach, the Manager balances hands on support with leadership responsibilities, ensuring consistent results in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. The Manager partners closely with senior leadership to align regional operations with national strategy, optimize carrier networks, and implement process improvements that enhance scalability and efficiency.  

This role requires market expertise, a bias for action, and a commitment to talent development, while fostering a culture of ownership, urgency, and customer focused execution.   

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership & Talent Development 

• Lead, mentor and coach Capacity Managers to meet performance goals related to margin, on-time delivery, and carrier utilization 

• Interview and onboard new team members, fostering a high-performance culture 

• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews focused on planning, negotiation, and service excellence 

• Responsible for claims management for the IntraCA team 

Strategic & Operational Oversight 

• Oversee intra-California freight execution, ensuring timely and cost-effective service.  

• Monitor KPIs including load count, coverage %, tracking compliance and margin 

• Serve as escalation point for gaps and carrier disputes 

• Actively contribute to load coverage and carrier development in a player-coach capacity 

• Align regional operations with Planning, Account Management and Customer Service 

• Manage significantly higher freight volume compared to Supervisor role (71.6 loads per head weekly) 

• Drive regional growth goals by increasing booked volume and optimizing team performance 

Carrier Relations 

• Develop and sustain strong partnerships with California based carriers 

• Lead strategic sourcing to diversify and strengthen the carrier network 

• Analyze market trends, lane performance, and rate fluctuations; communicate insights to leadership 

• Expand power-only carrier utilization to improve flexibility and scalability 

Process & Technology Adoption 

• Implement SOPs and champion process improvements for scalability and efficiency 

• Lead automation initiatives to streamline workflows and increase operational productivity 

• Drive adoption of digital freight tools and collaborate with BI/Finance to enhance reporting and visibility 

Communication & Reporting 

• Align regional goals with national strategy in partnership with Director-Logistics Operations 

• Lead regional meetings and communicate business priorities and market changes 

• Serve as a cross functional liaison between Capacity, Planning and Customer Service 

• Provide strategic input to leadership on market positioning and automation opportunities 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field (preferred) 

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in capacity management, carrier sales, or logistics operations; leadership experience strongly preferred. 

• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and follow-through capabilities 

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build trust across internal and external stakeholders 

• Proficient in TMS platforms, carrier tracking tools, and Microsoft Office Suite 

• Demonstrates commitment to company values and leads by example