Senior Operations Manager Transportation & Logistics Excellence

RONALD STARNES

Charlotte, NC ***** 704-***-**** ******.*******@*******.*** LinkedIn

Summary

Results-driven Senior Operations Manager with 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in transportation, logistics, and distribution management. Expert in optimizing supply chain performance, reducing operational costs, and driving continuous improvement across multi-site operations. Skilled in strategic planning, fleet management, warehouse optimization, and vendor negotiations to ensure timely, cost-effective deliveries. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and strengthen organizational efficiency through data-driven decision-making. Adept at fostering cross-functional collaboration, maintaining regulatory compliance, and achieving operational excellence in fast-paced environments.

Skills

Supply Chain Optimization

Fleet and Transportation Management

Strategic Operations Planning

Warehouse and Distribution Management

Process Improvement

Budgeting and Cost Control

Team Leadership& Performance Management

Vendor and Supplier Relationship Management

Data-Driven Decision Making

Regulatory Compliance & Safety Management

Strong Analytical Thinking

Effective Communication

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Adaptability and Resilience

Experience

Senior Operations Manager 06/2020 to Current

Epes Transport, Inc. Charlotte, NC

Oversaw the safe and efficient delivery of freight operations across a four-state region (GA, SC, AL, FL), ensuring full compliance with DOT and company standards.

Directed daily terminal operations and supervised 100+ drivers and logistics personnel, maintaining consistent service excellence and operational discipline.

Maintained an on-time delivery rate exceeding 99%, strengthening customer satisfaction and client retention.

Implemented strategic scheduling, fleet maintenance, and route optimization initiatives that reduced transit time and improved cost efficiency.

Collaborated with safety, HR, and dispatch teams to enhance driver retention, performance tracking, and resource utilization.

Senior Driver Relations Manager 05/2019 to 04/2020

Red Classic Transit Charlotte, NC

Established and led the company's first Employee Retention Department, supporting a workforce of over 400 drivers and improving overall engagement across all terminals.

Directed consistent and transparent communication between leadership and 300+ field drivers, strengthening alignment and operational efficiency.

Oversaw and facilitated training sessions for 40+ managers, dispatchers, and assistant dispatchers, enhancing communication and coordination across departments.

Partnered with HR and operations teams to resolve 100+ driver concerns monthly, ensuring timely response and improved satisfaction.

Developed standardized communication protocols adopted across 10 regional terminals, improving driver connectivity and leadership visibility.

Senior DSD Manager 01/2016 to 04/2019

Red Classic Transit Charlotte, NC

Oversaw safe and efficient freight delivery operations across a five-state region (NC, SC, TN, VA, WV), ensuring full compliance with transportation and safety standards.

Directed and supported 120+ DSD drivers and terminal staff, maintaining high performance and reliability across multiple sites.

Sustained an exceptional on-time delivery record, strengthening customer trust and operational consistency.

Collaborated with logistics and dispatch teams to optimize routes, reduce downtime, and enhance fuel efficiency across 25+ distribution routes.

Managed regional performance metrics and implemented process improvements that improved coordination across five major terminals.

Driver Manager 07/2014 to 12/2015

Red Classic Transit Charlotte, NC

Managed all terminals and delivery operations across North Carolina, ensuring timely and safe freight delivery.

Led DSD and transport services for 150+ drivers, optimizing route planning and operational efficiency.

Coordinated cross-terminal communication and scheduling to reduce downtime and improve service consistency.

Implemented performance tracking protocols, enhancing driver accountability and team productivity.

Supported terminal managers in workforce development and operational process improvements.

Delivery Manager 11/2012 to 09/2013

Adams Beverages of North Carolina, L.L.C. Charlotte, NC

Conducted rerouting and territory planning to improve delivery efficiency across multiple routes.

Recruited, hired, trained, and mentored 50+ operations personnel, establishing a high-performing delivery team.

Developed operational procedures that reduced delivery delays and improved customer satisfaction.

Collaborated with logistics and dispatch teams to optimize fleet utilization and route coverage.

Monitored performance metrics to ensure compliance with company and safety standards.

Director of Transportation 01/2005 to 10/2012

Bealer Wholesale, Inc. Charlotte, NC

Transitioned a traditional delivery department into a dynamic, territory-planned delivery system, enhancing efficiency across 10+ distribution routes.

Recruited, hired, trained, and mentored 100+ operations personnel, building a high-performing logistics workforce.

Oversaw fleet management, route planning, and on-time delivery performance across multiple sites.

Implemented process improvements that reduced operational costs and enhanced service reliability.

Developed reporting and performance tracking systems to ensure operational excellence and compliance with safety standards.

Education

Bachelor of Arts: History, Minor: Business Administration

Campbell University Buies Creek, North Carolina

Dean's List

Accomplishments

Reduced transportation and logistics costs by over $500K annually through strategic route optimization and vendor contract renegotiation.

Improved on-time delivery performance by 20+ consecutive months through implementation of advanced scheduling and GPS fleet tracking systems.

Enhanced warehouse operations, increasing inventory accuracy to 99% and cutting order fulfillment time by over 2 hours per dispatch across 20+ distribution routes.

Led and developed cross-functional teams of 65+ employees, boosting workforce productivity and meeting all key performance benchmarks.

Implemented Lean operational practices that delivered 20+ measurable process improvements, reducing downtime and enhancing workflow efficiency company-wide.

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