Chief Operating Officer

Overview

Chief Operating Officer

San Diego-100% on site

Relocation provided for non-local candidates,

 

Core Responsibilities:

• • Oversee and optimize all aspects of operations, safety, network planning, and
• maintenance.
• • Ensure regulatory compliance within the auto transport industry.
• • Drive efficiency in operational processes and fleet management.
• • Foster a strong safety culture and implement best practices.
• • Strengthen customer service standards to enhance client relationships.
• • Lead strategic growth initiatives, including network expansion and optimization.
• • Manage budgets, cost control, and financial performance of operations.
• • Implement technology solutions for tracking, reporting, and efficiency.
• • Develop and mentor high-performing teams across departments.

Critical Qualities & Skills:

• • Strong leadership and strategic decision-making abilities.
• • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• • Proven ability to drive operational efficiency and process improvements.
• • High level of business acumen, financial management, and cost control expertise.
• • Ability to adapt to DOT industry trends, regulatory changes, and market dynamics.
• • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage crisis situations effectively.
• • People-centric leadership with a focus on team development and culture building.

Domain Knowledge & Experience:

• Operations Management: Extensive experience managing large-scale logistics and fleet operations in the auto transport industry. Strong knowledge of TMS
• (Transportation Management Systems) functionality.
• Safety Acumen: Deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, DOT compliance, and
• risk mitigation strategies. Knowledgeable in Hours of Service and deeply familiar
• with Electronic Logging Device requirements and platforms (Samsara, Geotab) etc.
• • Customer Service: Expertise in client relations, contract negotiations, and service
• delivery excellence.
• • Maintenance & Fleet Management: Knowledge of preventive maintenance
• programs, equipment lifecycle management, and cost-effective repairs.
• • Network Planning: Experience in optimizing transport routes, load balancing, and
• carrier partnerships.
• • Regulatory Compliance: Strong grasp of auto transport regulations at federal and
• state levels.

Enhanced Critical Qualities & Skills
Personal & Interpersonal Skills:

• • Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Ability to navigate complex relationships, manage
• stress, and lead with empathy.
• • Resilience & Adaptability: Capable of handling high-pressure situations, market
• fluctuations, and operational challenges.
• • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Approaches challenges with a data-driven
• and analytical mindset to drive solutions.
• • Accountability & Integrity: Demonstrates transparency, ethical decision-making,
• and accountability for results.
• Leadership & Executive Presence:
• • Visionary Leadership: Inspires teams with a clear vision and strategic direction for
• long-term company growth.
• • Hands-On Management: Willing to engage at all levels, from drivers to executive
• stakeholders, to foster a strong company culture.
• • Conflict Resolution: Navigates difficult conversations effectively, ensuring
• alignment across departments.
• Presentation & Communication Skills:
• • Audience Adaptability: Can effectively communicate with a range of audiences,
• from frontline drivers to board members (BOD).
• Executive-Level Presentation Skills: Capable of delivering compelling reports, performance reviews, and strategic roadmaps to senior leadership.  Public Speaking & Stakeholder Engagement: Confident in leading industry discussions, town halls, and corporate meetings.
• Data-Driven Storytelling: Uses analytics and KPIs to present operational performance and business impact persuasively.
• Marketing & Relationship-Building:
• Brand & Market Awareness: Understands how to position the company as a leader in the auto transport industry.
• Customer & Client Relations: Develops strong relationships with key customers, partners, and vendors.
• Industry Networking: Actively engages in industry associations, regulatory groups, and strategic partnerships.
• Business Development: Identifies new market opportunities, partnerships, and service enhancements to drive revenue.

Team Building & Culture Development:

• • Collaborative Leadership: Encourages cross-functional teamwork and open
• communication between departments.
• Talent Development: Invests in training, mentoring, and career growth opportunities for employees.
• Employee Engagement & Retention: Implements strategies to foster a positive workplace culture and reduce turnover. Has the passion to coach, inspire and lead by example.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10+ years in critical operational and senior leadership roles within the auto transport or logistics industry.
• Track record of success in leading multi-departmental teams in a high-growth, complex environment.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (preferred but not required based on experience).