Logistics Manager Jobs in California

Job Summary:

The Transportation & Logistics Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of outbound and inbound freight operations for Dave Wilson Nursery. This role manages a fleet of company vehicles and/or third-party carriers, coordinates seasonal shipping schedules, ensures compliance with DOT and agricultural transport regulations, and drives continuous improvement in delivery efficiency and cost management. This is a hands-on leadership role: firsthand experience driving commercial trucks is strongly preferred, and the ideal candidate brings strong, confident people-management skills to lead, coach, and hold a driver team accountable day to day.

Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day operations of company-owned delivery fleet, including scheduling, maintenance coordination, and driver assignments
• Source, negotiate, and manage relationships with third-party carriers and freight brokers to supplement fleet capacity during peak shipping seasons
• Monitor carrier performance against KPIs including on-time delivery, damage rates, and cost per mile
• Plan and coordinate outbound shipments of trees, rootstock, and other nursery stock to customers across California and beyond
• Collaborate with sales, production, and inventory teams to align shipping schedules with harvest and customer order timelines
• Manage loading dock operations, ensuring proper packing, labeling, and documentation for all outbound freight
• Oversee receiving operations for inbound supplies, equipment, and plant material
• Ensure full compliance with FMCSA/DOT regulations, California agricultural transport laws, and USDA phytosanitary requirements
• Maintain accurate driver qualification files, hours-of-service logs, and vehicle inspection records
• Lead safety programs for drivers and dock staff, conducting training and investigating incidents
• Develop and manage the transportation department budget; identify and implement cost-saving initiatives
• Leverage TMS or routing software to optimize delivery routes and reduce fuel and labor costs
• Analyze shipping data and generate reports for leadership on freight spend, delivery performance, and fleet utilization
• Recruit, hire, train, and manage a team of drivers and logistics coordinators, providing strong, direct, hands-on leadership
• Set clear performance expectations and conduct regular reviews, addressing performance and conduct issues directly, promptly, and consistently
• Serve as a strong, present leader for the driver team, setting firm expectations and managing conflict with confidence and professionalism
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and customer service

Skills and experience required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field or 5+ years related experience in logistics management, with a track record of successful supply chain optimization.
• Prior experience personally driving a commercial truck strongly preferred — firsthand, behind-the-wheel knowledge of the job helps effectively lead and earn the credibility of the driver team; Class A CDL a plus
• Proven, strong leadership managing drivers directly — demonstrated ability to set firm expectations, hold a driver workforce accountable, and confidently manage performance issues and conflict
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations, HOS rules, and FMCSA compliance requirements
• Proficiency with routing software, or similar logistics technology
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a seasonal, fast-paced agricultural environment
• Experience in agriculture, horticulture, nursery, or perishable goods logistics
• Familiarity California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) plant transport regulations

Working Conditions:

Job function is typically performed in an indoor environment; occasionally work is required to be performed in an outdoor environment. Some light travel is required.

Physical Requirements:

Sit for long periods of time.

Lift 15 lbs.

Walk on unimproved surfaces.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $88,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance

Work Location: In person