Transportation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

At Global Market Foods (GMF), we have united eight industry-leading importers and distributors under one dynamic company with a shared mission: to deliver authentic, high-quality international foods that honor global culinary traditions. With decades of experience, each GMF division plays a vital role in preserving the heritage and flavors of the regions they represent:

• Ziyad Brothers – Leaders in Middle Eastern specialty foods

• Global Choice Foods – Experts in South Asian and Indian products

• Vintage Foods – Providers of Turkish and European specialties

• Indo-European Foods – Trusted source for European specialty products

• Sunburst Foods – Specialists in African and Caribbean foods

• Sahadi Fine Foods – Pioneers in Middle Eastern specialty products

• Asli Fine Foods – Purveyors of authentic South Asian and Middle Eastern staples

• UBC Distributors – Distributors of premium global food brands

Together, we offer an extensive portfolio of over 7,000 products across 8 divisions, meeting the growing demand for diverse, global flavors. GMF is committed to providing customers with unparalleled access to authentic international brands, exceptional service, and innovative food solutions. With a deep respect for culinary traditions and a passion for excellence, we continue to expand our reach, ensuring the rich flavors of the world are always within reach.

At GMF, our culture is rooted in family values—supporting our teams with the same dedication we bring to our business. As we enter a period of rapid growth and transformation, we are seeking a Transportation & Warehouse Safety Manager to help drive our vision forward and contribute to our continued success.

Job Description

The Transportation & Warehouse Safety Manager is responsible for the management, planning, coordination, and compliance of safety activities across transportation and warehouse operations. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert for fleet regulatory licensing, driver/operator safety policy and programs, and site-level safety — ensuring alignment with Federal and State regulations while fostering a culture of health, safety, and continuous improvement across all operational sectors.

Essential Role Functions

Regulatory Compliance & Licensing

• Maintain extensive knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and governing State agencies.

• Provide regulatory compliance guidance to managers on corrective actions, legal, and compliance issues.

• Proactively track federal and state laws and regulations that may affect organizational policies and practices.

• Manage regulatory inquiries and audits in close collaboration with HSE, Quality, Regulatory Security, and Legal teams.

• Oversee the transportation of products including training, consultant engagement, and standards management.

• Support interpretation, training, and application of company policies and compliance programs.

Safety Programs & Training

• Ensure the HSE agenda is aligned with Transportation and Warehouse business initiatives across all sectors.

• Implement standardized HSE support offerings using common tools and training frameworks.

• Plan and deliver training for employees in worksite safety practices, including fleet, material handling, and site operations.

• Conduct safety meetings, audits, and inspections; ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations.

• Support Safety Improvement Programs (SIPs) focused on Transportation and Warehouse operations.

• Develop recommendations for safety improvements and present them to management for approval and implementation.

• Consult with business units on transportation and warehouse safety matters including technology implementation, material handling, and emerging issues.

Team & Operations Leadership

• Manage the performance of salaried and hourly employees under direct responsibility; resolve performance issues and ensure policy compliance.

• Collaborate with senior management and customers to determine operational needs and expectations.

• Communicate and provide guidance to Transportation and Warehouse operations leadership and staff.

• Develop efficient and effective working relationships across functional areas and operations personnel.

• Coordinate training completions and manage safety metrics across assigned sites and accounts.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Provide health and safety analysis and reporting on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

• Establish appropriate KPIs to measure and demonstrate function performance; maintain focus on process improvement.

• Develop and execute project plans through coordination with the HSE Program Manager.

• Support the development and maintenance of HSE Policies and Procedures relevant to Transportation Safety, Fleet Compliance, and Warehouse Operations.

• Research, recommend, and implement solutions for non-standard support requests.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Must be available to work a flexible schedule across various work shifts as operational needs require.

• Will manage responsibility for multi-site programs in partnership with Operational GM’s and transportation managers

Work Experience/Requirements for This Role

• Builds and manages effective, high-performing teams.

• Strong leadership, motivational, and people management skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization.

• Effective interpersonal skills within a diverse team environment.

• Demonstrates strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

• Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize, structure, and schedule tasks to meet deadlines.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and Word required).

• Working knowledge of OSHA, DOT, FDA, DEA, and state/provincial BOP regulatory environments.

• Excellent knowledge of Transportation and/or Warehouse Logistics operations.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred (not required)

• 3+ years of relevant experience in transportation safety, warehouse operations, supply chain, or a related field required.

• 2+ years of experience managing and leading direct reports required.

• 1+ years of Supply Chain experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of OSHA, DOT, FDA, DEA, and State/Provincial BOP regulatory environments required.

• Excellent knowledge of safety and security requirements in transportation and/or warehouse operations required

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Associate's Degree required.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field preferred

Schedule

• Days: (flexibility on weekends if required)

• Hours: (flexibility as needed)

• Work Location: Bolingbrook, IL or NJ

Benefits

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Disability insurance

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Parental leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Vision insurance