Job Description
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Asset-Based Logistics
Location: Burr Ridge / Willowbrook, IL Area (On-Site)
Job Type: Full-Time, Executive Leadership
Industry: Transportation / Trucking / Railroad, Logistics & Supply Chain
About the Role
Are you a high-impact transportation executive who thrives at the intersection of operational excellence and aggressive market growth?
We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead, optimize, and scale our asset-based transportation and logistics operations. Inspired by robust, high-efficiency operational frameworks, this role guides our internal teams across dispatch, maintenance, safety, and recruiting.
The Distinct Advantage: We believe sustained operational success is deeply intertwined with market expansion. Our ideal candidate brings a distinct commercial or sales background. Beyond managing assets and refining internal efficiencies, you will actively leverage your history of market growth to scale and diversify our overall client base, securing new dedicated lanes and enterprise accounts.
Core Responsibilities
1. Commercial Growth & Client Acquisition
- Expand Client Footprint: Leverage a proven sales background to identify, pursue, and secure mid-to-large scale commercial shippers
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with sales and brokerage teams to aggressively convert spot-market relationships into long-term, high-yield dedicated fleet accounts
- Market-Driven Scaling: Analyze freight lane metrics and client demand to align fleet capabilities with emerging high-growth market opportunities
2. Operational Excellence & Efficiency
- Daily Operations Leadership: Direct daily operations across all major transportation verticals, supporting department leaders in fleet routing, dispatch, and shop maintenance
- Build Simple, Effective Systems: Create, implement, and track company-wide KPIs to boost asset utilization, maximize revenue-per-mile, and lower overhead costs
- Safety & Regulatory Oversight: Partner closely with the Safety Director to enforce FMCSA compliance, preserve excellent fleet safety scores, and mitigate operational risks
3. Team Development & Corporate Culture
- Coaching & Recruiting: Recruit, develop, and mentor departmental managers, fostering a performance-driven culture with clear upward mobility
- Culture of Trust: Establish a transparent environment built on accountability, teamwork, and proactive communication between office staff and road drivers
Qualifications & Requirements
- Industry Experience: Minimum 7–10+ years of senior leadership experience directly within asset-based transportation, trucking, or third-party logistics (3PL)
- Proven Growth Track Record: Demonstrable, referenceable history of personally leading or enabling aggressive client base expansion and market growth within a logistics framework.
- Strong Commercial Acumen: Deep knowledge of transportation sales cycles, shipper RFP processes, lane pricing strategies, and freight contract negotiations
- System Builder Mindset: Proven ability to step into a growing mid-sized carrier environment and establish clear organizational structures, operating workflows, and performance metrics
- Soft Skills: An ownership mindset with an exceptional ability to lead diverse teams, resolve high-stress operational issues, and maintain clear lines of communication.