TRUCKING DISPATCH MANAGER

Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People!  Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it’s our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Trucking Dispatch Manager is responsible for overseeing daily dispatch and load coordination for a DOT-regulated trucking fleet consisting of both company drivers and contracted owner-operators. This role ensures safe, compliant, efficient, and profitable operations by managing dispatch staff, optimizing routes and equipment utilization, maintaining DOT/FMSCA compliance, and serving as a key liaison between drivers,
owner-operators, customers, and internal teams.

The ideal candidate combines strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and operational problem-solving skills within a fast-paced transportation
environment.

Occasional travel may be required for training, project or customer site visits, quarries/yards, and other Knife River locations.

DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES (summary of components that make up the job)

1. Oversee day-to-day dispatch operations for company drivers and owner-operators.
2. Supervise and support dispatch staff in managing driver and owner-operator assignments.
3. Coordinate with transport drivers and operation supervisors for the scheduling of equipment moves.
4. Assign loads, plan routes, and optimize schedules while balancing service commitments, driver availability, and cost efficiency.
5. Ensure accurate communication of load details, pickup/delivery requirements, and service expectations.
6. Monitor load execution, proactively resolve delays, breakdowns, service failures, or customer escalations.
7. Coordinate fleet capacity with sales and customers.
8. Ensure owner-operators meet contractual obligations, insurance requirements, and safety standards.
9. Foster positive working relationships with company drivers and owner-operators to support retention.
10. Lead, train, and develop dispatch team members; set KPIs and performance expectations.
11. Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching or corrective action as needed.
12. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service.
13. Analyze dispatch, utilization, on-time performance, and cost metrics.
14. Identify process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce empty miles.
15. Maintain accurate dispatch records, load documentation, and system data within dispatch platforms.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (types and extent of knowledge, skills or abilities an incumbent must possess to complete the job responsibilities satisfactorily)

1. Strong knowledge of DOT/FMSCA regulations and hours-of-service rules.
2. Experience managing both company drivers and owner-operators.
3. Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
4. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
5. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
6. Customer-service mindset with conflict-resolution skills.
7. Flexible schedule availability, including nights or weekends if required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)

1. High school diploma or equivalent (Bachelor’s degree in logistics, transportation, or business preferred).
2. 3–5 years of experience in trucking dispatch or transportation operations.
3. Prior leadership or supervisory experience is strongly preferred.

VETERANS:

At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferrable to our Dispatch Manager. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS:

1. Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
2. Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
3. 401(k) with Company Match
4. Profit Sharing
5. Paid Time Off
6. Paid Sick Time 
7. 8 Paid Holidays
8. Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
9. Short-term Disability
10. Employee Assistance Program
11. Years of Service Recognition
12. Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
13. Critical Illness Plan
14. Accident Coverage Plan
15. Hospital Indemnity

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal laws.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

All applications are submitted online. If you are having issues completing the application, please come to the office for assistance.