Hirschbach Motor Lines
Manager - Planning
Office - Dubuque, IA - Full Time
The Manager – Planning oversees the Extended Coverage Team (ECT) Planners and is responsible for ensuring 24/7 planning continuity across the Hirschbach network. This role leads a team that supports planning operations during evenings, weekends, and holidays, acting as the bridge between standard business-hour operations and off-hours coverage. The Manager provides daily direction, coaching, and support to the ECT team while maintaining alignment with regional planning strategies, service expectations, and operational goals.Key Responsibilities
• Lead and manage the ECT Planning team, ensuring adequate shift coverage and consistent execution across all regions
• Provide daily support, coaching, and feedback to planners working extended hours
• Monitor overnight and weekend freight activity, intervening or escalating when necessary to resolve service or driver-related issues
• Partner with Area Planners and other operational leaders to ensure alignment between regular and extended-hour planning strategies
• Oversee shift handoff processes to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of information
• Analyze planning performance, service metrics, and trailer pool utilization during extended coverage periods
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase planning accuracy, responsiveness, and efficiency
• Coordinate scheduling, training, and development for ECT Planners
• Act as a point of contact for escalated planning issues occurring outside of normal business hours
• Support special projects, new processes, and cross-functional initiatives involving planning operations
Work Environment
• Office-based or remote, depending on location and team structure
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment with frequent cross-departmental communication
Schedule
• One role will support Saturday-Wednesday, and the other will support Wednesday-Sunday. Flexibility to support and oversee extended coverage hours as necessary
• May include rotating check-ins or availability during weekends, holidays, or peak periods
Education and Experience• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Transportation, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred
• 5+ years of experience in freight planning, dispatch, or transportation operations
• 1–2 years of supervisory or team lead experience preferred
• Strong understanding of Hours of Service, network planning, and equipment utilization
• Proficiency in planning systems (e.g., AS400, Power BI, Orbcomm, PC*Miler)
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-urgency operational environment
