Senior Driver Operations Manager

Company Introduction:

Airspace is a tech-enabled freight forwarder that’s redefining how the world’s most critical packages are delivered. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Airspace has employees who are based around the world. Our European headquarters is in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

As a recognized leader in AI and machine learning, our team leverages data and patented technology to coordinate logistics across a global network of drivers and airlines. Our goal is to deliver those packages that are truly mission-critical in a way that is faster, more transparent, more secure, and more accountable than ever before. The items we deliver range from organs for transplant, to parts for critical machinery including grounded aircraft and highly sensitive components such as semiconductors.  

Airspace has been rated one of America’s best Startup Employers, listed as one of CNBC’s Disruptor 50 companies, and featured as an Innovation and Disruption leader by CBS News. Airspace has the support of leading investors such as Telstra Ventures, HarbourVest Partners, Defy Partners, DBL Partners, and Scale Ventures. To date the company has raised more than $140m. 

The company is growing rapidly and serving more places around the world than ever before. We are looking for passionate, motivated individuals who want to make an IMPACT every day to help us execute on our mission of reshaping the world of time-critical logistics. 

Position Overview: The Sr. Manager, Driver Operations serves as the strategic leader of Airspace’s nationwide network of independent contract drivers (Commanders and Copilots). This role combines strategic workforce planning, performance optimization, and operational excellence to ensure driver network capacity, quality and cost efficiency . The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of scaling driver/contractor networks, optimizing workforce performance, and delivering measurable results that drive operational efficiency and bottom-line impact. 

Compensation: $90k-100k + 10% bonus target

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Driver Network Leadership 

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategy for Airspace’s driver network aligned with company growth objectives 
• Serve as the primary internal and external representative for Driver Operations, representing the function to senior leadership, customers and external partners
• Lead driver performance management strategy through the development and execution of scalable processes that ensure quality, reliability, and consistency across the national network
• Identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities for network optimization, cost efficiency and service improvement

Launch Excellence & Implementation

• Lead planning and execution of driver network expansion for major new customers and market expansions
• Design and implement driver sourcing, recruitment, and onboarding strategies to ensure coverage aligns with demand requirements at launch
• Coordinate cross-functional launch efforts, ensuring seamless integration of driver capabilities with customer needs
• Establish launch playbooks and best practices for repeatable, scalable driver network expansion

Procurement & Cost Management

• Partner closely with leadership to optimize driver compensation structures and drive strategic cost decisions
• Develop and implement cost optimization strategies for driver network while maintaining service quality and retention
• Analyze driver economics, utilization rates, and market dynamics to inform compensation and incentive strategies
• Support margin objectives through efficient driver deployment and cost-per-delivery optimization

Vendor Management Partnership

• Partner closely with the Director of Vendor Management to ensure strategic alignment on capacity, coverage, and growth initiatives
• Collaborate on sourcing and onboarding strategy for driver network expansion to meet business needs
• Ensure driver operations strategy aligns with ve