Job Description

About Cornerstone Systems

Established in 1997, Cornerstone Systems has emerged as a premier transportation company in the United States. As an employee-owned and operated organization, we specialize in providing comprehensive transportation and logistics solutions nationwide. Our services include intermodal transportation, railcar consolidation, truck brokerage, container drayage, LTL, warehousing, and more. With a presence across the country and service coverage extending throughout North America, Cornerstone Systems is committed to delivering Rock Solid Transportation Solutions to our valued clients. Join us and become part of an award-winning company dedicated to delivering excellence.

Job Summary

The Director of Intermodal Operations is the senior leader overseeing and ensuring total efficiency, performance, and continuous improvement in all aspects of Cornerstone’s Intermodal services from order creation to final delivery. This role provides strategic leadership and direction to managers, supervisors, and operational teams coordinating daily freight load movements on a national scale. The Director serves as a key liaison between internal and external partners to ensure operational KPIs, RFP execution, contract compliance, EDI requirements, and customer commitments are met or exceeded, while fostering long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.

Beyond overseeing daily operations, this leader champions the adoption of new technologies, uses data and analytics to assess team performance and operational effectiveness, and leads process improvements that prevent recurring challenges. The Director maintains a continuous improvement mindset, staying ahead of market and industry changes, evolving processes to meet new demands, and ensuring the department delivers innovative, customer-focused solutions. This includes leading and developing a large, multi-functional team with a focus on motivation, accountability, engagement, and retention, as well as building comprehensive SOPs and training programs for consistent, scalable operations.

*The below is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Provide strategic direction and oversight of the Corporate Intermodal Operations department, ensuring service excellence, cost efficiency, and consistent performance across all regions.
• Lead, develop, and mentor managers, supervisors, and operational staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, and Logistics to deliver seamless, end-to-end transportation solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Establish and maintain regular communication channels across teams to align operational goals, customer priorities, and strategic initiatives.
• Analyze industry cycles and customer trends to forecast business volume, and project corresponding staffing needs to ensure optimal coverage and performance.

Performance Management & Data-Driven Decisions

• Develop and monitor key performance metrics to evaluate team output, service levels, and operational effectiveness.
• Identify performance gaps and implement targeted solutions, ensuring sustainable improvement and prevention of recurring issues.
• Conduct regular operational reviews with CFO/COO, using data insights to inform decisions and drive results.

Process Improvement & Technology Adoption

• Lead the creation, refinement, and enforcement of SOPs for all aspects of intermodal operations, dispatch, and customer service.
• Drive adoption of TMS platforms (Quantum EDGE) and analytics tools to increase visibility, automation, and efficiency.
• Partner with BI and Systems teams to evaluate, implement, and optimize system enhancements that support scalability and customer needs.
• Stay ahead of market and industry trends to proactively adjust processes, workflows, and strategies.

Customer & Partner Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with rail providers, drayage partners, and customers to ensure service excellence and operational reliability.
• Support rate negotiations and identify competitive routing options to improve market positioning.
• Ensure compliance with customer KPIs, reporting requirements, and contractual commitments.
• Proactively communicate potential supply chain disruptions to customers in collaboration with Sales.

Organizational Development & Team Engagement

• Lead comprehensive training programs for new hires and ongoing development for existing team members.
• Implement recognition, incentive, and engagement programs that promote retention and morale.
• Ensure department leaders are equipped with tools and coaching to effectively manage performance and growth.
• Champion Cornerstone’s core values in all aspects of leadership, decision-making, and team culture.

Collaboration & Company Impact

• Work closely with senior leadership to align operational strategies with company goals, RFP execution, and growth opportunities.
• Support strategic planning efforts that drive efficiency, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to ensure operational priorities are aligned with broader organizational initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Transportation, Logistics, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 8-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in transportation or logistics, including at least 5 years leading large teams.
• Deep expertise in intermodal operations and the complexities of rail transportation.
• Proven ability to lead teams to achieve measurable results while maintaining high engagement and accountability.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data and make informed decisions.
• Demonstrated track record of process improvement, SOP development, and technology adoption.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to influence and collaborate at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Transportation Management Systems (Quantum EDGE preferred but not required).
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and fostering the growth of team members.
• Normal office environment with periodic travel for leadership meetings, customer engagements, and site visits.
• Extended use of computer and teleconferencing technologies.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.
• Promote and display Cornerstone’s Core Values: Integrity, Honesty, Respect, Loyalty, and Never Satisfied.

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