Carrier Operations Manager

Top Talent
  • Chicago, Illinois
    30+ days ago

    Job Description

    Carrier Sales Manager

    Location: Chicago, IL

    Overview

    We are seeking a results-driven Carrier Sales Manager to build, manage, and grow a high-performing carrier network. This role is responsible for sourcing reliable transportation partners, negotiating rates, and ensuring consistent capacity to support customer freight needs. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced 3PL or brokerage environment and brings strong relationship-building and leadership skills.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Develop and manage a network of carriers across truckload (TL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and specialized freight
    • Lead carrier procurement efforts to ensure consistent capacity and competitive pricing
    • Negotiate rates, contracts, and service agreements with carriers
    • Build long-term relationships with key carrier partners to improve service and reliability
    • Monitor carrier performance, including on-time delivery, service quality, and compliance
    • Collaborate with customer sales and operations teams to align capacity with demand
    • Analyze market trends and adjust pricing and sourcing strategies accordingly
    • Manage and mentor a team of carrier sales representatives (if applicable)
    • Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements

    Qualifications

    • 3+ years of experience in carrier sales, freight brokerage, or transportation logistics
    • Proven track record of building and maintaining carrier relationships
    • Strong negotiation and communication skills
    • Experience with TMS platforms (e.g., McLeod, MercuryGate, or similar)
    • Ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
    • Leadership experience preferred (for team management responsibilities)

    Preferred Experience

    • Background in a 3PL, freight brokerage, or asset-based carrier environment
    • Experience with specialized freight (flatbed, reefer, drayage, etc.)
    • Established carrier network is a plus

    Key Competencies

    • Relationship building
    • Negotiation & pricing strategy
    • Problem-solving and decision-making
    • Team leadership and development
    • Market awareness and adaptability

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationChicago, Illinois

    Skills

    • Brokerageunmatched
    • Cargo/Freightunmatched
    • Communication Skillsunmatched
    • Contract Negotiationunmatched
    • Customer Support/Serviceunmatched
    • Financial Trend Analysisunmatched
    • Leadershipunmatched
    • Less Than Truckload (LTL)unmatched
    • Logisticsunmatched
    • Maintain Complianceunmatched
    • Market Trend Analysisunmatched
    • Mentoringunmatched
    • Negotiation Skillsunmatched
    • Network Administration/Managementunmatched
    • Operations Managementunmatched
    • Performance Analysisunmatched
    • Pricingunmatched
    • Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
    • Product Pricingunmatched
    • Purchasing/Procurementunmatched
    • Regulatory Complianceunmatched
    • Reliability Engineeringunmatched
    • Revenue Growthunmatched
    • Safety Trainingunmatched
    • Salesunmatched
    • Sales Managementunmatched
    • Sales Operationsunmatched
    • Sourcing Strategyunmatched
    • Team Lead/Managerunmatched
    • Third-Party Logistics (3PL)unmatched
    • Time Managementunmatched

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