TDMK-Sr Manager, Carrier Development - Cross Border

• Health/Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Paid sick time
• Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
• Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
• Holiday pay for company designated holidays

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Senior Manager, Carrier Development Cross-Border for our Canada division is responsible for establishing and leading the carrier governance framework supporting KeHE's U.S. to Canada inbound transportation network. This role will own carrier performance, procurement strategy, compliance, and risk mitigation across a $10M+ cross-border freight portfolio, partnering with operations, legal, finance, and transportation teams to ensure capacity stability, cost competitiveness, and service excellence. Accountabilities span carrier contracting, network optimization, freight audit and recovery, claims management, and continuous improvement of cross-border transportation programs. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the governance framework for KeHE's U.S. to Canada transportation carrier network, ensuring alignment with business objectives, service expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain carrier contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), operating standards, insurance requirements, and commercial terms that mitigate risk and protect the organization.
• Lead carrier sourcing strategies, procurement events, negotiations, and network design initiatives to ensure sustainable capacity, competitive pricing, and carrier diversification.
• Standardize transportation rate structures, accessorial programs, and carrier operating procedures across the cross-border network.
• Monitor transportation market conditions and proactively adjust carrier strategies to support business continuity and long-term network resilience.
• Establish carrier scorecards and governance processes that measure safety, service, compliance, cost, claims, invoice accuracy, and overall performance.
• Lead performance improvement initiatives, and corrective action plans with transportation providers.
• Identify opportunities for mode optimization, routing efficiencies, freight consolidation, and continuous improvement that reduce total transportation cost while maintaining service.
• Oversee freight audit, payment validation, overcharge recovery, claims administration, and dispute resolution to ensure financial accuracy and accountability.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, finance, legal, BI, and supply chain teams to develop transportation governance, performance reporting, and executive dashboards that drive visibility and accountability.
• Serve as the primary U.S.-to-Canada transportation subject matter expert, leading strategic initiatives that improve service, reduce risk, and enhance efficiency while mentoring cross-functional teams and carrier partners.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of U.S.–Canada transportation, carrier procurement, and cross-border logistics, including truckload, LTL, and intermodal transportation.
• Expertise developing carrier governance programs, transportation contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and carrier performance management processes.
• Proven ability to negotiate commercial agreements, optimize transportation networks, and manage carrier relationships to achieve cost, service, and capacity objectives.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with experience interpreting transportation data, freight spend, and performance metrics to drive strategic decisions.
• Knowledge of freight audit, claims management, dispute resolution, and transportation risk mitigation practices.
• Excellent communicator both written and verbal with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and build strong external partnerships.
• Proficient with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Microsoft Office (particularly Excel), and transportation analytics tools.
• Strong project management, organizational, and continuous improvement skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field.
• Minimum 6+ years of transportation, logistics, carrier management, with 3 years leading carrier strategy and governance.
• Experience managing U.S.-Canada transportation networks.
• Experience with truckload, LTL, intermodal, temperature controlled cargo, in a cross-border customs environment  in a customer-facing or account support role preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CSCMP and Six Sigma preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Use of computer and phone on a daily basis.
• Minimal travel may be required (e.g., to trade shows, customer, or carrier visits).