Carrier Procurement Manager, Road US

DSV • Itasca, IL

1d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Carrier Procurement Manager is responsible for developing and executing carrier procurement strategies to support efficient, cost-effective, and compliant transportation operations. This role leads carrier sourcing, selection, negotiation, and performance management across a diverse network, including specialized carriers supporting high-risk, high-value, and pharmaceutical freight. This position requires a strong understanding of transportation markets, carrier compliance requirements, and risk mitigation strategies, along with the ability to build and maintain strategic carrier partnerships that support service excellence and business growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, or carrier procurement.
• Experience sourcing and managing carriers for high-value, high-risk, or pharmaceutical freight strongly preferred.
• Proven experience negotiating transportation contracts and managing carrier relationships.
• Experience working within brokerage, asset-based transportation, or 3PL environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of transportation markets, carrier networks, and procurement strategies.
• Understanding of compliance, security, and regulatory requirements for specialized freight (e.g., pharmaceutical, high-value goods).
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to interpret market data and trends.
• Ability to balance cost, service, and risk in decision-making.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute carrier procurement strategies aligned with business objectives, service requirements, and cost targets.
• Source, evaluate, and onboard carriers across multiple transportation modes, building a reliable and scalable carrier network.
• Identify and manage carriers specializing in high-risk, high-value, and pharmaceutical freight, ensuring adherence to strict security, compliance, and handling standards.
• Lead contract negotiations with carriers, securing competitive pricing, favorable terms, and service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Establish and maintain carrier performance management frameworks, including scorecards, KPIs, and regular business reviews.
• Monitor carrier performance related to service, cost, compliance, and risk, and drive corrective actions when necessary.
• Partner with Operations, Brokerage, and Customer Solutions teams to align carrier capabilities with customer requirements and service expectations.
• Ensure all carriers meet regulatory, safety, insurance, and compliance standards, including specialized requirements for high-value or pharmaceutical shipments.
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to mitigate capacity constraints and service disruptions.
• Analyze market trends, capacity fluctuations, and rate changes to proactively adjust procurement strategies.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve procurement processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.
• Support the development of preferred carrier programs and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Maintain accurate carrier records, contracts, and documentation within company systems.
• Additional duties, responsibilities, and projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Information regarding DSV’s benefits offerings, including eligibility, coverage options, and plan details, is available through the DSV Benefits Showcase. Benefits, programs, and eligibility may vary by location and division in accordance with applicable state and local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level