Carrier Procurement Specialist

First Solar (US) • Perrysburg, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for sourcing transportation providers and securing carrier capacity to meet First Solar's domestic and international logistics needs. The specialist will lead carrier procurement activities, including bid events, rate negotiations, contract development, and carrier onboarding. They will also develop and maintain relationships with various service providers, evaluate carrier performance, and identify opportunities for cost savings and service improvements. A key part of the role involves maintaining transportation rates, routing guides, and carrier data within Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) and performing analysis of transportation spending and market trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in transportation sourcing, carrier procurement, logistics operations, transportation brokerage, or supply chain management.
• Exposure to multiple transportation modes, including truckload (TL), less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, and drayage required.
• Proven organizational skills – ability to prioritize.
• Proven computer skills, including Microsoft Office or equivalent.
• In depth knowledge of TMS concepts.
• Knowledge of transportation procurement and carrier contracting practices.
• Understanding of transportation market dynamics, capacity management, and freight pricing.
• Knowledge of truckload, LTL, intermodal, and drayage transportation networks.
• Ability to analyze transportation spending and develop sourcing strategies.
• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated success in securing favorable commercial agreements.
• Supplier relationships are maintained and improved.

Nice To Haves

• Experience negotiating transportation rates and carrier contracts preferred.
• Experience working within a manufacturing, distribution, or transportation environment preferred.
• Experience with transportation management systems (TMS), Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing transportation providers and securing carrier capacity to support First Solar's domestic and international logistics requirements.
• Leading carrier procurement activities, including bid events, rate negotiations, contract development, and carrier onboarding.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, and drayage service providers.
• Evaluating carrier performance through scorecards and performance metrics, aligning freight allocations with top-performing carriers.
• Identifying and implementing transportation cost savings and service improvement opportunities through strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Maintaining transportation rates, routing guides, and carrier data within Oracle Transportation Management (OTM).
• Performing analysis of transportation spending, market trends, and carrier performance to support sourcing decisions.
• Lead carrier negotiations, including transportation rates, accessorial charges, contract terms, and service level agreements.
• Utilize OTM and other input from internal stakeholders to determine what is needed to maintain contractual delivery obligations.
• Responsible for negotiating pricing and other commercial terms with all carriers.
• Independently investigates new providers for improved price, delivery, and quality.
• Identify and onboard new transportation providers to support business growth and mitigate capacity risks.
• Conduct transportation sourcing events, including RFPs, RFQs, and spot bid activities.
• Monitor transportation market conditions and make recommendations regarding carrier strategy and network optimization.
• Maintains effective communications levels and fosters team building.
• Adheres to all First Solar internal processes and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.
• First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

What This Job Offers

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