Strategic Procurement Executive

R+L Carriers•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Strategic Procurement Executive will manage and continually develop business relationships with customers and carriers. This role involves ensuring customer freight is covered by managing pickup, transit, and on-time delivery. The executive will recruit and source contract carriers, validate their eligibility, and present multiple transportation modes to customers. Responsibilities include negotiating rates with partner carriers to maintain competitive pricing, dispatching carriers, and updating loads in the transportation management system. Maintaining communication with carriers and internal partners to keep stakeholders informed of any challenges is crucial. The role requires consistently tracking and tracing freight movements, taking responsibility for and resolving any issues that arise. Continuous development of the carrier base through outbound calls to build relationships and expand coverage solutions is expected. Daily communication with partner carriers to understand equipment location and haul availability, utilizing truck lists and external load boards to match customer needs with carrier abilities, and timely, accurate input of information into the transportation management system are key functions. Providing unmatched customer service through active listening, identifying needs, providing solutions, educating, and building relationships is paramount.

Requirements

High school Diploma or GED
5+ years’ experience working in a full truckload environment
Previous experience with transportation management systems and loads boards; McLeod preferred
Have the drive, assertiveness, passion, and dedication to succeed in the logistics
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities
Ability to handle and prioritize high call volumes and customer inquiries while exuding a high level of customer service
Strong negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills
Knowledge and understanding of transportation guidelines and regulations
Knowledge and understanding of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and inter-personal skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate with people at all levels of the organization
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude and providing unmatched customer service
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to work flexible schedule
Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or similar field of study with emphasis in: Supply Chain, Transportation, Logistics, Sales, Marketing, or International Business preferred
Previous experience in some or all of the following modes a plus: dry van, expedited, flatbed, oversized loads, refrigerated and intermodal
Knowledge of local market geography, transportation arteries and traffic patterns a plus
Willingness to relocate for job advancement a plus
Bilingual Spanish or Eastern European languages a plus

Responsibilities

Manage and continually develop business relationships with our customers and carriers
Ensure that customers freight is covered by managing the pickup, transit and on-time delivery
Recruit and source contract carriers and validate contract eligibility
Present multiple modes of transportation options to your customer base
Negotiate rates with partner carriers to ensure we are able to continue to offer competitive rates to our customers
Dispatch carriers and properly update loads within our transportation management system
Maintain contact with carriers and internal business partners to ensure the shipper and consignee are aware of any challenges or issues that may arise
Consistently track and trace freight movements from origination to destination taking full responsibility for any occurrences while solving them both constructively and efficiently
Continuously develop the carrier base by making outbound calls to build new relationships and expand coverage solutions for our customers
Communicate daily with partner carriers to understand where their equipment is located and what type of haul they are looking to cover
Utilize partner carriers truck lists and external load boards to assist with matching customer needs with carrier abilities
Timely and accurately input information into the transportation management system to ensure system integrity
Provide unmatched Customer Service through daily conversations, actively listening to customers in order to identify needs, provide solutions, educate and build relationships