Carrier Procurement Rep

Job Description

The Carrier Procurement Representative is an individual contributor responsible for building, developing, and managing carrier relationships to support profitable freight coverage across Circle Logistics' network. This is a hands-on execution role focused on carrier procurement, carrier development, margin optimization, and operational excellence.

This position operates as a strategic procurement professional tasked with developing carrier partnerships, securing capacity, and supporting freight coverage across Circle's transportation network. Success requires strong work ethic, urgency, communication acumen, and sound decision-making in a fast-paced freight brokerage environment. The Procurement Representative will collaborate closely with sales, operations, account management, and leadership to drive growth initiatives, enhance buy-side performance, and strengthen Circle's carrier network.

The role emphasizes developing repeat carrier relationships, expanding carrier engagement, improving utilization rates, and executing procurement initiatives that drive service consistency and profitability. This foundational position within the procurement organization provides a clear pathway toward advanced procurement responsibilities.

**Carrier Procurement & Capacity Development**

• Source, qualify, onboard, and develop carrier relationships across Circle Logistics' freight network
• Build and maintain a diversified carrier portfolio spanning dry van, reefer, flatbed, expedited, and specialized transportation modes
• Cultivate repeat carrier relationships to enhance service consistency and freight coverage
• Maintain regular communication with carriers to strengthen partnerships and identify capacity opportunities
• Negotiate competitive buy rates while balancing service expectations with profitability objectives
• Evaluate carrier performance, pricing, service metrics, and reliability on an ongoing basis
• Partner with Fraud and Compliance teams to ensure rigorous carrier onboarding, vetting, and fraud prevention protocols
• Maintain accurate and current carrier information, rate history, and documentation within the TMS

**Margin Improvement & Market Strategy**

• Leverage market data, load boards, and transportation indices to inform procurement decisions
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to improve lane profitability through strategic carrier development and pricing discipline
• Support spot bid pricing, freight coverage initiatives, and procurement projects as assigned
• Develop comprehensive understanding of seasonal trends, regional market dynamics, fuel fluctuations, and carrier economics
• Collaborate with account management and sales teams to support new and existing business opportunities
• Increase repeat carrier utilization and reduce reliance on transactional freight coverage

**Carrier Relationship Management**

• Establish and nurture long-term working relationships with asset-based carriers, owner-operators, and regional fleets
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned carrier relationships
• Address service failures, disputes, and operational issues with professionalism and urgency
• Maintain comprehensive carrier performance records tracking service quality, communication, acceptance rates, claims, and on-time delivery
• Participate actively in carrier development initiatives and relationship-building activities

**Procurement Development**

• Build deep expertise in transportation operations, carrier economics, and freight market dynamics
• Develop specialized knowledge across assigned modes, markets, and customer freight profiles
• Engage in coaching, training, and professional development opportunities to advance expertise
• Support procurement initiatives designed to increase carrier utilization and relationship-based coverage
• Demonstrate consistent progression toward advanced procurement responsibilities

**Operational Excellence**

• Adhere to and support standard operating procedures for sourcing, onboarding, negotiation, load coverage, and carrier performance management
• Maintain strong working knowledge of shipping lanes, geography, market conditions, and seasonal patterns
• Collaborate with operations and customer teams to ensure successful account implementation and service delivery
• Exceed individual performance expectations related to carrier development, service metrics, and procurement activity
• Support leadership with reporting, procurement initiatives, and special projects as needed

Qualifications

Experience and Education Requirements

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field (preferred)

• 1–3+ years of freight brokerage, carrier procurement, transportation operations, sales, customer service, or related experience

• Demonstrated experience negotiating rates and managing relationships in transportation environments

• Working knowledge of carrier economics, freight markets, and transportation operations

• Proficiency with TMS and CRM platforms

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, including spreadsheet reporting, data analysis, and reporting tools

Core Competencies & Skills

• Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building capabilities

• Strong sense of urgency with demonstrated competitive drive

• Strategic problem-solving and sound decision-making ability

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively across functions

• Meticulous organizational skills and attention to detail

• Data-driven analytical mindset with the ability to interpret market conditions and procurement trends

• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and accountability

• Proven ability to excel in fast-paced, high-volume brokerage environments

• Excellent time management and prioritization capabilities

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.