Carrier Development Specialist
Carrier Development Specialist
Job Type: Full-time; On-site
Responsibilities:
- Carrier Development
- Exercise independent judgment in researching, analyzing, and selecting carrier partners aligned with procurement standards and strategic objectives.
- Approve and onboard carriers, ensuring compliance with NFI’s qualification and risk requirements, with authority to manage, and offboard carriers that do not meet standards.
- Develop & maintain a pipeline of targeted carriers that fits the ideal carrier profile and will offer value to our long-term strategy.
- Manage carrier mix and capacity allocation to support network optimization and profitability.
- Manage carrier performance by reviewing market trends, performance analytics / KPIs, and customer demand forecasts.
- Negotiate contractual and spot rates within defined margin and profitability thresholds.
- Meet with carriers to develop their performance based on continuing needs, as well as to better understand and effectuate the synergy with the Brokerage.
- Carrier Operations
- Own daily operational decisions regarding carrier assignments, load coverage strategies, and margin optimization.
- Use data driven insights on lane and rate trends to optimize carrier placement and support customer growth initiatives with sales and account management.
- Analyze lane performance, service failures, and carrier scorecards; make recommendations and decisions to enhance service and profitability.
- Contribute to Quarterly Business Reviews and performance analyses with key carriers; support the management of corrective actions as needed.
- Identify process improvements and lead operational initiatives that enhance carrier engagement, automation, and efficiency.
- Exercise discretion in resolving service, compliance, or performance disputes with carriers and internal teams.
- Champion process improvements, automation tools, and continuous learning culture.
- Uphold NFI’s service, compliance, and safety standards across all carrier interactions.
- Carrier Training
- Serve as a subject matter expert and operational advisor to sales, account management, and operations on capacity strategy and carrier market conditions.
- Mentor junior capacity and brokerage staff, setting best practices for carrier sourcing, negotiation, and relationship management.
- Participate in budget planning, capacity forecasting, and margin improvement strategies for the brokerage division.
- Represent the Brokerage in carrier and industry events to strengthen network partnerships and visibility.
- Bachelor’s Degree required (Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred).
- 3–5+ years of experience in transportation brokerage, carrier management, or logistics operations, preferred working with domestic truckload providers.
- Demonstrated experience in rate negotiation, margin management, and carrier sourcing strategy.
- Individual commitment towards sharpening existing or acquiring new skills as required by demands of the business or customers.
- Market knowledge of truckload lanes and rates.
- Excellent customer relationship building and account management skills.
- Strong analytical, financial acumen, and decision-making skills.
- Proficient in TMS, Excel, and analytics/reporting tools used in brokerage services.
- Excellent communication, relationship management, and problem-solving.