Carrier Procurement Manager, Road US

DSV Air & Sea Inc.; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DSV Air & Sea Inc. is seeking a Carrier Procurement Manager in Itasca, IL to develop effective carrier procurement strategies for efficient transportation operations. This role involves sourcing, negotiation, and performance management, requiring a strong understanding of transportation markets and compliance standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5+ years of relevant experience, particularly in high-value and pharmaceutical freight. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and a professional work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, or carrier procurement.
• Experience sourcing carriers for high-value or pharmaceutical freight strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute carrier procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Source, evaluate, and onboard carriers across multiple transportation modes.
• Lead contract negotiations with carriers, securing competitive pricing and service-level agreements.

Skills

Transportation market knowledge

Negotiation skills

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business

5+ years of experience in transportation or logistics

Job description

Overview

DSV - Global transport and logistics

Location: Itasca, IL

Division: Road

Job Posting Title: Carrier Procurement Manager, Road US

Time Type: Full Time

Summary

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.

Duties & 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.

Education & Experience

• 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.

Skills & Abilities

• 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.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. This position is primarily sedentary and involves extended periods of sitting and working at a computer, including frequent use of a keyboard, mouse, and telephone. The employee must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, including participating in meetings and negotiations. Occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 15 pounds) may be required. Limited travel may be necessary to visit carrier partners, attend meetings, or support business initiatives. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a professional office or remote work environment with a moderate noise level. The position requires regular interaction with internal teams, external carriers, and business partners in a fast-paced and deadline-driven setting. The work environment may include occasional travel to carrier locations, warehouses, or operational sites, where conditions can vary and may involve exposure to moderate to loud noise levels and active transportation operations. The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to changing market conditions, and maintain a high level of professionalism in both virtual and in-person interactions.

For this position, the expected base pay range is $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annual. Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location, in accordance with applicable laws and company policy.

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.

EEO & Contact

DSV is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment with DSV, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. DSV reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.