Director of Carrier Solutions

SURGE Staffing; Dublin (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SURGE Staffing seeks a Director of Carrier Solutions to lead carrier strategy, strengthen transportation partnerships, and oversee daily performance of the Carrier Solutions department. You will develop a qualified carrier network, drive freight coverage, procurement, and service quality, while aligning resources with customer needs and growth.

The role requires coaching teams, performance management, and solving complex operational challenges in collaboration with executives and

Qualifications

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, Teams, Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with carriers to support customer requirements and freight coverage.
• Oversee carrier engagement and ensure consistent execution across the department.
• Negotiate and manage carrier contracts, terms and renewals.
• Utilize market benchmarks to procure transportation services at competitive rates.
• Monitor market conditions impacting capacity, pricing, and service.

Skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Negotiation

MS Outlook

MS Teams

Excel

Word

Adaptability under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 1 year related experience

Associate degree + 2–3 years related experience

4–6 years related experience in lieu of degree

Job description

Reports To: Vice President of Operations

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Schedule: Monday–Friday; additional hours as business needs require

Travel: Minimal to none

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Director of Carrier Solutions to lead carrier strategy, strengthen transportation partnerships, and oversee the Carrier Solutions department's daily performance. This leader will develop a qualified, reliable carrier network while driving freight coverage, competitive procurement, service quality, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate combines relationship-building and negotiation skills with the ability to coach teams, manage performance, and solve complex operational challenges. Working closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams, this individual will align carrier capacity and departmental resources with customer needs and business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with new and existing carriers to support customer requirements and freight coverage.
• Oversee the carrier engagement process to ensure consistent execution across the department.
• Negotiate and manage carrier contracts, terms, and renewals.
• Use market benchmarks to procure transportation services at competitive rates.
• Monitor and communicate market conditions that may affect capacity, pricing, and service.
• Establish carrier performance expectations, KPIs, and scorecards to evaluate reliability and identify improvement opportunities.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for carrier and internal operational concerns.
• Lead Carrier Solutions Managers and team members through coaching, mentorship, feedback, and accountability.
• Build and develop a team capable of covering 60% or more of the company’s total freight volume.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop, implement, and track employee and departmental KPIs.
• Monitor daily workflows, staffing coverage, and department efficiency to support consistent service.
• Coordinate onboarding, training, professional development, and cross-training schedules.
• Review operational needs and assign appropriate personnel to maintain coverage.
• Represent the department in leadership meetings and operational discussions.

Operational Improvement & Business Growth

• Manage large-scale projects and departmental initiatives on behalf of executive leadership.
• Partner with carriers and internal teams to improve processes, resolve recurring issues, and strengthen service delivery.
• Maintain effective use of transportation management system tools, including carrier networks, tendering waterfalls, load boards, and continuous-move functionality.
• Collaborate with the Business Solutions team to support freight growth and align carrier resources with new opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, procurement effectiveness, and carrier engagement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to provide direction, support team development, and manage competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment when addressing service or operational challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure and adapt to changing workloads.
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours when necessary.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of related experience; or
• Associate degree with two to three years of related experience; or
• Four to six years of related experience in place of a degree.
• Experience in transportation or logistics.
• Background in sales, customer service, or negotiation.
• Relevant training and certifications will also be considered.

This role operates in an open office environment with frequent phone and electronic communication. Daily responsibilities include desk work, typing, and using multiple computer screens. Occasional bending, standing, or lifting of up to 10 pounds may be required.

The position typically works Monday through Friday, with 40 or more hours per week and additional availability as business needs require. Minimal travel may be necessary for conferences, training, or company events.