Manager of Carrier Relations

Redwood Logistics; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning & Development opportunities

Internal mobility

Employee referral program

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Volunteer events & fundraising

Paid time off & holidays

Parental leave

Medical, dental, vision & 401k with

Job summary

Redwood Logistics in Chicago, IL seeks a Manager of Carrier Relations to lead strategic carrier partnerships, drive performance, and secure cost-effective capacity across North America. You will strengthen the carrier network and support profitable growth for Redwood and its customers.

The role relies on negotiation, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with operations, procurement, sales, and account management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, carrier management, procurement, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience managing people, carrier relationships, or strategic transportation programs.
• Strong understanding of the North American truckload, LTL, intermodal, or transportation brokerage market.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate rates, capacity, and commercial terms with transportation providers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop strategic carrier relationships across the transportation network.
• Manage carrier performance against service, capacity, pricing, compliance, and KPIs; drive corrective action.
• Develop and execute carrier engagement strategies to improve retention and network health.
• Partner with operations, procurement, sales, and account management to align capacity with customer needs.
• Lead carrier negotiations including rates, capacity commitments, and terms.
• Monitor market conditions, capacity trends, and carrier costs to identify opportunities and risks.
• Establish and maintain carrier scorecards, business reviews, and improvement plans.
• Resolve escalated carrier issues and maintain long-term partnerships.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new carrier partners to expand network capabilities.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Relationship management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analytics tools

Transportation management systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Transportation management systems

Carrier management platforms

Data analytics tools

Job description

Reports To: Senior Director of Modal Performance

Location: Chicago, IL

Environment: Onsite/Hybrid

Who We Are

Recognized by Gartner in their Modern 4PL Market Guide, Redwood Logistics is at the forefront of industry innovation. Our cutting-edge supply chain technology pairs with the expertise of our brilliant minds to empower logistics execution across North America and Mexico.

Leveraging a comprehensive range of services, data-centric network solutions, and a seamlessly integrated platform, we have established our prominence as a key player in the mid-market segment within the freight tech industry.

Whether you’re just starting your career or are an established professional looking for your next opportunity, Redwood inspires innovation across teams to provide transformative solutions for our customers.

Purpose Of Your Work

As Manager of Carrier Relations working within the Carrier Management business unit, you will be responsible for developing and managing strategic carrier relationships, driving carrier performance, and ensuring the availability, quality, and cost-effectiveness of transportation capacity. You will lead initiatives that strengthen the carrier network, improve service delivery, and support profitable growth for Redwood and its customers.

How You Make a Difference Everyday

• Lead and develop strategic relationships with core and prospective carrier partners across the transportation network.
• Manage carrier performance against service, capacity, pricing, compliance, and operational KPIs; identify gaps and drive corrective action.
• Develop and execute carrier engagement strategies that improve retention, service levels, coverage, and overall network health.
• Partner with operations, procurement, sales, and account management teams to align carrier capacity with customer requirements.
• Lead carrier negotiations, including rates, capacity commitments, service expectations, and commercial terms.
• Monitor market conditions, capacity trends, carrier costs, and competitive dynamics to identify opportunities and risks.
• Establish and maintain carrier scorecards, business reviews, and performance improvement plans.
• Resolve escalated carrier issues and operational challenges while maintaining strong long-term partnerships.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new carrier partners to expand network capabilities and improve coverage.
• Use data and analytics to evaluate carrier profitability, utilization, service performance, and network opportunities.
• Coach and develop team members, establish priorities, and create accountability for carrier relationship and performance objectives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance transportation execution, customer experience, and financial performance.

You’ve Got This?

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, carrier management, procurement, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience managing people, carrier relationships, or strategic transportation programs.
• Strong understanding of the North American truckload, LTL, intermodal, or transportation brokerage market.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate rates, capacity, and commercial terms with transportation providers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable decisions.
• Excellent communication, relationship-management, and negotiation skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Experience with transportation management systems, carrier management platforms, and/or data analytics tools preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders without direct authority.

What We Offer

• Access to experts and resources for your Learning & Development journey
• Opportunity for internal mobility
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Annual fundraising and volunteer events to give back to communities
• Paid time off, floating holidays, time off to volunteer and rollover
• Paid parental leave
• Medical, dental, vision and 401k plans (with match)
• Flexible spending account, mass transit and dependent care plans available
• Health savings account, with a annual company contribution for plan participants
• Short-term and long-term disability; life insurance policies subsidized by company

Work Schedule

This position is full-time and hybrid Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with an hour break, but flexibility is available based on coverage.

Compensation Range

$70,000 - $80,000

This position is eligible to earn quarterly incentives based on individual and company performance.

The estimated pay range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the geographical location in which the applicant lives and/or which they will be performing the job.

Redwood is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Company are based on individual merit, qualifications, abilities, and the Company’s needs and resources. The Company does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotions, discipline, termination or any other aspect of employment on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, marital status, military service or status, genetic information, arrest and conviction record, credit history, or any other basis protected by applicable law.