Strategic Carrier Procurement Manager

DSV - Global Transport and Logistics; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DSV – Global Transport and Logistics in Itasca, IL, is looking for a Carrier Procurement Manager to lead sourcing, negotiation, and performance management across a diverse carrier network. You will develop procurement strategies, onboard carriers, and ensure compliance for high-risk, high-value, and pharmaceutical freight, collaborating with Operations and Customer Solutions teams.

The role requires 5+ years in transportation procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of regulatory

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Market knowledge

Carrier networks

Negotiation

Vendor mgmt

Analytics

Stakeholder mgmt

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field

5+ years in transportation/logistics or carrier procurement

Job description

DSV – Global Transport and Logistics in Itasca, IL, is looking for a Carrier Procurement Manager to lead sourcing, negotiation, and performance management across a diverse carrier network. You will develop procurement strategies, onboard carriers, and ensure compliance for high-risk, high-value, and pharmaceutical freight, collaborating with Operations and Customer Solutions teams.

The role requires 5+ years in transportation procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of regulatory