Strategic Freight Brokerage Lead — On‑Site

Forward Air Corporation; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation seeks a Senior Brokerage Account Manager in Des Plaines, IL, to manage top strategic accounts, drive revenue growth, and lead cross-functional initiatives in a dynamic brokerage environment.

The role requires deep knowledge of freight brokerage operations, strong executive-facing communication, and data-driven decision making to optimize margins and service levels. On-site work with travel is expected.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in transportation, logistics, freight brokerage, or account management.
• Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), preferably McLeod.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive relationship skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decisions.
• Willingness to work on-site in Des Plaines, IL with travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations and relationships for a portfolio of high-value, strategic brokerage accounts.
• Serve as primary contact for customers, including executive stakeholders, ensuring high-quality service.
• Develop and execute account strategies to grow revenue and share of wallet.
• Coordinate shipment execution across multiple modes: truckload, LTL, flatbed, partial.
• Lead or support complex implementations and large-scale RFPs and initiatives.

Skills

Account management

Transportation

Freight brokerage

TMS (McLeod)

Sales negotiations

Data analysis

Executive stakeholder comms

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

McLeod TMS

Salesforce

Microsoft 365

Job description

Forward Air Corporation seeks a Senior Brokerage Account Manager in Des Plaines, IL, to manage top strategic accounts, drive revenue growth, and lead cross-functional initiatives in a dynamic brokerage environment.

The role requires deep knowledge of freight brokerage operations, strong executive-facing communication, and data-driven decision making to optimize margins and service levels. On-site work with travel is expected.