Carrier Sales & Operations Manager

Title:

Carrier Sales & Operations Manager

Reports To:

VP of Operations

Department:

Carrier Sales & Operations

Location:

Chicago and/or Waukegan, IL

All roles are 100% in office. Hybrid schedule considered after six months of service.

FLSA Classification:

Full Time, Non-Exempt

Effective Date:

January 2025

About Us:

VP Logistics is on a mission to provide an elite level of service to our customers while bringing them practical solutions to streamline their supply chain. Our team members must have a “whatever it takes” mindset, show up every day with a passion for excellence, and focus on building internal and external relationships. VP Logistics was originally founded in 2009 as in in-house transportation provider for Visual Pak, a leading contract manufacturing and packaging partner to multiple fortune 500 brands. VPL has since grown into a premier national 3PL with capabilities across most transportation modes and industries. We take great pride in our obsession to be strategic partners with our customers and carriers, as well as our reputation and unwavering commitment to excellence. Our people are our greatest asset and the driving force behind our continuous growth.

Job Summary:

The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading, managing and holding the Carrier Sales & Operations teams accountable for an elite level of performance and service offering. In this role, the Carrier Sales & Operations Manager will have direct responsibility for daily operations and carrier sourcing initiatives to support business opportunities for a variety of customers. This position demands a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the logistics industry.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and mentor the Carrier Sales & Operations team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Oversee the tracking department, including both domestic and offshore representatives.
• Analyze market trends and carrier performance data to make informed decisions.
• Monitor market requirements by lane and capacity demand vs. supply, utilizing provided systems and tools to proactively coach and mentor the carrier sales team.
• Regularly collaborate with the sales team and department managers to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, meet customer demands, and maintain cohesive processes and strategies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with carrier partners to onboard and expand the company’s capacity and service levels.
• Lead and coach Carrier Sales team members in negotiating rates and contracts with carriers to achieve cost-effective solutions.
• Assist in deploying RFPs/bids to carriers, auditing responses, analyzing, negotiating, and following up with carrier selection.
• Collaborate with the finance department to manage carrier payments and resolve billing issues.
• Organize onboarding and training activities for new hires, as well as ongoing training and professional development for the carrier sales and operations teams.
• Participate in industry events and conferences to network with potential carrier and technology partners and stay updated on industry trends.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Rolled Load / Give Back %
• Tracking effectiveness – OTP% / OTD %
• Carrier network growth and Relationship Carrier coverage %
• Profitability of dedicated business – buy rates vs market rates
• Margin Improvement on “low margin” lanes

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Carrier Sales Representatives (3 - 10)
• Carrier Operations (Tracking) (3-8)

Required Education / Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in carrier sales, logistics management, or transportation operations.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience leading a team with hiring and coaching experience.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.
• Previous experience with DAT, McLeod, DFM a plus.

Required Skills / Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership and team management expertise.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse team members.
• Excellent time management skills, consistently meeting strict deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to adjust tasks and priorities as needed.
• Thrives in and is motivated by a fast-paced working environment.

Alignment with VPL’s Core Values:

Core Values are fundamental beliefs, and timeless guiding principles that define the VPL culture, outline what we truly stand for as an organization, and help us guide behavior and decisions. Alignment to the following Core Values is a requirement for all employees.

#1: We Love Customers – We are passionate about customer service & long-term partnerships.

#2: Glass Half Full Mentality – We are optimistic and bring positive energy every day!

#3 Roller Coaster People – We embrace the wild ride of the logistics industry.

#4 Get Sh*t Done (GSD) – Results matter, we don’t make excuses, and our job isn’t done until the job is done.

#5: Teamwork – The only way to be successful is by working together.

#6: Do the Right Thing – A reputation for having Integrity & Character is critically important.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to speak easily and communicate in writing and on a telephone for varying lengths of time and in random order.

Required Travel:

• Occasional availability to travel independently between both office locations. (Waukegan & Chicago office locations).

Required Technology:

• Smart Phone

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and company performance-based incentive compensation.
• Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 Monthly Incentive
• Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA Med / FSA Dependent Care)
• 401K with Employer Match Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off and Holiday pay

EEO Statement:

VP Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.

VP Logistics is an "at will employer".