Manager of Carrier Relations

Manager of Carrier Relations

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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