Carrier Operations & Process Improvement Manager
Job Purpose
The Carrier Operations & Process Improvement Manager is responsible for optimizing transportation carrier performance, driving operational excellence, and leading continuous improvement initiatives across the logistics network.
About the Role
This role serves as the bridge between carrier management, transportation operations, analytics, and process improvement to ensure service reliability, cost efficiency, and scalable transportation solutions. The ideal candidate combines strong transportation expertise with analytical problem-solving skills and a proven ability to implement process improvements that enhance service, reduce costs, and strengthen carrier partnerships.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with carrier partners across truckload, LTL, intermodal, parcel, and dedicated transportation services.
Monitor carrier performance through KPIs including on-time pickup, on-time delivery, service failures, claims, tender acceptance, and capacity utilization.
Lead carrier business reviews and corrective action plans to improve performance.
Manage carrier scorecard programs and ensure accountability to service level expectations.
Collaborate with Procurement and Transportation teams on carrier selection, network optimization, and routing strategies.
Support carrier onboarding and operational readiness processes.
Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement projects focused on transportation efficiency and customer service.
Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies to eliminate waste and improve workflows.
Analyze transportation processes and implement standardized operating procedures.
Drive automation initiatives within transportation management systems (TMS) and related logistics technologies.
Lead root cause analysis for recurring transportation issues and implements sustainable corrective actions.
Develop process documentation, work instructions, and training materials.
Create and maintain transportation performance dashboards and reporting tools.
Analyze freight spend, accessorial costs, carrier compliance, and service trends.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through network optimization, mode conversion, and carrier utilization improvements.
Establish KPI targets and monitor progress against operational goals.
Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
Partner with Distribution, Customer Service, Supply Chain Planning, Procurement, and Sales teams to resolve transportation challenges.
Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives that impact transportation execution and customer experience.
Support transportation technology implementations and process changes.
Serve as a subject matter expert for carrier operations and transportation best practices.
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience managing carrier relationships and transportation performance metrics.
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data visualization/reporting tools.
Experience using Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
Proven success leading process improvement initiatives with measurable business impact.
Strong presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Education And/or Experience Required
5-8+ years of transportation, carrier management, logistics operations, or supply chain experience.
4 Year College Degree preferred but not mandatory.