Overview

The Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for monitoring and/or adjusting team KPI’s for continued alignment with enterprise goals while executing Capacity Strategy set by Freight Management leadership and fostering a “customer of choice” reputation for Covenant Logistics within the carrier community.

Responsibilities

• Solicit and secure capacity from existing and prospective carriers (all modes and equipment types) that will consistently meet Freight Management’s customer needs.
• Establish year round committed capacity pricing and related pricing management protocols with key carriers (rate duration, renewals, escalation, etc.). Negotiate committed capacity rates and related terms and conditions.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on all business utilizing Route Guides
• Manage key carrier relationships including scorecard reviews, corrective action plan management and mutual business growth.
• Work with key carriers to mitigate unplanned accessorial charges (shipper/receiver interface, better planning, etc.) by facilitating constructive two -way dialogue to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in Freight Management’s networks.
• Ensure that carriers utilize current preferred tracking tools or otherwise provide timely shipment status visibility for all shipments handled for Freight Management. Manage carrier’s accountability for 95 % or greater shipment visibility compliance.
• Develop and manage a Strategic Carrier group. Understand key carrier’s preferred service areas and work to ensure optimal alignment to maximize access to capacity, service, and cost effectiveness. Work with Enterprise Sales to secure freight to help carriers balance their networks while optimizing their revenue position while working with Freight Management.
• Monitor key carrier service and capacity commitments, the latter as appropriate, and develop action plans to address and/or improver performance as required. Ensure appropriate tender acceptance targets are routinely achieved. Monitor overall carrier service performance levels and provide aggregated scorecards for same.
• Provide routine and timely carrier performance scorecards to all key carriers including but not limited to service, capacity, revenue generated, etc. Facilitate appropriate improvement actions to address performance gaps.
• Partner with Strategic Operations on updating SST training to include current strategy, tactics, and resources.
• Develop effective working relationships with key carrier personnel to support retention and volume growth by ensuring open and trusting relationships are established throughout the carrier’s organization. Meet with carriers on site in Chattanooga/Greeneville and at the carrier’s office to facilitate this responsibility as needed.
• Maintain timely and accurate information updates in all appropriate systems (Mastery, DOMO, MercuryGate, etc.).
• Work closely with Freight Management’s operations and pricing teams to ensure that capacity, service, and rate needs are routinely met on a timely basis. Collect feedback to help drive improvement in service performance, access to capacity and customer service levels.
• Continuously analyze Freight Management’s networks to improve carrier efficiency and effectiveness along with carrier performance levels. Initiate and complete related plans to address identified opportunities.
• Utilize available tools (including database sources) to support the execution of assigned duties.
• Facilitate delivery of Freight Management’s carrier value proposition to carriers.
• Manage carrier Route Guides, including the creation, compliance, contract duration, cost to market, and leadership reporting.
• Engage transportation industry organizations and publications to understand challenges, trends, and regulatory changes to ensure Freight Management’s carrier management strategies and processes reflect “best in class” practices.
• Network with industry peers to drive collaboration and best practice sharing that could benefit Freight Management’s networks and the industry.

Qualifications

Knowledge Skills, and Abilities

Driven and competitive nature with an ability to deliver results.

Familiarity with multiple modes of transportation (Reefer/Van OTR TL, LTL, Intermodal, etc.)

Motivated self-starter requiring minimal direction.

Effective communication (written and verbal) skills.

Good organizational skills

Strong attention to detail and follow through.

High degree of self-accountability

Ability to work well as part of a team.

Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.

Knowledge of the logistics industry and brokerage operations.

Proficiency with technology systems – Microsoft Office, Outlook, Mastery, etc.

Education and Experienced

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain or similar field required. 1 year of relevant work experience may be substituted for each year of education required.

5 years brokerage or transportation procurement experience required.

2 years prior leadership experience required.

Competitive Compensation

Salary Range: $64,542.00 - $73,403.00

401(k) match, Serious Health Condition PayFull Health Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Short & Long Term Disability, Health Savings Account, Life InsurancePaid Time Off

Holidays, Birthday, Wellness Day, Vacation & Sick TimeCultural Perks

Casual Dress, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discount Program, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Adoption Assistance and Employee Assistance ProgramCovenant Logistics is an Equal Opportunity EmployerM/F/Disability/Veteran

VEVRAA Federal Contractor