Branch Manager-Capacity Solutions

Cornerstone Systems is seeking a strategic, results-driven Branch Manager – Capacity Solutions to lead carrier procurement and capacity strategy at our headquarters in Memphis, TN. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of carrier sourcing, capacity planning, and transportation operations to ensure consistent and reliable coverage of customer freight.

The Branch Manager will develop and execute a scalable carrier procurement strategy, build and maintain a high-performing carrier network, and lead capacity teams supporting truckload, intermodal, and drayage operations. This role requires deep expertise in freight brokerage, carrier relationship management, market capacity trends, and load coverage execution.

This leader will drive operational performance, service reliability, carrier engagement, and margin optimization, while coaching and developing a high-performing team focused on securing dependable transportation capacity in a dynamic market environment. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in logistics, supply chain, and 3PL operations, along with proven success leading teams in a fast-paced, high-growth transportation setting.

Note: This is an on-site leadership position based at our Memphis, TN headquarters and is not eligible for remote work.

Responsibilities:

• Capacity Strategy & Carrier Network Development
• Develop and execute a capacity procurement strategy to ensure reliable coverage for all customer freight.
• Build and maintain relationships with core carriers across truckload, intermodal, and drayage networks.
• Expand carrier network through targeted sourcing initiatives and strategic partnerships.
• Monitor market conditions and adjust carrier strategies based on capacity cycles, lane imbalances, and seasonal demand.

Branch Operations Leadership

• Lead day-to-day branch operations for the carrier sales / capacity teams.
• Manage staffing levels, performance metrics, and operational workflows.
• Ensure timely freight coverage and proactive exception management.
• Maintain strong collaboration with customer sales teams to align capacity strategy with customer commitments.

Team Development

• Recruit, train, and develop carrier sales representatives, carrier account managers, and operations coordinators.
• Establish performance goals and KPI accountability.
• Provide coaching focused on negotiation, carrier relationship management, and operational execution.

Carrier Relationship Management

• Develop strategic carrier partnerships focused on service reliability and consistent freight flows.
• Negotiate carrier rates and capacity commitments.
• Monitor carrier performance metrics including on-time service, compliance, and claims.

Operational Performance & KPIs

• Drive accountability around key operational metrics such as:
• Load coverage rate
• Carrier acceptance rate
• Cost per load / margin contribution
• On-time pickup and delivery performance
• Carrier compliance and safety standards
• Load tracking and visibility performance

Process Improvement & Technology

• Implement and optimize TMS, tracking technology, and digital freight platforms.
• Improve operational workflows to increase productivity and reduce manual processes.
• Partner with leadership on pricing strategy, routing guide development, and procurement initiatives.

Qualifications:

Required

• 5–10 years of experience in third-party logistics, freight brokerage, or transportation operations
• 3–5 years of leadership or team management experience
• Deep knowledge of truckload carrier markets and capacity procurement
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Experience using transportation management systems (TMS)
• Experience managing multi-modal operations (truckload, intermodal, drayage)
• Experience scaling or launching brokerage branch operations
• Strong analytical and market forecasting capabilities

Skills

• Carrier procurement strategy
• Freight market intelligence
• Team leadership and coaching
• Negotiation and relationship management
• Operational execution and problem solving
• Margin management and pricing awareness

What Does Success Look Like in This Role?

• Carrier network growth
• Freight coverage efficiency
• Branch profitability contribution
• Carrier service performance
• Employee engagement and retention