Carrier Procurement Manager

Job Title: Carrier Procurement ManagerLocation: Fair Lawn, NJ (Full-Time, In-Person at Ultra Logistics Corporate HQ) Department: Supply Chain / Logistics / Transportation Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO)Position SummaryThe Carrier Procurement Manager at Ultra Logistics Inc. is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive carrier procurement strategies to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and fully compliant transportation operations. This role leads carrier sourcing, selection, negotiation, and performance management across a diverse network of transportation modes. This position requires a heavy emphasis on expedited freight, Just-In-Time (JIT) on-demand shipping, healthcare logistics, and government services. Based full-time at our Corporate HQ in Fair Lawn, NJ and reporting directly to the CEO and COO, the ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of commercial and federal transportation markets, cold chain operations, and strict regulatory/defense frameworks to optimize high-velocity supply chains and mitigate corporate risk.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Capacity ManagementDevelop strategies: Design and execute carrier procurement strategies aligned with business cost targets and high-service guidelines.JIT & Expedited Operations: Design responsive procurement strategies for time-critical, on-demand, and expedited ground freight to support lean manufacturing and urgent healthcare fulfillment.Emergency Carrier Sourcing: Maintain an always-active, vetted network of hot-shot, dedicated expedited ground carriers capable of deploying on short notice under strict delivery windows.Cold Chain & Quality Compliance: Secure and manage specialized temperature-controlled carrier networks (reefers, deep-freeze, and active container systems) to preserve life-science and pharmaceutical product integrity.Government Capacity Sourcing: Onboard and maintain a specialized network of Department of Defense (DoD) approved, DTOD-compliant, and GSA-approved carriers to fulfill public sector and defense contracts.Build networks: Source, evaluate, and onboard carriers across GROUND modes (FTL, Reefers, Flatbeds, Dry Vans) to maintain a scalable network.Secure capacity: Proactively secure freight capacity to meet fluctuating seasonal demands and prevent supply chain disruptions.Handle specialized freight: Identify and manage specialized carriers for high-risk, high-value, or temperature-controlled goods.Contract Negotiation & Financial PerformanceLead pricing events: Manage end-to-end RFP/RFQ sourcing events to secure competitive freight rates and terms across commercial and public sectors.Execute agreements: Lead contract negotiations, establishing formal Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and favorable liability terms.Analyze market trends: Monitor macro-transportation market trends, diesel fuel indexes, and capacity shifts to adjust pricing forecasts.Drive cost savings: Identify waste, optimize lane routing, and implement initiatives to lower the total cost of ownership (TCO).Carrier Relationship & Performance ManagementRegulatory & Healthcare Oversight: Enforce strict carrier compliance with healthcare logistics frameworks, including FDA Title 21 CFR Part 11, Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) tracking, and Good Distribution Practices (GDP).Government Compliance: Ensure all contracted carriers adhere to strict Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR/DFARS) clauses, Defense Transportation Regulations (DTR), and standard carrier vetting processes.Track performance: Establish KPIs and scorecards to assess on-time delivery, communication, and tender acceptance metrics.Conduct business reviews: Host quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with core carriers to address performance issues and strengthen partnerships.Ensure compliance: Verify that all carriers comply with corporate risk protocols, Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations, and insurance mandates.Executive & Cross-Functional CollaborationExecutive reporting: Provide direct visibility to the CEO and COO regarding procurement performance, market risks, cost-saving initiatives, and capacity updates.Internal alignment: Partner closely with Logistics Operations, Warehouse Teams, and Customer Service to align carrier capabilities with customer delivery timelines.System management: Utilize and maintain rate profiles, carrier data, and procurement routing guides within the company's Transportation Management System (TMS).Qualifications & SkillsEducation & ExperienceEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field.Experience: 5+ years of experience in transportation procurement, carrier sales, freight brokerage, or 3PL operations.Niche Experience: 3+ years of dedicated experience managing high-stakes healthcare logistics, pharmaceutical supply chains, or high-velocity JIT manufacturing lines.Government Logistics Knowledge: Direct experience procuring freight under GSA schedules, FEMA emergency responses, or Department of Defense (DoD) freight movements is highly desirable.Industry Knowledge: Proven history of handling contract routing guides and executing multi-million dollar freight RFPs.Technical & Soft SkillsHigh-Pressure Execution: Ability to make rapid, data-driven routing and procurement decisions under intense time constraints where shipping delays impact patient care or halt production lines.Risk & Security Mitigation: Proven expertise in cargo security protocols, validation of temperature-monitoring devices (data loggers), active chain-of-custody management, and freight security protocols.Negotiation: Advanced, proven capability to execute commercial agreements and close contract negotiations.Data Literacy: Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables) and Business Intelligence (BI) software.Logistics Tech: High familiarity with enterprise TMS platforms, CRM/ERP platforms (such as SAP), and digital freight marketplaces.Certifications: Prior experience with Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) guidelines or IATA CEIV Pharma certification is highly preferred. Credentials like CSCP or CPSM are a distinct plus.About Ultra LogisticsFounded in 1996, Ultra Logistics Inc. is a premier privately held freight broker and 3PL provider known for responsiveness, accountability, and high-touch customer service. We specialize in comprehensive supply chain management, network planning services, and enterprise Transportation Management Systems (TMS). We deliver tailored, precision-built transportation solutions to a diverse range of manufacturing, retail, and public sector clients across North America.e corporate risk.