Carrier Relations Specialist I The Carrier Relations Analyst I provides tactical and analytical support to Niagara’s transportation procurement function. This role focuses on monitoring carrier performance, supporting daily sourcing needs, and maintaining accurate data to ensure service and contractual compliance. The Analyst I serves as a key operational contact for carriers and internal teams, escalating issues as needed and contributing to continuous improvement efforts. This position supports the Procurement Manager and Carrier Relations Analyst II by executing routine tasks, preparing reports, and assisting with regional transportation initiatives. Essential Functions • Serve as a daily operational point of contact for assigned carriers, communicating sourcing needs and collecting required information • Track and report carrier Key Performance Indicators to support performance monitoring and compliance • Prepare and maintain carrier performance summaries, dashboards, and reports for internal and supplier meetings • Support short‑term and tactical sourcing activities by gathering data, validating pricing, and coordinating with carriers • Assist with onboarding new carriers by ensuring data accuracy, documentation completeness, and alignment with operational requirements • Monitor carrier capacity updates and communicate changes to internal teams • Identify basic service or cost issues and escalate to the Specialist II or Procurement Manager when appropriate • Collaborate with transportation, planning, and supply chain teams to support daily operational needs • Assist in collecting data for procurement projects, sourcing events, and category initiatives • Maintain accurate records, documentation, and communication logs to support category management • Support process improvement efforts by identifying inefficiencies and proposing simple enhancements Qualifications • Minimum Qualifications: • 0 Years  – Experience in Field *experience may include a combination of work experience and education • Preferred Qualifications: • 2 Years– Experience in Field *experience may include a combination of work experience and education Competencies • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook • Experience with Oracle (OTM) preferred • Ability to manage multiple sources of information and make independent and timely decisions • Intermediate verbal and written communication skills • Attention to detail and accuracy in reporting • Team-oriented – collaborates well in a group and contributes in reaching shared goals • Solution driven – Identifies and problem solves through high volume workload with urgency • Ability to analyze basic carrier trends and identify issues • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively • Works with limited supervision on routine tasks • Identifies basic issues and gathers relevant data • Provides timely updates on requests and carrier impacts • Demonstrates fundamental understanding of industry and category drivers • Ability to conduct tactical negotiations • Contributes to category management through executions of assigned tasks • Monitors supplier performance metrics and supports corrective action tracking as well as acting as initial contact for routine supplier questions or issues This position embodies the values of Niagara’s LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success: • Lead Like an Owner • Makes safety the number one priority • Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediately • Effectively prioritizes tasks based on department goals • Shows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directly • Prioritizes resolution of customer issues effectively • Responds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customers • InnovACT • Makes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and/or products • Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances • Increases performance through greater efficiency • Find a Way • Seeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts • Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions • Seeks solutions rather than placing blame • Empowered to be Great • Consistently looks for ways to improve one’s self through growth and development opportunities • Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and across • Communicates effectively to manage expectations Education • Minimum Required:  • Associate's Degree in (Supply Chain, Logistics) or equivalent work experience • Preferred:  • Bachelor's Degree in (Supply Chain, Logistics) or equivalent work experience Certification/License: • Required:           N/A • Preferred:          N/A Foreign Language • Required:           None Required • Preferred:          None Required Typical Compensation Range Pay Rate Type: Salary $71,314.38 - $92,708.69 / Yearly Benefits Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family: Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package. • Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time • Paid parental and caregiver leaves • Medical, including virtual care options • Dental • Vision • 401(k) with company match • Health Savings Account with company match • Flexible Spending Accounts • Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members • Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements • Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan • Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.  • Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities • And more!