Manager, Carrier Sourcing
Charlotte, NCThe Role: Work Model: Hybrid Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, standard business hours Travel Requirements: Yes; minimalSupervisory Responsibilities: Yes Reports to: Sr. Manager, TL Procurement*All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. No relocation allowance will be considered unless specifically addressed.Summary / Primary Role:The Manager, Carrier Sourcing builds and develops a high-quality network of asset-based carriers to support Odyssey's Enterprise Managed Services (EMS) clients. The role proactively identifies capacity gaps and network opportunities, sources and qualifies carriers aligned with client requirements, and converts qualified capacity into sustainable contracted or dedicated relationships. Working closely with Procurement, Operations, and Safety, the Manager guides carriers through onboarding, negotiates competitive rates and terms, manages carrier relationships and performance, and leverages market intelligence to anticipate capacity needs and strengthen the EMS carrier network.
What You'll Do:- Network Development & Gap Coverage
- Analyze lane-level coverage and tender acceptance to identify capacity gaps by lane prioritizing opportunities based on EMS client volume, service risk, and business impact
- Source, qualify, and develop carriers to address priority coverage gaps across dry van, reefer, and flatbed, converting qualified capacity into contracted or dedicated commitments.
- Proactively build capacity ahead of demand by maintaining a pipeline of pre-qualified carriers aligned to key lanes and equipment needs, ensuring coverage is available before gaps or demand surges occur.
- Carrier Qualification and Onboarding
- Vet prospective carriers against Odyssey's qualification standards, including operating authority and safety performance, insurance and financial responsibility requirements, and applicable hazmat credentials
- Guide carriers through the onboarding process, serving as the primary point of contact to ensure required information and documentation are submitted timely while partnering with the Safety team through qualification and final approval.
- Maintain accurate and current carrier profiles, including key contacts, equipment capabilities, lane coverage, endorsements, insurance, and operating authority.
- Develop a strong understanding of Odyssey's network and key lanes to ensure newly onboarded carriers align with current and anticipated capacity needs.
- Negotiation & Carrier Relationships
- Negotiate competitive rates and commercial terms for gap-fill and strategic lanes using market benchmarks and within established pricing authority
- Build and maintain strong relationships with carrier decision-makers, serving as the primary commercial point of contact and advocating for operational improvements that impact carrier capacity and retention.
- Own the performance of sourced carriers by monitoring tender acceptance, on-time pickup and delivery, and overall service reliability; address performance issues directly with carriers and escalate chronic failures as appropriate.
- Market Intelligence & Stakeholder Partnership
- Develop a monthly carrier capacity and market brief for Procurement & EMS leadership, highlighting contract and spot rate trends, regional and equipment-specific capacity conditions, regulatory developments, and other market factors that may impact cost, capacity, or service
- Leverage external market intelligence and internal network data to identify emerging trends, risk, and opportunities and translate those insights into actionable carrier sourcing and capacity strategies.
- Partner with Procurement and Operations to translate client requirements, forecasted demand, and network needs into carrier sourcing priorities, providing market expertise and recommendations in internal and client discussions as needed.
What You Bring:- Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field. An advanced degree in business administration is preferred.
- 5+ years of logistics or supply chain experience
- 3+ years transportation-related sourcing experience (sourcing, onboarding, contracting, category and supplier management).
- Experience booking carriers for Hazmat, Tanker Endorsed, and flatbed freight.
- Strong negotiation skills, relationship-building, and the ability to execute under pressure while maintaining clear communication with carriers, internal teams, and customers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization.
- Excellent negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross functional partners.
Benefits:We offer a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
• A choice of medical plans with FSA and HSA options
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Health & Wellness Program
• Discounts with Preferred Vendors
Visit us at: www.OdysseyLogistics.com/careers
