Director Strategic Carrier Partnerships

Description Essential Job Functions Strategic Carrier Development Identify, qualify, and onboard strategic national and regional carriers aligned with Crane Solutions’ risk, service, and pricing strategy Own executive‑level relationships with carrier leadership (operations, security, pricing, sales, and executive sponsors) Negotiate enterprise frameworks covering security standards, HVHR protocols, escalation authority, service levels, and commercial rate structures Serve as the escalation point for carrier‑level systemic issues impacting multiple regions, programs, or pricing commitments Carrier Procurement & Pricing Strategy Develop and maintain enterprise carrier rate frameworks that support brokerage, managed transportation, and HVHR programs Partner with Sales, Solutions, and Pricing teams to ensure carrier pricing enables competitive bids and new customer wins Secure committed or semi‑committed pricing with national and regional carriers for core lanes, programs, and surge scenarios Reduce reliance on volatile spot markets by expanding strategic carrier participation Support RFQs, new customer pursuits, and expansions with pre‑negotiated carrier pricing strategies HVHR & Secure Transportation Enablement Ensure strategic carriers meet or exceed Crane Solutions HVHR security, compliance, and tracking standards Partner with Security, Compliance, and Operations leadership to continuously improve carrier risk posture without eroding pricing discipline Lead carrier readiness reviews for high‑risk programs and sensitive customers Remove, restrict, or reprice carriers when risk thresholds or performance standards are breached Carrier Governance & Performance Evaluates and ensures carrier performance including, but not limited to, SLA adherence, tender acceptance, KPIs, safety and security Establish carrier scorecards and executive business reviews (QBRs) covering service, security, and pricing performance Track performance trends, near misses, pricing adherence, and systemic rise indicators Provide leadership with data‑driven insights on carrier selection, promotion, restriction, removal, or renegotiation Maintains database of strategic carrier partners Internal Alignment Partner with Carrier Sales, Operations, Security, Pricing, and Client Development to align execution with carrier strategy Ensure new customer pursuits and RFQs are supported by viable, pre‑qualified carrier and pricing strategies Other duties as assigned Other Skills & Abilities Quality management-look for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness Excellent written and verbal communication skills High degree of organizational skills Demonstrates effective negotiation and closing techniques Excellent organizational and problem‑solving skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Works well in a team environment Physical Requirements Talking, hearing and using hands to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and other computer components Sitting for extended periods of time Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus Job will require punctual attendance and regular presence on‑site at the assigned work location Walking within the warehouse and inspecting freight Education & Experience 10+ years of experience in transportation, carrier management, logistics strategy, or carrier procurement Demonstrated experience negotiating enterprise‑level carrier pricing with national/regional asset‑based carriers Deep understanding of truckload operations, carrier economics, and HVHR risk dynamics Proven ability to operate at executive and enterprise levels Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship‑building skills High school diploma or GED/Bachelor’s degree preferred CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES Professional certification may be required in some areas. Benefits Quarterly Incentive Plan 136 hours of Paid Time Off which equals 17 days for the year, that can be used for Sick Time or for Personal Use Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision benefits Tuition Reimbursement for education related to your job Employee Referral Bonuses Employee Recognition and Rewards Program Paid Volunteer Time to support a cause that is close to your heart and contributes to our communities Employee Discounts Wellness Incentives that can go up to $100 per year for completing challenges, in addition to a discount on contribution rates Come join the leader in logistics and take your career in the right direction. Qualifications Education Required High School or better Preferred Bachelors or better Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr