Transportation Sourcing Manager

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field
• 5 – 7 years of experience as a Transportation Sourcing leader or similar role
• 3 – 5 years of experience in RFP/RFQ process to negotiate contracts with carriers
• Experience working with large, cross-functional teams
• Extensive knowledge of both transportation and strategic sourcing
• Ability to prepare cost analysis, ad-hoc reports, and apply analytical decision-making processes
• Strong data analytic skills with demonstrated experience in data analysis and statistics that will provide key insights into freight cost management
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to change
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and planning skills
• Experience working in a fast paced and high-volume work environment
• Proactive “self-starter” with a strong attention to detail
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling effective interaction with employees on all levels, including executive leadership, as well as carriers and customers

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of JDE, WMS, TMS, and ERP software or similar applications

Job Description

The primary responsibility of the Transportation Sourcing Manager is to lead strategic sourcing initiatives for transportation services, such as truckload, LTL, Small Parcel, and intermodal. The key duties for this role include developing and executing sourcing plans, negotiating with carriers for favorable pricing and service, managing vendor relationships, and conducting financial and market analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities. This role requires strong analytical, communication, and project management skills, as well as experience in transportation and distribution operations. Additionally, the Transportation Sourcing Manager will play a leading role for the Operations team in other non-inventory sourcing initiatives such as CapEx equipment, fleet or facility leases, MRO, or services.

• Develops and executes strategic sourcing plans for various transportation modes (e.g., Truckload, LTL, Ocean, Dray). Builds category strategies for multi-site manufacturing, distribution, or operations-critical spend.
• Negotiates Master Service Agreements (MSA) and site-specific addenda with transportation carriers or other service providers to secure the lowest possible price while maintaining service quality. Manages contract lifecycle - renewals, extensions, change orders - ensuring terms reflect evolving throughput and site expansion or consolidation.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key vendors, evaluates their performance, and resolves issues related to product quality, delivery, and other service aspects. Conducts supplier risk assessments and implement plans to mitigate risks where needed.
• Analyzes spend data, assists with total cost of ownership analysis, and provides financial recommendations. Drives cost savings programs and track realized savings or cost avoidance.
• Conducts research on the supply market for transportation or other services and presents findings and insights to support sourcing decisions.
• Manages sourcing projects, including timeline management, RFx (request for information/proposal) development, and communication with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Collaborates with other departments, such as Purchasing, Operations, and Manufacturing, to align sourcing strategies with business needs and ensure smooth transitions.
• Ensures accuracy of freight contract tariffs, rates, and related charges agreed upon by the company to maintain internal freight accrual accuracy for P&L reporting.
• Oversees the freight payables process, performance of freight payables service provider, and communication of exceptions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Full time role, must work onsite in Duluth, Target salary 115-125k + bonus.