Carrier Development Specialist

Overview

The Carrier Development Specialist is responsible for leading the carrier lifecycle for NFI’s Brokerage division, including sourcing, onboarding, negotiating, and managing strategic carrier partnerships to achieve operational, service, and profitability goals. This position exercises independent judgment and discretion in evaluating, selecting, and developing carriers, making commercial and operational decisions that directly impact network capacity, cost management, and customer service delivery. The role reports to the Capacity Manager or Director of Capacity.

• Carrier Development
• Exercise independent judgment in researching, analyzing, and selecting carrier partners aligned with NFI’s procurement standards and strategic objectives.
• Approve and onboard carriers, ensuring compliance with NFI’s qualification and risk requirements, with authority to manage, and offboard carriers that do not meet standards.
• Develop & maintain a pipeline of targeted carriers that fits NFI Brokerage’s ideal carrier profile and will offer value to our long-term strategy.
• Manage carrier mix and capacity allocation to support network optimization and profitability.
• Manage carrier performance by reviewing market trends, performance analytics/KPI’s, and customer demand forecasts.
• Negotiate contractual and spot rates within defined margin and profitability thresholds.
• Meet with carriers to develop their performance based on continuing needs as well as to better understand and effectuate the synergy with NFI Brokerage.

• Own daily operational decisions regarding carrier assignments, load coverage strategies, and margin optimization.
• Use data driven insights on lane and rate trends to optimize carrier placement and support customer growth initiatives with sales and account management.
• Analyze lane performance, service failures, and carrier scorecards; make recommendations and decisions to enhance service and profitability.
• Contribute to Quarterly Business Reviews and performance analyses with key carriers; support the management of corrective actions as needed.
• Identify process improvements and lead operational initiatives that enhance carrier engagement, automation, and efficiency.li>
• Exercise discretion in resolving service, compliance, or performance disputes with carriers and internal teams.
• Champion process improvements, automation tools, and continuous learning culture.
• Uphold NFI’s service, compliance, and safety standards across all carrier interactions.

• Serve as a subject matter expert and operational advisor to sales, account management, and operations on capacity strategy and carrier market conditions.
• Mentor junior capacity and brokerage staff, setting best practices for carrier sourcing, negotiation, and relationship management.
• Participate in budget planning, capacity forecasting, and margin improvement strategies for the brokerage division.
• Represent NFI Brokerage in carrier and industry events to strengthen network partnerships and visibility.

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred).
• 3–5 years of experience in transportation brokerage, carrier management, or logistics operations, preferred working with domestic truckload providers.
• Demonstrated experience in rate negotiation, margin management, and carrier sourcing strategy.
• Individual commitment towards sharpening existing or acquiring new skills as required by demands of the business or customers.
• Market knowledge of truckload lanes and rates.
• Excellent customer relationship building and account management skills.
• Strong analytical, financial acumen, and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in TMS, Excel, and analytics/reporting tools used in brokerage services.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and problem-solving.

We are excited to share the base salary range for this position is $63,697.92 - $80,930.56. NFI takes into consideration applicants' qualifications, experience, education, geographic location, when determining a starting rate of pay.

Employees are also eligible for a robust benefit program, which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug…