Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Freight Buyer

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

Supply ChainLogisticsProcurementTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a strategic negotiator with a passion for logistics and a knack for building powerful partnerships? This role requires a dynamic and results-oriented Freight Buyer to join our forward-thinking supply chain team. In this pivotal role, you will be the architect of our transportation strategy, responsible for the procurement of freight services across all modes—including Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), ocean, and air. You will leverage your market expertise and analytical prowess to negotiate competitive rates, manage carrier relationships, and ensure the seamless, cost-effective movement of goods. If you thrive on optimizing complex networks and delivering tangible cost savings, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact on our operational success and bottom line.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Transportation Planner
  • Procurement Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior Freight Buyer / Lead Procurement Specialist
  • Logistics Manager / Transportation Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Procurement Category Manager
  • Carrier Operations Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Spearhead strategic sourcing initiatives and manage the entire procurement lifecycle for all domestic and international transportation services (FTL, LTL, Intermodal, Ocean, Air).
  • Develop and execute comprehensive negotiation strategies to secure optimal pricing, service levels, and capacity commitments from a diverse portfolio of carriers.
  • Cultivate and manage robust, long-term relationships with key carriers, conducting regular business reviews (QBRs) to monitor performance against established KPIs.
  • Analyze freight market trends, industry benchmarks, and economic indicators to inform procurement strategies and anticipate potential cost impacts or opportunities.
  • Lead annual and ad-hoc transportation procurement events, including RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs, from development and carrier communication to bid analysis and award decisions.
  • Meticulously review, draft, and negotiate carrier contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and pricing addendums to mitigate risk and protect company interests.
  • Identify, quantify, and implement cost-saving initiatives and network optimization projects to drive continuous improvement and achieve departmental savings targets.
  • Develop and maintain carrier scorecards and performance dashboards to track key metrics such as on-time performance, tender acceptance, cost per unit, and claims ratios.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for resolving complex carrier-related issues, including service failures, capacity constraints, and freight claim disputes.
  • Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including logistics operations, warehouse management, sales, and customer service, to ensure transportation solutions align with business needs.
  • Utilize and champion the Transportation Management System (TMS) to optimize load planning, carrier selection, and freight audit and payment processes.
  • Conduct detailed freight spend analysis to identify consolidation opportunities, mode shifts, and routing guide improvements that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Ensure all carrier partners are in full compliance with company standards, insurance requirements, and relevant transportation regulations (e.g., DOT, FMCSA).
  • Prepare and present regular reports on freight spend, carrier performance, and market intelligence to senior leadership and key business partners.
  • Onboard new carriers through a rigorous vetting process, ensuring they meet all operational, safety, and financial requirements.
  • Manage and maintain the master carrier routing guide, ensuring its accuracy and effective utilization by the operations teams.
  • Lead or participate in cross-functional projects aimed at enhancing overall supply chain performance, such as new market entry or product launch logistics.
  • Monitor fuel surcharge programs and other accessorial charges, negotiating adjustments and ensuring their fair and accurate application.
  • Develop contingency plans and spot market strategies to address unplanned volume surges, seasonal peaks, and disruptions in the primary carrier network.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on freight procurement, providing guidance and market insights to support broader business decisions.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide ad-hoc reporting and analysis on freight spend, carrier performance, and market trends to support strategic decision-making.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of logistics data collection, reporting processes, and the strategic use of transportation technology.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders, including Operations, Sales, and Finance, to understand their transportation needs and align procurement strategies with overall business objectives.
  • Engage in cross-functional project teams and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing supply chain efficiency and reducing costs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Negotiation & Contract Management: Proven ability to lead complex negotiations and manage contractual agreements with transportation providers.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Hands-on proficiency with platforms like Blue Yonder, Oracle OTM, MercuryGate, or similar enterprise-level TMS.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Expertise in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, Formulas) and experience with BI tools like Tableau or Power BI.
  • Freight Mode Expertise: Deep understanding of the operational nuances and pricing structures of FTL, LTL, Intermodal, Ocean, and Air freight.
  • Sourcing & RFP/RFQ Management: Experience conducting formal procurement events and analyzing complex carrier bids.
  • Cost Modeling & Benchmarking: Ability to build total cost of ownership (TCO) models and benchmark rates against industry standards.
  • Carrier Performance Management: Skill in developing and utilizing KPIs and scorecards to manage carrier performance effectively.
  • ERP Systems: Familiarity with ERP software such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics for procurement and finance functions.
  • Logistics & Transportation Regulations: Working knowledge of relevant regulations, including DOT, FMCSA, and international shipping compliance (Incoterms).
  • Market Intelligence Analysis: Ability to interpret market data (e.g., DAT, CASS) to inform strategic decisions.

Soft Skills

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the bigger picture and develop long-term procurement strategies that align with business goals.
  • Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with carriers and internal teams.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A data-driven approach to identifying root causes and developing effective, sustainable solutions.
  • Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to present findings to leadership.
  • Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities and market volatility.
  • Influence & Persuasion: Capacity to gain buy-in and influence decisions across various functional groups.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to contract review, data analysis, and report generation.
  • Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage sourcing events and improvement projects from start to finish.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business Administration.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Economics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of direct experience in freight procurement, transportation sourcing, or a related logistics role.

Preferred:

  • Proven track record of delivering significant, documented cost savings through strategic sourcing and negotiation.
  • Experience managing transportation procurement across multiple modes (LTL, FTL, Ocean/Air).
  • Direct experience working within a high-volume manufacturing, distribution, or retail environment.
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