Carrier Sourcing Specialist

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture- Where Innovation Meets Comfort Who We Are: At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the world's largest manufacturer of home furnishings, we're more than a business - we're a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry. If you're ready to grow, you've come to the right place. With a true "Growth Mindset," Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business. If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board. Location: This role is 100% Onsite Summary: Ashley Furniture is seeking a Carrier Sourcing Specialist to join our Brokerage Department and play a critical role in expanding our carrier capacity, optimizing costs, and maximizing long-term profitability. If you thrive in a fast-paced transportation environment and excel at building relationships that drive results, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact. As a Carrier Sourcing Specialist, you'll be the vital link between Ashley Furniture and our carrier partners. You'll manage the execution of shipments through strategic carrier relationships, negotiate competitive pricing agreements, and capitalize on market opportunities to ensure cost-effective, reliable transportation solutions that meet our customers' expectations. This role requires a sharp business mind, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to forecast and adapt to changing market conditions. You'll work independently with considerable autonomy while applying professional judgment to solve complex logistics challenges and recommend innovative solutions. Responsibilities: Build & Manage Carrier Relationships * Conduct daily solicitation of new and existing carrier base to expand capacity and optimize performance * Establish and execute comprehensive business development plans for on-boarding new carrier partners * Build and develop relationships at multiple levels within carrier organizations, from operations to executive leadership * Identify opportunities for account penetration and develop/implement strategic solutions * Serve as primary point of contact for carrier partners, managing relationships with tact, timing, and trust Negotiate & Optimize Pricing * Negotiate pricing agreements with carriers to secure competitive rates while maintaining service quality * Provide strategic pricing guidance for new customer lanes based on market analysis * Monitor and analyze cost trends to identify savings opportunities and maximize company profitability * Balance cost management with service level requirements to meet customer expectations Manage Market Intelligence & Strategy * Maintain in-depth understanding of transportation market trends, seasonality, and economic factors * Forecast and capitalize on changing market conditions to optimize carrier sourcing strategy * Apply technology and business approaches in innovative ways to stay ahead of market shifts * Analyze data to make informed recommendations on carrier selection and pricing strategies Execute Shipment Management * Manage the execution of shipments through carrier relationships to ensure on-time, damage-free delivery * Coordinate with internal teams to match shipment requirements with appropriate carrier capabilities * Problem-solve complex logistics challenges and implement solutions that maintain service standards * Monitor carrier performance and hold partners accountable to contractual commitments Drive Continuous Improvement * Identify inefficiencies in carrier sourcing processes and recommend improvements * Leverage continuous improvement methodologies to enhance department performance * Share best practices and training insights with team members * Participate actively in departmental meetings, training sessions, and strategic planning * Demonstrate the Company's Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions Qualifications: Required Education & Experience * Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field; OR equivalent work experience * 5+ years of experience in the trucking/transportation industry, specifically in Sales and Operations roles * Proven track record of carrier relationship management and freight negotiation * Experience managing carrier networks and executing business development strategies Core Knowledge & Skills Transportation Expertise: * Deep understanding of multiple facets of transportation (truckload, LTL, intermodal, etc.) * Knowledge of freight market dynamics, capacity trends, and seasonal fluctuations * Familiarity with transportation management systems and logistics technology * Understanding of DOT regulations and carrier compliance requirements Business & Sales Acumen: * Ability to learn and perform consultative sales activities * Strong negotiation skills with ability to secure win-win agreements * Analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address complex logistics challenges * Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies Relationship & Communication Skills: * Excellent written and verbal communication skills for professional correspondence and presentations * Outstanding interpersonal skills to build rapport at all organizational levels * Ability to display empathy, understanding, and patience with carriers and internal stakeholders * Tact and diplomatic skills to navigate difficult conversations and resolve conflicts * Sensitivity to diverse audiences and communication styles Organizational Excellence: * Superior time management ability to juggle multiple priorities * Strong attention to detail in contracts, pricing, and execution * Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously within established deadlines * Effective organizational skills to manage large carrier networks Professional Attributes: * Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating in team environments * Capacity to perform under pressure in a fast-paced, demanding environment * Maintains strict confidentiality regarding pricing, strategies, and business relationships * Responds professionally in situations with difficult carrier, vendor, or customer issues * High ethical standards with unwavering integrity and trustworthiness Technical Requirements * Proficient computer skills, including advanced experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) * Comfortable with internet research and online freight platforms/marketplaces * Ability to learn and utilize transportation management systems (TMS) and related technology * Experience with data analysis tools preferred Schedule & Travel Expectations * Limited domestic travel to visit carrier partners, attend industry events, and build relationships ( * Flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessary to meet business demands * Standard business hours with occasional early morning or evening calls to accommodate carrier schedules * Availability during peak shipping seasons for extended support Work Environment: This position is located in a climate-controlled office environment with standard lighting and moderate noise levels typical of professional workspace settings. The role primarily involves sitting at a desk for extended periods while working with computers, phones, and other office equipment. The collaborative environment includes interaction with team members and may require attendance at meetings, conference calls, and cross-departmental communications during regular business hours. Benefits We Offer: * Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program * Paid Time Off; increases with years of service * Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings * Professional Development Opportunities * Tuition Assistance * Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) * 401(k) and Profit Sharing * Life Insurance Our Core Values: * Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights. * (Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion. * Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work. * Growth & Results Focus: Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities. * Culture of Leadership: Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level. * Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams. * Operational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools. Interested in learning more about Ashley Furniture's Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below: Corporate Social Responsibility View Our Corporate Brochure We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries. * Please note this position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

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