TITLE: Operations Specialist
REPORTS TO: Department Manager
LOCATION: Raleigh, North Carolina
SUMMARY: As an Operations Specialist, you will play a critical role in our carrier capacity operations. You will ensure all carrier activities are executed effectively and in compliance with our systems, SOPs, KPIs, and procedures to support our goal of being the first choice in every market we serve.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with refrigerated freight carriers
- Negotiate competitive rates with carriers to secure cost-effective freight solutions
- Monitor and manage carrier capacity to ensure on-time service
- Quickly address and resolve any carrier performance or shipment issues
- Collaborate with internal sales and operations teams to align carrier solutions with shipment requirements
- Stay current on industry trends, market rates, and capacity shifts
- Utilize MercuryGate TMS for daily operations and carrier management
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
- Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Ability to analyze market trends and develop capacity strategies
- Skilled in carrier acquisition, relationship building, and rate negotiation
- Experienced in load booking, crisis management, and shipment recovery
- Able to work independently and collaboratively
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma / GED required
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field preferred
- 2+ years of experience in refrigerated freight, logistics, or a transportation-related field preferred
- Proficiency in MercuryGate and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and PowerPoint)
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Fast-paced officed environment
- Occasional exposure to outdoor conditions
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate (e.g., business office with computers, printers, and light foot traffic)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The employee may occasionally need to lift and / or move up to 10 pounds
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly sits; uses hands to finger, and talks or hears
- The employee may frequently reach with hands and arms
- The employee may stand and walk occasionally
CORE COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIORS
Team Oriented
- Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others
- Is approachable and open to different opinions and feedback
- Earns the confidence, trust, and respect of others
Communication
- Communicates in an open and honest way
- Builds consensus – solicits input and discusses options with people affected before making decisions
- Keeps others informed, communicates expectations, and shares information
- Listens actively to external and internal customers, while understanding others’ views and needs
Values Driven
- Supports, promotes, and models the values of the L&M Family of Companies (Respect, Passion, Leadership, Excellence … always with Unyielding Integrity)
- Fully aligns with the enterprise and the Company’s Success Model
- Balances entrepreneurial spirit with the needs of others and the Vision of the Company
- Shows a strong work ethic and commitment to the Company
- Treats customers and carriers as business partners
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1-hour lunch break