Senior Manager, 4PL Procurement

Sheer Logistics is a leading logistics services provider, with a focus on transparency and value, providing clients with a comprehensive offering of technology enabled supply chain and logistics solutions including managed transportation, multi-modal brokerage, consulting, and other complimentary services.

Our mission is to build trusting relationships that consistently deliver extraordinary results to employees, shippers, carriers and suppliers. Transparency is our foundation, because having complete information allows clients to make better decisions. It saves time, it’s better for business, it’s better for people, and ultimately, it’s better for the long-term relationships we cultivate.

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, 4PL Procurement will oversee the day-to-day execution and performance of the procurement team within Sheer Logistics' 4PL Managed Services division. Reporting to the Vice President of Managed Servies, this role is responsible for managing the Procurement team and executing customer-specific transportation sourcing strategies that improve cost predictability, service performance, capacity reliability, and overall network efficiency.

Operating as a carrier-agnostic advisor on behalf of our customers, this leader will oversee RFPs/RFQs, mini-bids, strategic carrier sourcing, and ongoing network optimization to deliver measurable and sustainable customer value.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy & Leadership:

• Manage, coach, and develop the 4PL Procurement team, overseeing daily activities, workload allocation, performance, and professional development.
• Execute customer-specific transportation procurement strategies aligned with cost, service, capacity, and network objectives.
• Drive consistent execution of standardized procurement processes, including sourcing strategy, bid execution, carrier evaluation, award recommendations, implementation, and post-event measurement.
• Partner with the VP to identify opportunities to improve procurement capabilities, processes, and scalability as Sheer's Managed Services business grows.
• Collaborate with 4PL leadership and Account Management to prioritize procurement events and network optimization opportunities across the customer portfolio.

Strategic Sourcing & Network Optimization:

• Analyze customer transportation networks to identify opportunities for cost savings, improved service, capacity stability, and reduced spot market exposure.
• Develop sourcing strategies leveraging shipment data, carrier performance, market conditions, and customer requirements.
• Identify and secure dedicated and strategic carrier capacity to improve network predictability and performance.
• Partner with Operations and Analytics to evaluate opportunities for carrier consolidation, mode optimization, lane restructuring, and other network efficiencies.
• Measure procurement outcomes, including projected and realized savings, to drive continuous improvement.

Market Intelligence & Carrier Strategy:

• Monitor transportation market conditions, including rates, capacity, seasonality, and carrier trends, to inform procurement strategies.
• Develop strategic carrier relationships while maintaining a carrier-agnostic approach that prioritizes customers' best interests.
• Partner with Sheer's 3PL procurement team to leverage carrier relationships, market intelligence, and broader network capabilities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Implementation:

• Partner with 4PL leadership and Account Management to identify and prioritize customer procurement opportunities.
• Coordinate with Operations and Customer Support to ensure successful implementation of carrier awards, rates, and service requirements.
• Establish effective procurement-to-operations handoffs, ensuring operational readiness and continuity.
• Collaborate with Finance, Technology, and Analytics to validate savings, improve procurement tools, and enhance reporting capabilities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, strategic sourcing, procurement, or managed transportation.
• 3+ years of leadership or people-management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of truckload, LTL, transportation procurement strategies, and freight market dynamics.
• Demonstrated experience managing transportation RFPs/RFQs, carrier negotiations, and award strategies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate transportation data into actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to lead teams, collaborate cross-functionally, and communicate effectively with customers and senior leadership.
• Experience with transportation management systems, procurement platforms, and transportation analytics preferred.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $115K–$130K
• Bonus Eligibility: Up to 10% of annual salary

Work Location

• Hybrid: Tuesday - Thursday in Sheer’s Chicago office