Carrier Manager

<p>The <strong>Carrier Manager</strong> plays an essential role in <strong>growing talent</strong> in our business through collaboration and sharing best practices within the Logistics team. You know how to <strong>be curious</strong> about their opportunities and how to <strong>be real</strong> with feedback and support.</p> <p>We are looking for a dynamic and creative individual who identifies with our values and ethics to join our support team as a Carrier Manager.  The role’s primary responsibility is developing and managing Lush’s North American strategic carrier network to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality transportation services. This role leads carrier sourcing, negotiations, performance management, and commercial relationships, while partnering cross-functionally to ensure transportation capacity and service requirements are aligned with business needs. The Carrier Manager will also lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, creating an environment of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. </p> <p>As a growing business, Lush needs people that can <strong>adapt and evolve</strong> to the needs of our business. Our Lush staff <strong>live with purpose</strong>, finding their personal value connection with the values of our business, bringing their work and life paths into one holistic journey. #mylushlife</p> <p>Reporting to the Head of Product Planning & Logistics, the Carrier Manager undertakes the following <strong>RESPONSIBILITIES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.</li> <li>Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and mentorship to build team capability and strengthen commercial, analytical, and relationship-management skills.</li> <li>Develop and maintain a strategic portfolio of transportation carriers aligned with business requirements, network strategy, and service expectations.</li> <li>Lead carrier selection, qualification, onboarding, and ongoing relationship management.</li> <li>Own and manage total carrier spend, ensuring transportation costs are effectively managed and aligned with business objectives.</li> <li>Lead the development of the annual carrier budget, financial targets, and ongoing forecasts.</li> <li>Analyze carrier spend, trends, and variances to identify risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.</li> <li>Develop strategic partnerships with key carriers to strengthen collaboration, innovation, and service</li> <li>Establish and maintain capacity commitments to ensure sufficient transportation capacity during both normal and peak periods.</li> <li>Lead carrier contract negotiations, including commercial terms, service requirements, and performance expectations.</li> <li>Negotiate transportation rates and identify opportunities to optimize costs while maintaining service levels.</li> <li>Manage commercial issues, disputes, and claims, working collaboratively with carriers and internal stakeholders to achieve timely and appropriate resolution.</li> <li>Lead regular carrier performance reviews and develop corrective action plans where performance expectations are not met.</li> <li>Identify trends, risks, and opportunities within carrier performance and proactively implement improvements.</li> <li>Hold carriers accountable to agreed service levels, contractual commitments, and performance standards.</li> <li>Partner with Logistics, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Operations, and other stakeholders to understand transportation requirements and develop effective carrier strategies.</li> <li>Support continuous improvement initiatives that improve transportation efficiency, service, scalability, and resilience.</li> <li>Create an inclusive team environment where employees are empowered to take ownership, challenge assumptions, and make decisions. </li> <li>Comprehensive working knowledge of carrier management systems, including their integration into overarching business operations to drive process optimization and organizational value.</li> <li>Strong understanding of customs protocols, global trade compliance, dangerous goods regulations, and statutory requirements, partnering cross-functionally to ensure full operational adherence.</li> </ul> <p>You bring the following <strong>QUALIFICATIONS:</strong></p> <p>Required: </p> <ul> <li>5+ years of experience in transportation, freight, logistics, procurement, or carrier management.</li> <li>3+ years of experience in a leadership role with a proven track record in training and development of others </li> <li>Strong experience managing carrier relationships and negotiating transportation rates and contracts.</li> <li>Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable cost savings, service improvements, and operational efficiencies.</li> <li>Strong analytical and commercial skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.</li> <li>Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.</li> <li>Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders and hold strategic partners accountable.</li> <li>Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex commercial issues.</li> </ul> <p>Preferred:</p> <ul> <li>Solid understanding of supply chain, logistics, reverse logistics , and INCOTERMS</li> <li>A university or college degree in Supply Ch