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Manager/Lead of Freight Brokerage (Startup Environment)

Safeway Logistics has been providing detail-driven supply chain management and warehousing solutions for nearly 50 years. The human touch will always be a core value for Safeway Logistics. Safeway Logistics is a family-owned business, built on trust and integrity with goal of hiring candidates that want to implement their big picture view with their broadened experience that makes us better. We want you to thrive in an environment where we provide the autonomy and encourage a self-start up entrepreneur spirit. Our greatest professional joy comes from hearing how much our employees enjoy the culture and atmosphere through a very close team environment.

Job Overview
Are you ready to lead a dynamic freight brokerage startup to new heights? We’re seeking an energetic and strategic Manager/Lead of Freight Brokerage to spearhead our logistics operations in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. In this position, you will assist in the building and scaling a freight brokerage operation from the ground up. This individual will be responsible not only for driving revenue and managing operations, but also for designing processes, implementing systems, and establishing a high-performance culture in a fast-paced startup environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic vision and day-to-day execution. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, is comfortable wearing multiple hats, and has a proven track record of building brokerage operations from early-stage growth to scale.

Key Responsibilities

Startup Leadership & Buildout

Build the freight brokerage book of business and division from the ground up, including structure, processes, and team
Develop and execute go-to-market strategies to establish a competitive presence
Create scalable workflows for sales, operations, and carrier management
Select and implement core technologies (TMS, CRM, tracking tools)
Establish SOPs, playbooks, and training programs for rapid onboarding and growth
Operate effectively with limited resources while maximizing output

Hands-On Execution

Personally manage key accounts, shipments, and carrier relationships in early stages
Act as both a strategic leader and an individual contributor when needed
Jump into daily operations (covering loads, resolving service issues, pricing freight)
Build initial book of business, then maintain and continue the growth of the business and lead by example in sales efforts

Growth & Scaling

Train and develop a high-performing brokerage team
Define roles and organizational structure as the company grows
Scale operations without sacrificing service quality or margins
Build a performance-driven culture focused on accountability and results
Identify new market opportunities, verticals, and service offerings

Sales & Business Development

Drive aggressive customer acquisition in a competitive market
Build strategic relationships with shippers, carriers, and partners
Develop pricing strategies aligned with market conditions and growth goals
Lead RFP responses and contract negotiations

Operations & Process Optimization

Design efficient load management and dispatch processes
Continuously improve workflows to support rapid growth
Implement KPIs and dashboards to track real-time performance
Ensure high service levels despite fluctuating capacity and demand
Ability to manage multiple priorities including dispatching, transportation planning, lead generation, and compliance with regulations.

Carrier Network Development

Build a reliable and scalable carrier base from scratch
Establish vetting, onboarding, and compliance processes
Develop strong partnerships to ensure consistent capacity

Financial Ownership

Own and manage the brokerage division
Build financial models and forecasts for growth planning
Monitor margins closely and adjust pricing and cost strategies
Balance growth initiatives with profitability targets

Compliance & Risk Management

Establish compliance frameworks aligned with industry regulations
Develop risk mitigation strategies for freight, contracts, and operations
Ensure proper insurance, carrier compliance, and legal protections

Qualifications

Experience

7–10+ years in freight brokerage, logistics, or transportation
Proven experience building or scaling a brokerage (startup experience strongly preferred)
Leadership experience with a track record of developing teams
Experience in a high-growth or entrepreneurial environment

Skills & Traits

Entrepreneurial mindset with a “builder” mentality
Highly adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to operate both strategically and tactically
Strong sales acumen and relationship-building skills
Deep knowledge of freight markets and brokerage economics

Success Profile (What Winning Looks Like)

Successfully launches and scales a profitable brokerage division
Builds a strong customer base and carrier network within the first 6–12 months
Creates repeatable, scalable processes that support rapid growth
Develops a high-performing, accountable team culture
Balances speed, growth, and operational excellence

Work Environment

High-growth startup with fast-paced, evolving priorities
Requires flexibility, urgency, and strong ownership mindset
In-office
Extended hours may be required during scaling phases

Compensation (Startup-Oriented)

Competitive base salary
Performance-based bonuses tied to growth and profitability
Significant upside tied to brokerage division success

Join us to lead an innovative freight brokerage startup where your expertise will shape the future of supply chain solutions! We’re committed to empowering our team members with opportunities for growth while delivering exceptional service in the logistics industry.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits: