Compliance Manager

Job Title: Compliance Manager Reports to: VP of Operations Department: Compliance Location: Chicago and/or Waukegan, IL All roles are 100% in office. Hybrid schedule considered after six months of service. FLSA Classification: Full Time, Exempt Effective Date: January 2026 About Us: VP Logistics is on a mission to provide an elite level of service to our customers while bringing them practical solutions to streamline their supply chain. Our team members must have a “whatever it takes” mindset, show up every day with a passion for excellence, and focus on building internal and external relationships. VP Logistics was originally founded in 2009 as an in-house transportation provider for Visual Pak, a leading contract manufacturing and packaging partner to multiple fortune 500 brands. VPL has since grown into a premier, national 3PL with capabilities across most transportation modes and industries. We take great pride in our obsession to be strategic partners with our customers and carriers, as well as our reputation and unwavering commitment to excellence. Our people are our greatest asset and the driving force behind our continuous growth. Job Summary: The Compliance Manager is responsible for designing, leading, and executing VPL’s overall carrier compliance and risk management strategy. This role oversees carrier vetting and monitoring programs to ensure partnerships with safe, compliant, and reputable motor carriers while preventing fraud, cargo theft, and other transportation-related risks. The Compliance Manager serves as a strategic partner to operations, sales, and leadership by establishing scalable compliance processes, managing claims and insurance programs, and balancing risk exposure with business growth. This position requires deep industry knowledge, strong judgement, and the ability to engage directly with carriers, customers, insurers, and internal teams to protect the company’s freight, customers, and reputation. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated experience and comfort across the following core areas, with the ability to design, lead, and continuously evolve a comprehensive risk and compliance strategy for a freight brokerage. This role requires both hands-on knowledge and strategic leadership, extending beyond day-to-day execution to ownership of long-term risk mitigation and compliance frameworks. Duties/Responsibilities: Carrier Compliance & Vetting Proven experience leading carrier compliance programs, including vetting individual motor carriers for safety, authority, insurance, and fraud risks. Strong working knowledge of carrier compliance resources, regulatory requirements, and emerging fraud trends within brokerage environment, Experience evaluating, selecting, and managing compliance and carrier monitoring technology partners. Ability to design and implement scalable processes for carrier sales, onboarding, and compliance teams that balance operational efficiency risk controls. Claims Management (OS&D) Direct experience managing freight claims, including investigation, resolution, and communication with all involved parties. Ability to effectively coordinate and communicate with internal teams, carrier partners, insurance providers, and customers throughout the claims lifecycle. Thorough understanding of industry-standard claims processes, liability frameworks, and best practices. Customer Agreements & Risk Alignment Experience reviewing, negotiating, and approving customer contracts and transportation agreements. Comfort engaging directly with customers to discuss contractual adjustments, risk exposure, and compliance requirements to reach mutually acceptable agreements. Proven ability to collaborate with internal sales and account management teams to assess risk exposure and align contractual terms with business strategy and growth objectives. Insurance Strategy & Coverage Experience evaluating, selecting, and managing freight brokerage insurance programs, including cargo, contingent liability, and related coverages. Deep understanding of how insurance coverage functions in practice, with the ability to assess coverage needs based on brokerage size, customer mix, freight profile, and operational risk. Experience securing additional or shipment-specific insurance coverage for individual customers, lanes, or high-value freight. Supervisor Responsibilities: None Required Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Risk Management, Finance, or a related field. 7+ years of experience in freight brokerage, 3PL, or transportation compliance. 5+ years of direct carrier compliance, vetting, and claims management experience. Strong working knowledge of motor carrier regulations, fraud trends, and brokerage liability. Experience managing brokerage insurance programs and customer contracts. Proven ability to partner cross-functionally and make sound risk decisions. Experience with high-value or time-sensitive freight. Exposure to fraud prevention, cargo theft mitigation, and insurance negotiations. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, McLeod, Highway, and Carrier 411 is preferred. Required Skills / Abilities: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities or tasks simultaneously. Outstanding organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail. Curious mindset with a hunger to challenge status quo to optimize business workflows. Strong judgement and risk assessment skills. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse team members. Excellent time management skills, consistently meeting strict deadlines. Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to adjust tasks and priorities as needed. Thrives in and is motivated by a fast-paced working environment and is passionate for improving technology operations. Alignment with VPL’s Core Values: Core Values are fundamental beliefs, and timeless guiding principles that define the VPL culture, outline what we truly stand for as an organization, and help us guide behavior and decisions. Alignment to the following Core Values is a requirement for all employees. #1: Create Raving Fans – We are obsessed with Elite customer service and building long-term relationships. #2: Glass Half Full Mentality – We strive to see the bright side in all situations and bring the positive energy every day! #3 Roller Coaster People – We embrace the thrill of the logistics industry. #4 GSD – Get Sh*t Done – No excuses, results matter, and we aren’t done until THE job is done. #5: Teamwork Always – We row together as one. Collaboration. Commitment. Accountability. #6: Do the Right Thing – We conduct business with integrity and transparency. Physical Requirements: Able to lift up to 50lbs and perform physical tasks including but not limited to working under desks to install/remove hardware. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to speak easily and communicate in writing and on a telephone for varying lengths of time and in random order. Required Travel: Occasional availability to travel to industry conferences and events Occasional availability to travel independently between both office locations. (Waukegan & Chicago). Required Technology: Smart Phone Compensation/Benefits: Competitive salary and potential company performance-based incentive compensation. Cell Phone Reimbursement ($25 non-taxed per pay period) 401K with Employer Match Program (Up to 4%) Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance coverage Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA Med / FSA Dependent Care) Commuter Benefit – Pre Taxed option to assist w/ commuter/parking expenses Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Paid Time Off and Holiday pay EEO Statement: VP Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs. VP Logistics is an "at will employer". How To Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume to the People Operations/Recruiting department. Email: VPLCareers@vplogistics.com Website: https://vplogistics.com/careers/ under “Open Positions”