Head of Brokerage

Overview

Ridgeline Cargo is a newly launched freight brokerage operating under a new MC with a long-term vision to build a disciplined, agent-driven brokerage platform. We are not looking to build another average brokerage. We are building infrastructure, leadership, and scalable systems from day one.

We are seeking a Founding Head of Brokerage Operations to help build and scale the brokerage from the ground up. This is a true build-from-scratch leadership opportunity, with equity attached.

Role Overview

The Head of Brokerage Operations will lead the build phase of Ridgeline’s brokerage division. This includes establishing operational systems, developing SOPs, driving revenue growth, recruiting and structuring agents and sub-agents, enforcing margin discipline, and protecting compliance standards. This role is for someone who understands early-stage brokerage environments and knows what it takes to build before scale.

Responsibilities

• Building and leading brokerage operations from zero
• Developing SOPs, workflows, and operational standards
• Assisting in recruiting and structuring an agent and sub-agent model
• Supporting carrier sales, shipper onboarding, and margin strategy
• Implementing performance discipline across the organization
• Protecting compliance, fraud controls, and financial accountability
• Driving revenue growth and operational efficiency

This role is designed for someone who has experience in early-stage brokerage environments and understands what it takes to build infrastructure before scale.

Compensation Structure

Phase 1 – Build Year (Months 0–12)

• No base salary during first 12 months
• If candidate brings an established book of business:
  • 70/30 commission split on existing book (70% to Head of Brokerage Operations)
• For any newly developed business during Year 1:
  • 60/40 commission split (60% to Head of Brokerage Operations)
  • Override commission on recruited agents and sub-agents (3%) depends on volume
  • Performance bonus eligibility tied to revenue growth milestones

Year 2 – Leadership Compensation Structure

(Triggered after successful completion of Year 1 build phase)

To transition from commission-only build phase into salary + leadership compensation, the following performance milestones must be achieved during Year 1.

• Minimum Qualification Threshold:
• $3,500,000 annual gross margin generated (personal production + recruited agent production combined)
• Minimum 5 active producing agents under management
• Minimum $300,000 average monthly gross margin sustained for at least 3 consecutive months
• Clean compliance, financial, and operational record
• Upon meeting this threshold, the following Year 2 compensation activates:
• 30% commission on personal gross margin production
• 3% override on recruited agents
• 3% override on sub-agents within recruited structure
• 5% equity participation begins vesting (equity vests over 24 months beginning at the start of Year 2 and is contingent upon continued leadership performance, operational alignment, and compliance standards)

Year 2 – Compensation Example

• Assume Year 2 performance:
• Personal gross margin: $1,200,000
• Total gross margin: $4,000,000
• Base salary = $100,000
• Personal commission: 30% of $1,200,000 = $360,000
• Agent override: 3% of $2,800,000 = $84,000
• Total compensation = $544,000

Year 3 – Executive Performance Structure

Beginning in Year 3, compensation expands to include EBITDA accountability. In addition to Year 2 compensation structure:

• Annual EBITDA performance bonus introduced
• Bonus tied directly to company profitability
• Bonus tiers based on EBITDA thresholds
• Example framework:
  • If EBITDA reaches $1,000,000
  • If EBITDA reaches $1,500,000
  • If EBITDA exceeds $2,000,000

Year 3 marks the transition from production-based leadership to full executive accountability tied to company profitability and long-term scale.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This role is designed for a proven freight brokerage operator who wants long-term upside and leadership responsibility. The ideal candidate is not looking for comfort, but for scale. We are seeking someone who:

• Has 10+ years of freight brokerage experience
• Has participated in early-stage brokerage growth or helped build from zero
• Has experience generating and managing $1M+ annual gross margin
• Understands carrier sales, shipper acquisition, and margin discipline
• Has recruited, trained, or managed freight agents
• Is free of non-compete restrictions
• Operates with financial discipline and understands EBITDA accountability
• Is comfortable working in high-performance environments
• Wants equity upside tied to long-term company growth

This role requires a builder’s mindset. The candidate must be capable of producing revenue personally while also building systems and team structure.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated freight brokerage production history
• Documented performance in revenue or gross margin generation
• Experience working within TMS platforms and brokerage operational systems
• Strong understanding of freight pricing, risk management, and credit exposure
• Experience structuring agent or sub-agent teams preferred
• Clean professional and compliance history
• Ability to operate independently during early build phase
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• 10+ years of freight brokerage experience
• Production & Revenue Capability: Ability to bring or generate significant book of business
• Demonstrated understanding of pricing discipline and margin protection
• Experience managing monthly gross margin targets exceeding $200K
• Deep understanding of shipper acquisition strategy and carrier network leverage

If you have ever believed you could build something better than the brokerage you are currently in, this is your opportunity. If you believe you have the production history, leadership discipline, and builder mentality to scale a brokerage from zero to executive level, we want to hear from you.

One leadership seat. Real upside. Structured performance. Equity participation.

If you are confident, APPLY TODAY - let's make it happen!

Important

This role operates under a 1099 Independent Contractor agreement. This is not a comfort W2 role from day one. This is a founding leadership seat inside a new brokerage platform designed for long-term scale. The upside is structured. The expectations are high. The opportunity is real.

Ridgeline Cargo is operating under a new MC. We are in the build phase. There is currently: This role requires someone who understands how to build a brokerage from zero. That includes:

• Establishing shipper relationships from scratch
• Building carrier trust under a new MC
• Developing operational and financial credibility
• Assisting in establishing brokerage credit and payment reputation
• Structuring processes that support long-term scale

This is not a plug-and-play role. It is a ground-floor build opportunity.