Global Category Manager, Logistics
Global Logistics Category Manager
Location: Espoo, Finland (hybrid)
Sector: Packaging
A company in the packaging sector is strengthening its global procurement organisation and is seeking a Global Logistics Category Manager to take ownership of one of its most critical and high‑impact spend categories.
This is a genuinely strategic role with global reach, accountability for major logistics partners, and direct influence over cost, performance, resilience, and sustainability across a complex international footprint.
The Opportunity
Reporting into senior Indirect Procurement leadership, you will define and lead the global logistics category strategy, covering:
- Sea and road freight
- Warehousing and 3PL
- Freight forwarding, customs, and related logistics services
You will operate as the global subject‑matter expert for logistics procurement, working closely with supply chain, operations, finance, legal, and sustainability teams across multiple business units and regions.
This role combines strategic category ownership with hands‑on execution, offering clear visibility, decision‑making authority, and measurable impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and own the global logistics category strategy and sourcing roadmap
- Lead high‑value RFx processes, negotiations, and supplier selections globally
- Drive cost savings, cost avoidance, and working‑capital improvements
- Establish robust supplier performance management frameworks (OTIF, lead times, capacity, digital capability)
- Identify consolidation, optimisation, and risk‑mitigation opportunities across lanes and regions
- Approve contracting strategies, commercial models, and logistics risk frameworks
- Act as a thought leader, providing market intelligence and supporting global standardisation
- Partner with procurement leadership, legal, and sustainability teams to ensure compliant and future‑fit logistics solutions
Stakeholder Exposure
You will interact with:
- Global and regional supply chain and operations leadership
- Site‑level business and supply chain teams across packaging segments
- Senior procurement leadership and category peers
- Strategic global logistics providers and 3PL partners
What We're Looking For
- 7-12 years' experience in global logistics procurement and supply chain roles
- Strong exposure to road, ocean, air and rail transportation, warehousing, and 3PL management
- Proven track record managing large, complex, international logistics suppliers
- Solid grounding in sourcing, contracting, cost modelling, and procurement governance
- Confident stakeholder manager with the ability to influence across functions and cultures
- Strategic thinker who can translate business needs into scalable category solutions
Why This Role?
- Global scope with real decision‑making authority
- High‑visibility category with direct P&L impact
- Opportunity to shape logistics strategy in a complex, international packaging environment
- Strong leadership backing and a mandate for continuous improvement and standardisation
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior logistics procurement professional looking to step into a globally influential category leadership role within a stable, international industrial environment.
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