Category Manager - Logistics and Transportation
Position Title: Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Supply Chain & Logistics
Position Overview:
A leading organization is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Category Manager to lead high-impact sourcing initiatives across supply chain and logistics categories. This role is responsible for driving cost efficiencies, enhancing service delivery, and unlocking long-term value through strategic vendor partnerships. The ideal candidate will manage sourcing projects from strategy development through contract execution and serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across multiple business units.
While expertise in strategic sourcing is essential, experience in logistics, transportation, warehousing, or broader supply chain operations is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities:
Category Strategy Development:
Design and implement sourcing strategies aligned with organizational goals and operational priorities. Leverage internal data, benchmarks, and market intelligence to identify total cost of ownership (TCO) opportunities.Stakeholder Collaboration:
Partner with senior leaders across Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance to align sourcing strategies with business needs. Facilitate executive-level discussions and influence decision-making.Sourcing Execution:
Lead end-to-end sourcing events including requirements gathering, RFP development, supplier evaluation, and multi-round negotiations to secure optimal outcomes.Vendor Management:
Conduct structured assessments of suppliers across commercial, technical, and performance dimensions. Guide cross-functional teams through selection and award processes.Contracting & Negotiation:
Own business term negotiations and collaborate with Legal to finalize contracts. Ensure agreements reflect performance expectations, KPIs, and enforceable terms.Value Realization:
Establish savings baselines, track performance, and quantify value delivered. Develop transition plans to ensure smooth handoff to operational teams.Market Intelligence & Innovation:
Monitor industry trends and supplier capabilities. Identify risks and innovation opportunities to continuously evolve sourcing practices.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required
- 5-8 years of strategic sourcing experience, including 2-3 years in logistics or transportation categories
- Proven ability to lead complex sourcing initiatives, including vendor selection and contract negotiation
- Proficiency with sourcing platforms (e.g., Jaggaer, Keelvar), Excel (advanced), and ERP systems (SAP preferred)
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, including experience influencing executive leadership
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
Preferred Experience:
- Subject matter expertise in supply chain categories such as transportation, packaging, or 3PL
- Exposure to IT or digital sourcing (e.g., software, hardware, cloud services)
- Experience working with outsourced providers or BPOs
- Familiarity with supplier risk assessment frameworks
Work Arrangement:
This is a hybrid role with in-office presence required three days per week. Remote work is supported on designated days.
FAQs
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