Global Category Manager - Freight

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing organisation is looking for a Global Category Manager - Logistics. This strategic role involves overseeing logistics spend across multiple countries, leading contract negotiations, and implementing robust logistics strategies. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills and experience in a transformative environment. This position offers an opportunity to shape logistics on a global scale and be part of a new procurement initiative.

Benefits

Global Influence

Greenfield Scope

Tangible Impact

Career Opportunity

Qualifications

• Solid experience in freight, logistics, or indirect sourcing within global operations.
• Experience in matrixed or decentralised industrial/manufacturing businesses.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Crafting and implementing inbound freight strategies.
• Leading contract negotiations for international freight.
• Driving cost reduction across regions.
• Building partnerships with logistics providers.

Skills

Commercially savvy logistics knowledge

Strong negotiation skills

Analytical confidence

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Proficiency in SAP

Proficiency in Excel

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

Global Category Manager - Freight - Procurement Transforamtion - Gloal Manufacturing Organisation

£70k + Car & Bonus

To apply please contact Adam at [e-mail]

We've partnered with a world-renowned manufacturer to help them hire for a brand-new, pivotal role that supports their broader strategic evolution.

As the Global Category Manager - Logistics, you'll take ownership of the inbound freight strategy, overseeing logistics spend across an international network that includes operations in the UK, USA, China, France, Italy, Brazil, and India.

This influential role demands a balance of strategic thinking, stakeholder collaboration, and commercial acumen, all within a decentralised, fast-paced environment.

Role Overview:

Your mission will be to bring greater structure, alignment, and efficiency to inbound logistics across a global footprint. Key areas of responsibility include:

• Crafting and implementing robust inbound freight strategies across various transport modes
• Leading contract negotiations and supplier engagement for international freight corridors
• Driving cost reduction and introducing consistent governance across regions
• Partnering with local sites to streamline and unify logistics processes
• Overseeing air freight usage and enhancing responsiveness for urgent shipments
• Building long-term partnerships with logistics providers
• Gradually extending support to other indirect spend areas (e.g. Travel, IT, Capital Equipment)

This role marks the first step toward centralising and professionalising procurement within the business globally.

What We're Looking For:

We're seeking a commercially savvy logistics or procurement professional who thrives in a transformative environment.

You should bring:

• Solid experience in freight, logistics, or indirect sourcing within global operations
• Strong negotiation skills and a track record of delivering commercial value
• Analytical confidence and the ability to navigate complex, multi-site data landscapes
• Experience in matrixed or decentralised industrial/manufacturing businesses
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and project leadership abilities
• Proficiency with SAP, Excel, and other procurement platforms

What's in It for You?

• Global Influence - Shape and implement logistics strategy across seven countries
• Greenfield Scope - Be part of a new, strategic procurement initiative
• Tangible Impact - Influence cost, performance, and sustainability in real time
• Career Opportunity - Help build a centralised function and potentially grow a team

If you're ready to take a leading role in reshaping global logistics strategy for a forward-thinking manufacturer, let's connect in confidence.