Global Category Manager - Freight Optimisation

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consulting firm is seeking a Global Category Manager - Freight Optimisation based in Bristol. This role focuses on developing global freight strategies and managing supplier contracts across various countries. Ideal candidates have a strong logistics or procurement background, excel in negotiations, and are ready to take on a leadership role in a dynamic environment. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and significant career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Global responsibility

Career progression opportunities

Impact on sustainability initiatives

Qualifications

• Strong background in logistics or procurement required.
• Experience in supplier negotiation and cost control essential.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop global freight strategies for inbound material.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with suppliers.
• Drive savings and manage freight cost trends.

Skills

Supplier negotiation

Logistics management

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Tools

SAP

Excel

Procurement tools

Job description

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Global Category Manager - Freight Optimisation, bristol

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Client:

Bramwith Consulting

Location:

bristol, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

4

Posted:

04.08.2025

Expiry Date:

18.09.2025

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Job Description:

Now Hiring: Global Category Manager - Logistics (Inbound Freight)
UK-Based | Hybrid/Remote | Global Scope

We're partnering with a global manufacturing leader on a newly created role that places you at the forefront of strategic transformation. As Global Category Manager - Logistics, you'll take full ownership of inbound material freight strategy and spend across international manufacturing sites - including the UK, US, China, France, Italy, Brazil, and India.

This role is about strategic category leadership, stakeholder influence, and commercial delivery - within a complex, decentralised environment.

Role Responsibilities:

You'll be responsible for consolidating and optimising freight operations across all modes of transport. Key accountabilities include:

• Developing and executing global freight strategies for inbound material movement
• Negotiating supplier contracts and pricing agreements across a diverse lane network
• Driving year-on-year savings and establishing clear governance and approval frameworks
• Leading cross-site collaboration to bring cohesion to fragmented processes
• Monitoring and managing expedited/air freight usage and cost trends
• Building and maintaining strong strategic supplier relationships
• Supporting the broader indirects agenda (e.g. Travel, IT, Capex) over time

This is the first step toward creating a more centralised, strategic approach to indirect procurement across the group.

Required Skillset:

This role suits a logistics or indirect procurement professional with the confidence and commercial acumen to lead complex change.

Key experience includes:

• A strong background in freight, logistics, or commodity category management
• Demonstrated success in supplier negotiation, cost control, and cross-site strategy rollout
• The ability to navigate ambiguity, extract and analyse data, and align stakeholders
• Experience in a global matrix organisation, ideally in manufacturing or industrial sectors
• High-level communication, influencing, and project management capability (PMP a plus)
• Proficiency in SAP, Excel, and procurement tools

Why This Role?

• Global responsibility - influence across 7 countries
• Greenfield scope - shape a category strategy from the ground up
• Real impact - directly affect freight spend, supplier base, and sustainability
• Career progression - potential to grow a team and broaden your category portfolio

If you're a commercially minded logistics leader ready to take ownership on a global stage, get in touch confidentially to learn more.