Global Category Manager - Logistics

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing organization is seeking a Global Category Manager for Freight to support a strategic procurement transformation. This position involves crafting inbound freight strategies, managing contracts, and leading negotiations to enhance logistics efficiency across multiple countries. Ideal candidates have solid experience in logistics and strong analytical and negotiation skills. This role offers a significant career opportunity to shape logistics strategy and make a tangible impact on cost and performance.

Benefits

Global influence

Greenfield scope

Career opportunity

Qualifications

• Solid experience in freight, logistics, or indirect sourcing within global operations.
• Strong track record in delivering commercial value through negotiation.
• Ability to navigate complex, multi-site data landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Craft and implement inbound freight strategies across various modes.
• Lead contract negotiations for international freight corridors.
• Drive cost reduction and governance across regions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project leadership

Tools

SAP

Excel

Procurement platforms

Job description

Overview

Global Category Manager - Freight - Procurement Transformation - Global 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.

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.

• 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.