Senior Category Manager - Logistics Sourcing & Procurement

Chain IQ; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative global procurement firm is seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead logistics sourcing and procurement activities. This pivotal role involves developing strategic sourcing plans that optimize costs and enhance service quality across global logistics spend. You will collaborate with various internal teams, manage supplier performance, and mentor procurement teams on best practices. This position offers an exciting opportunity to drive sustainable procurement practices while being part of a high-performing team dedicated to excellence. Join us in making a significant impact in the logistics sector!

Benefits

First-class benefits package

International travel opportunities

Professional development programs

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in logistics or supply chain procurement.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to manage complex logistics categories.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies for logistics services.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing projects and supplier management.
• Drive sustainable procurement practices.

Skills

Procurement Management

Negotiation Skills

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Supplier Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Tools

Strategic Sourcing Tools

E-Auctions

Job description

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Title: Senior Category Manager - Logistics Sourcing & Procurement

Location:

Zürich, CH DE London, GB

Date: May 9, 2025

About Chain IQ

Chain IQ is an Independent Global Indirect Procurement company providing strategic, tactical, and operational procurement services. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland Chain IQ operates from 6 main centers and 14 offices worldwide.

Our team of experts work to transform procurement within an organization utilizing our market knowledge and insights supported by innovative technology to drive procurement efficiencies.

We apply the latest risk, sustainability, and social responsibility practicesto strengthen procurement resilience. Chain IQ’s approach to ESG supports ethical operations, business standards and bio-diversity whilst minimizing environmental impact.

About the Role:
We are seeking a seasoned Senior Category Manager to lead sourcing and procurement activities within our logistics and supply chain categories, including ocean freight, air freight, packaging, and 3PL services. This role is pivotal in developing and executing strategic sourcing plans that optimize cost, service, and innovation across our global logistics spend.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for logistics services, including freight forwarding, transportation, packaging, and value-added logistics solutions.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing projects: market analysis, supplier selection, negotiation, contract award, and supplier relationship management.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (operations, finance, commercial teams) to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Manage supplier performance, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives to drive value and service excellence.
• Mentor and guide procurement teams on category management best practices and stakeholder engagement.
• Leverage market intelligence and benchmarking to identify cost-saving and innovation opportunities in logistics sourcing.
• Drive sustainable procurement practices and support corporate social responsibility goals.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of procurement/category management experience in logistics or supply chain, preferably with exposure to global freight forwarders.
• Proven track record in managing complex logistics categories such as ocean and air freight, trucking, packaging, or 3PL services – from a procurement or sales/commercial account perspective.
• Strong negotiation skills, contract management expertise, and ability to manage supplier relationships at a senior level.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with strategic sourcing tools and e-auctions is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed.

We are GreatPlaceToWorkcertifiedinSwitzerland,theUnitedStates,theUnitedKingdom,Singapore,Romania,PolandandChina.

We proudly offer a first-class benefits package to all employees, so come and join Chain IQ and become part of an innovative, inspiring, and high-performing team of entrepreneurs, who are globally connected and locally anchored.

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