Strategical Procurement Manager For Logistics Optimisation - Global Transformation

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturing company seeks a Global Category Manager – Logistics to drive its freight strategy across multiple countries. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership and commercial execution, aiming to optimize freight operations and foster relationships with key logistics partners. Candidates must possess robust logistics experience, excellent negotiation skills, and proficiency in relevant tools.

Benefits

Global scope for strategy shaping

Greenfield opportunity

Visible impact on logistics spend

Career growth potential

Qualifications

• Proven experience in freight, logistics, or indirect category management.
• Strong track record in supplier negotiations and cost control.
• Ability to analyze complex data and manage ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver freight strategies for inbound materials.
• Lead commercial negotiations across global freight lanes.
• Collaborate with international sites to unify freight processes.

Skills

Supplier Negotiations

Cost Control

Cross-functional Delivery

Data Analysis

Communication

Project Management

Tools

SAP

Excel

Procurement Systems

Job description

Job Description

We’re working with a global manufacturing powerhouse to recruit a newly created position that sits at the heart of their strategic transformation journey.

As Global Category Manager – Logistics, you’ll be the driving force behind the inbound material freight strategy, managing spend across a network of international production sites in the UK, US, China, France, Italy, Brazil, and India.

This is a high-impact role focused on strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and commercial execution within a complex, decentralised environment.

Key Responsibilities:

This role is all about bringing cohesion and control to freight operations across a global footprint. Core responsibilities include:

• Designing and delivering freight strategies for inbound materials across multiple transport modes
• Leading commercial negotiations across diverse global freight lanes
• Delivering consistent cost savings while embedding clear governance structures
• Collaborating with international sites to unify and streamline freight processes
• Managing air freight utilisation and driving efficiency across expedited shipping
• Developing strategic relationships with key logistics partners
• Supporting broader indirect categories over time (e.g. Travel, IT, Capex)

This opportunity represents the first move toward a more centralised, strategic procurement function across the organisation.

Your Profile:

We’re looking for a confident and commercially astute procurement or logistics professional who thrives in dynamic, change-driven environments.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in freight, logistics, or indirect category management
• A strong track record in supplier negotiations, cost control, and cross-functional delivery
• The ability to analyse complex data, manage ambiguity, and align global stakeholders
• Experience working within matrixed, global manufacturing or industrial businesses
• Excellent communication, influencing, and project management skills (PMP a plus)
• Strong proficiency in SAP, Excel, and procurement systems

Why Apply?

• Global scope – Shape freight strategy across seven countries
• Greenfield opportunity – Build the function and influence its direction
• Visible impact – Directly affect logistics spend, supplier performance, and sustainability outcomes
• Career growth – Potential to expand your remit and grow a team

If you’re a commercially driven logistics expert ready to make your mark on a global scale, get in touch for a confidential discussion.