Senior Category Manager, Transportation Procurement Europe

DHL; Peschiera; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity to work for a global leader

International environment

Flexibility in work arrangements

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

A global logistics leader is seeking a Category Manager for Transportation Procurement in Southern Europe. This role involves providing expert sourcing support, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost optimization strategies. With an emphasis on sustainable practices, candidates should have a strong background in transportation procurement, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex projects. Fluency in English is essential, while fluency in German is advantageous. The position offers great opportunities for personal and professional growth within a dynamic international environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Transportation Procurement/Sourcing.
• Strong understanding of Road Transportation markets.
• Proven ability to manage complex sourcing projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional sourcing support for key business initiatives.
• Identify and secure sourcing opportunities.
• Support the business in its decarbonization journey.

Skills

Transportation Procurement/Sourcing

Road Transportation markets

Negotiation skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Fluency in English (C2)

German (C1)

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or related field

Tools

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Job description

The Category Manager – Transportation Procurement Europe role is open across multiple European locations. To ensure a smooth application process, please submit your cover letter and resume in English.

Note: We value curiosity and potential. Even if your background differs, we encourage you to apply if this role appeals to you.

About DHL and Procurement:

DHL Group is the logistics provider of the world with over 580,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories. We are an organization that is not just moving goods around; we have a very clear purpose, and we are: Connecting People. Improving Lives. We provide challenges and opportunities for personal and professional development; we recognize the difference you bring to our business and together we share the pride of building one of the largest world leaders in logistics and supply chain.

DHL Corporate Procurement is a trustworthy business partner that builds a competitive ecosystem for the DHL Group – SUSTAINABLE, AGILE, CONNECTED, FORWARD LOOKING. We transform the way DHL is sourcing products, systems and services from external partners, leveraging modern digital tools and technologies. Our global procurement team is our biggest asset and by focusing on clear priorities, we drive tangible value for our colleagues. As our business keeps growing, we want you in our EMEA region.

Ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of Procurement? Join the team and bring your expertise on board! As part of the DHL Group, you will be working with a global network of Procurement colleagues and benefit from a wide range of development opportunities.

Job Purpose:

The Category Manager – Transportation Procurement Europe provides best-in-class procurement and sourcing support to DHL Global Forwarding (DGF), the air and ocean freight specialist division of DHL Group, across the Europe region, with a primary focus on Southern Europe, Benelux,UKI and DACH Sub-Region execution.

Acting as a key link between the EMEA Transportation Category and the DGF business unit, the role is responsible for leading sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and delivering market intelligence across Road Transportation procurement.

Working closely with country stakeholders and regional procurement colleagues, the Category Manager drives value creation, cost optimization, service excellence, and supply base resilience, ensuring alignment with regional category strategy and business objectives.

• Provide professional sourcing support for key business initiatives and deliver supply market intelligence to support investment and budget decisions.
• Identify and secure sourcing opportunities, manage supplier engagement processes, and address customer-specific business challenges.
• Lead and monitor sourcing projects end-to-end, ensuring timely execution and stakeholder alignment.
• Support the business in its decarbonization journey by engaging existing and new suppliers to explore and implement greener transportation alternatives.
• Ensure adherence to procurement governance, compliance regulations, ESG standards, and enterprise risk management requirements.
• Drive value contribution and benefit realization across procurement activities, ensuring fulfillment of business requirements in terms of quality, cost, and service.
• Embed procurement into business planning through effective stakeholder management and influencing skills, contributing to the development of the EMEA Transportation category within DGF & GBS procurement.
• Actively participate in local business units, Local Procurement, and EMEA Transportation category communities to foster collaboration and best-practice sharing.

Your profile:

• 3+ years of experience in Transportation Procurement/Sourcing or 5+ years of experience in Road Transportation or Supply Chain Operations.
• Strong understanding of Road Transportation markets; exposure to Air & Ocean Freight is advantageous.
• Experience in procurement of Transportation and Logistics services or significant operational expertise within Road Transportation environments.
• Fluency in English (C2) is required; German (C1) is preferred, and knowledge of a third European language is an advantage.
• Proven ability to manage complex sourcing projects in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Confident negotiator with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive value-focused discussions.
• High level of customer orientation and stakeholder management capability.
• Self-driven, proactive, and comfortable working both independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Solid MS Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred; professional procurement qualification is a plus.

We offer:

• Great opportunity to work for the biggest logistics company in the world.
• International and virtual environment.
• Flexibility and great opportunity to learn.
• Tempting Compensation and benefits.

DHL is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

If this is something you would like to do, don’t hesitate and start your application.