Global Category Manager - Ocean Freight

Schneider Electric; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Schneider Electric in Singapore seeks an experienced Category Manager, Ocean Freight to lead our global procurement strategy and optimize the international transportation network.

You will manage strategic sourcing activities, develop carrier partnerships, negotiate contracts, and deliver sustainable cost and operational improvements. This role requires collaboration with stakeholders across logistics, finance, planning, customs, and procurement to drive value and resilience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in transportation, logistics, procurement, or related fields.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management within ocean freight or logistics.
• Strong understanding of transportation networks and logistics processes.
• Experience managing global suppliers, contracts, and complex stakeholder environments.
• Project management experience with a track record of delivering measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global ocean freight sourcing and supplier strategies.
• Lead RFQs and RFPs for ocean freight services (FCL, LCL, end-to-end).
• Conduct market intelligence, benchmarking, and carrier assessments.
• Secure optimal carrier capacity across strategic trade lanes through effective supplier management and negotiation.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance logistics efficiency and deliver sustainable cost savings.
• Build and maintain relationships with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers.
• Manage contract negotiations and ensure compliance, performance, and commercial effectiveness.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and Executive Business Reviews with strategic partners.
• Collaborate with global teams including Logistics, Finance, Planning, Customs & Trade Compliance, and Transportation.
• Monitor procurement KPIs, supplier performance, savings delivery, and operational effectiveness.

Skills

Ocean freight knowledge

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Analytics / data-driven decisions

Procurement strategy

Sustainability in transport

Contract management

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor/Master in SCM

Tools

MS Office

Tableau

Procurement systems

Sourcing tools

Digital solutions

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Category Manager, Ocean Freight to lead our global ocean freight procurement strategy and drive value across our international transportation network.

In this role, you will manage strategic sourcing activities, develop strong carrier and 3PL partnerships, optimize contracts, and deliver sustainable cost and operational improvements. You will collaborate with stakeholders across logistics, finance, planning, customs, and procurement functions worldwide to ensure reliable, efficient, and future‑ready transportation solutions.

If you thrive in a global environment, enjoy negotiating complex transportation agreements, and are passionate about supply chain optimization, we'd love to hear from you.

What You Will Do

Develop and Execute Global Category Strategies

• Create and implement comprehensive ocean freight sourcing and supplier strategies aligned with business objectives
• Lead global sourcing initiatives, RFQs, and RFPs for ocean freight services (FCL, LCL, and end‑to‑end transportation solutions)
• Conduct market intelligence, benchmarking, and carrier assessments to identify opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks
• Secure optimal carrier capacity across strategic trade lanes through effective supplier management and negotiation
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance logistics efficiency and deliver sustainable cost savings

Supplier & Contract Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers
• Manage contract negotiations and ensure compliance, performance, and commercial effectiveness throughout the contract lifecycle
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and Executive Business Reviews with strategic partners
• Partner with suppliers on initiatives that drive innovation, productivity, and business value

Stakeholder Partnership

• Collaborate closely with global and regional teams including Logistics, Finance, Planning, Customs & Trade Compliance, and Transportation
• Influence senior stakeholders and align procurement objectives with broader business priorities
• Foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and inclusion across cross‑functional teams
• Work effectively across multiple regions and time zones

Sustainability & Digital Transformation

• Drive carbon reduction and sustainability initiatives with logistics partners
• Support the implementation and adoption of procurement technologies and digital tools
• Lead change management and training activities to ensure successful deployment of new processes and systems

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor procurement KPIs, supplier performance, savings delivery, and operational effectiveness
• Provide market insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities through data‑driven decision‑making

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain, procurement, or related fields
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management within ocean freight or logistics procurement
• Strong operational understanding of transportation networks and logistics processes
• Experience managing global suppliers, contracts, and complex stakeholder environments
• Project management experience with a track record of delivering measurable business results

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep understanding of the ocean freight market, carrier landscape, trade lanes, and logistics service providers
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and commercial acumen
• Knowledge of customs, trade compliance, and transportation operations is highly desirable
• Understanding of carbon efficiency and sustainability in transportation
• Strong analytical and financial skills, including business case development
• Proficiency with procurement systems, sourcing tools, MS Office, Tableau, and digital solutions
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, or a related field

Why Join Us?

• Lead a truly global category with significant business impact
• Shape strategic partnerships with leading carriers and logistics providers
• Drive sustainability and digital transformation initiatives
• Work with senior stakeholders across regions and functions
• Be part of a collaborative, international organization where your expertise directly influences supply chain performance and business success

Looking to make an IMPACT with your career?

When you are thinking about joining a new team, culture matters. At Schneider Electric, our values and behaviors are the foundation for creating a great culture to support business success. We believe that our IMPACT values – Inclusion, Mastery, Purpose, Action, Curiosity, Teamwork – starts with us.

IMPACT is also your invitation to join Schneider Electric where you can contribute to turning sustainability ambition into actions, no matter what role you play. It is a call to connect your career with the ambition of achieving a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable world.

We are looking for IMPACT Makers; exceptional people who turn sustainability ambitions into actions at the intersection of automation, electrification, and digitization. We celebrate IMPACT Makers and believe everyone has the potential to be one.

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