Global Category Manager - Ocean Freight

Schneider Electric; Singapore; On-site; SGD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Schneider Electric in Singapore seeks a Category Manager, Ocean Freight to lead our global ocean freight procurement strategy, drive cost improvements, and optimize our international transportation network. You will partner with stakeholders across logistics, finance, planning, customs, and procurement to deliver reliable, future-ready transportation solutions and sustainable value for the business.

The role requires deep negotiation, governance of carrier agreements, and leading digital tooling

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for ocean freight across FCL, LCL, and end-to-end solutions.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, RFQs, and RFPs; conduct market intelligence and carrier assessments.
• Negotiate contracts, manage supplier performance, and ensure compliance throughout the lifecycle.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (logistics, finance, planning, customs) globally.
• Monitor KPIs, savings delivery, and drive sustainability and digital transformation initiatives.

Skills

Category management

Ocean freight

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiations

Supplier management

Stakeholder management

Digital tools

MS Excel

Tableau

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Supply Chain

Tools

MS Excel

Tableau

Sourcing tools

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

Experience

What We're Looking For

• 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.

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.

Become an IMPACT Maker with Schneider Electric – apply today!

€40 billion global revenue

+9% organic growth

150 000+ employees in 100+ countries

You must submit an online application to be considered for any position with us. This position will be posted until filled.

Schneider Electric aspires to be the most inclusive and caring company in the world, by providing equitable opportunities to everyone, everywhere, and ensuring all employees feel uniquely valued and safe to contribute their best. We mirror the diversity of the communities in which we operate, and ‘inclusion’ is one of our core values. We believe our differences make us stronger as a company and as individuals and we are committed to championing inclusivity in everything we do.

At Schneider Electric, we uphold the highest standards of ethics and compliance, and we believe that trust is a foundational value. Our Trust Charter is our Code of Conduct and demonstrates our commitment to ethics, safety, sustainability, quality and cybersecurity, underpinning every aspect of our business and our willingness to behave and respond respectfully and in good faith to all our stakeholders. You can find out more about our Trust Charter here

Schneider Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities in the areas of recruiting, hiring, training, transferring, and promoting all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic or conduct.