Global Logistics Strategy Manager

Kennametal; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal is seeking a Global Category Manager, Logistics in the Pittsburgh area. You will lead the development and execution of global logistics strategies across NAM, EMEA, APAC, and India with responsibility for substantial annual spend.

The role emphasizes supplier management, contract governance, and network optimization to drive measurable savings and service improvements. Responsibilities include leading RFx events, negotiating with 3PLs and carriers, and collaborating with Finance,

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of strategic sourcing, procurement, logistics, transportation, freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, or supply chain experience, including 3+ years leading global sourcing initiatives and category strategies.
• Bachelor's Degree (RQ) in Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering; MBA (PF)
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute global category strategies, lead complex sourcing initiatives, and deliver measurable savings, cost avoidance, service improvements, and working capital benefits.
• Deep understanding of logistics and distribution operations, transportation networks, warehousing processes, freight economics, and how logistics strategies influence cost, service, inventory performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Proven experience negotiating complex commercial agreements across parcel, 3PL, freight forwarding, air, ocean, truckload, LTL, warehousing, customs brokerage, and related logistics services.
• Strong knowledge of transportation markets, carrier pricing methodologies, logistics cost drivers, market indices, Incoterms, and global supply chain operations.
• Experience managing strategic supplier relationships, supplier performance programs, and executive-level business reviews within a global environment.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization without direct authority; excellent verbal, written, presentation, and executive communication skills.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to navigate complex global organizations and effectively collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, Legal, Engineering, and commercial teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Advanced analytical and financial skills, including cost modeling, scenario analysis, total cost of ownership evaluations, capital and operating expense analysis, budgeting, invoicing, accounts payable processes, and value realization tracking.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, bid analysis, scenario modeling, data visualization, and executive reporting.
• Proficiency with SAP, e-sourcing platforms, spend analytics tools, contract management systems, and other procurement technologies.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of integrity, ethics, safety, and compliance with corporate policies and supplier governance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, and governance of global logistics category strategies across NAM, EMEA, and APAC.
• Own sourcing and contract management activities for parcel, 3PL services, truckload, LTL, warehousing, and related logistics.
• Develop annual sourcing roadmaps, project pipelines, and category strategies aligned with business objectives and cost reductions.
• Deliver approximately $2M annually through hard savings; drive cost avoidance and working capital improvements.
• Work cross-functionally to define requirements, develop SOWs for RFPs and negotiations.
• Lead global RFx events, supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and commercial discussions.
• Partner with Logistics, Warehousing & Distribution, Operations, Finance, Legal, and regional teams to execute strategic initiatives.
• Support Freight Pay & Audit relationships and leverage analytics for opportunities.
• Track savings and value realization through Amplify and sourcing tools.
• Utilize transportation management systems and analytics to identify optimization opportunities.
• Analyze market conditions, cost drivers, carrier trends, and inflation impacts to inform strategies.
• Prepare executive presentations, business cases, and sourcing recommendations.
• Lead cross-functional meetings on service improvements and cost reduction.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance scorecards with logistics providers.
• Monitor contract obligations and negotiate corrective actions as needed.
• Support sustainability objectives through transportation optimization and mode conversions.
• Contribute to non-logistics sourcing projects as needed.
• Utilize SAP and sourcing platforms to drive insights and results.

Job description

Kennametal is seeking a Global Category Manager, Logistics in the Pittsburgh area. You will lead the development and execution of global logistics strategies across NAM, EMEA, APAC, and India with responsibility for substantial annual spend.

The role emphasizes supplier management, contract governance, and network optimization to drive measurable savings and service improvements. Responsibilities include leading RFx events, negotiating with 3PLs and carriers, and collaborating with Finance,