Category Lead - Logistics (Freight, LTL, Trucking)

SCOPE Recruiting - Supply Chain Recruiters; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SCOPE Recruiting - Supply Chain Recruiters is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Category Lead – Logistics to direct sourcing and category management across North America. You will collaborate with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and Manufacturing to develop cost-effective logistics strategies.

The role requires 2+ years in procurement or logistics, experience with RFIs/RFPs, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and the ability to balance multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in relevant field and 2+ years procurement experience.
• Experience managing RFIs, RFQs, RFPs and vendor negotiations.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Direct strategic sourcing and category oversight for assigned Logistics sectors.
• Execute category initiatives to optimize costs, elevate service standards, boost vendor output, and protect business continuity.
• Oversee full-cycle sourcing events, including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, vendor assessments, contract negotiations, and formal contract awards.
• Cultivate strong vendor partnerships and elevate operational quality through ongoing collaboration and process refinement.
• Work alongside Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and Manufacturing teams to align procurement approaches with organizational objectives.
• Analyze expenditures, market conditions, and vendor metrics to identify cost savings and reduce operational risks.
• Present actionable sourcing recommendations and market trends to key organizational stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement activities to strengthen overall procurement systems and category performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Vendor management

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor7s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, Procurement, or a relevant field preferred.

Job description

Our Procurement division plays an essential role in driving core business operations forward.

About the Role

Serving as the Strategic Sourcing Category Lead – Logistics, you will direct sourcing and category management across North America, collaborating with teams in Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and Manufacturing to supply innovative, cost-effective, and dependable logistics strategies.

Responsibilities

• Direct strategic sourcing and category oversight for assigned Logistics sectors.
• Establish and execute category initiatives that optimize costs, elevate service standards, boost vendor output, and protect business continuity.
• Oversee full-cycle sourcing events, including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, vendor assessments, contract negotiations, and formal contract awards.
• Cultivate strong vendor partnerships and elevate operational quality through ongoing collaboration and process refinement.
• Work alongside Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and Manufacturing teams to align procurement approaches with organizational objectives.
• Analyze expenditures, market conditions, and vendor metrics to identify cost savings and reduce operational risks.
• Present actionable sourcing recommendations and market trends to key organizational stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement activities to strengthen overall procurement systems and category performance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, Procurement, or a relevant field preferred.
• 2+ years of background in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supply chain, or logistics.
• Practical experience managing or supporting RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, procurement projects, and vendor negotiations.
• Robust analytical abilities, negotiation expertise, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication capabilities and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to balance multiple competing tasks in a fast-paced, cooperative environment.
• Proficiency with procurement systems or ERP software.

Preferred Skills

• Practical experience constructing category strategies and steering strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Prior procurement experience focused on freight, transportation, logistics, or supply chain.
• Background in administering contract negotiations and vendor relationship management.
• Industry experience in manufacturing or industrial sectors.

Pay range and compensation package

Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.