Job summary the category manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for logistics-related categories, including transportation, freight, warehousing, distribution, and third-party logistics (3pl) services. This role partners closely with supply chain, operations, and finance to optimize total cost of ownership, improve service levels, and ensure supply continuity across manufacturing and distribution networks. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in procurement, supplier relationship management, and logistics operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Key responsibilities category strategy & sourcing develop and implement category strategies for logistics, transportation, and warehousing services aligned with company supply chain objectives. Lead strategic sourcing initiatives including rfps, rfqs, supplier negotiations, and contract execution. Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining or improving operational performance and service levels. Evaluate market trends, freight indices, and logistics innovations to support informed sourcing decisions. Supplier management establish and manage strategic partnerships with carriers, 3pl providers, warehouse operators, and logistics service vendors. Monitor supplier performance through kpis such as on-time delivery, freight cost, service levels, and compliance. Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Cross-functional collaboration partner with supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, and planning teams to align logistics strategies with operational requirements. Support network optimization initiatives including warehouse footprint, transportation modes, and route planning. Collaborate with finance to track savings initiatives, budgeting, and cost forecasting. Contract & risk management lead contract negotiations ensuring favorable commercial terms, service level agreements (slas), and compliance requirements. Manage risk related to transportation disruptions, capacity constraints, and logistics providers. Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and applicable regulations. Performance & analytics track and report logistics spend, cost savings, and category performance metrics. Leverage data analytics to identify efficiencies in freight utilization, warehouse operations, and logistics spend. Drive process improvements to enhance supply chain efficiency and resilience. Qualifications education bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or related field required mba or advanced degree preferred experience 5–8 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management experience managing logistics, transportation, or warehousing categories within a manufacturing or distribution environment proven track record negotiating contracts with carriers, freight providers, and 3pl vendors skills & competencies strong negotiation and supplier management skills strategic thinking with strong analytical capabilities knowledge of freight markets, transportation modes, and warehouse operations experience with procurement systems and erp platforms (sap, oracle, or similar) advanced excel and data analysis skills strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities preferred qualifications experience managing multimodal transportation (truckload, ltl, intermodal, ocean, air) knowledge of logistics technology platforms (tms, wms) experience supporting large-scale supply chain or network optimization initiatives work environment corporate office or hybrid environment supporting manufacturing and distribution operations occasional travel to manufacturing sites, distribution centers, or supplier locations