Category Manager – Transportation Inbound & Outbound

About the role

The Category Manager – Transportation Inbound & Outbound will design and execute the global sourcing strategy for freight, warehousing and distribution services. Working in a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment, you will ensure performance, risk mitigation, compliance and alignment with ESG and sustainability goals.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global sourcing strategy for air, sea, road freight and distribution, aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Lead supplier consolidation, modal shift initiatives and cost‑efficiency programmes while improving service reliability and environmental impact.
• Monitor market dynamics such as fuel indices, capacity constraints and geopolitical risks and translate insights into sourcing decisions.
• Manage strategic relationships with global logistics providers and 3PLs, define KPIs (OTIF, temperature excursions, damage rates, lead times, ESG compliance) and oversee risk management.
• Collaborate with Procurement CoE, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Finance and Manufacturing on product launches, clinical trial logistics and transformation programmes.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities, support annual budgeting, optimise working capital and contribute to cash‑flow improvement.
• Embed ESG criteria in supplier selection, promote sustainable logistics practices and track sustainability KPIs.
• Champion digital and AI‑enabled tools for logistics sourcing and ensure compliance with GDP and customs regulations.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Logistics or a related field.
• 8‑12 years of experience in procurement or category management, preferably in a regulated industry.
• Proven track record of building and deploying global category strategies and strong negotiation experience.

Required skills