Category Manager - Logistics

Job Title: Procurement Manager - Logistics
Location: South of Netherlands
Company: Fast-Growing Industry Leader
Job Type: Full-Time

About Us:

My client is an ambitious, fast-growing company with a vision to reshape the logistics and supply chain landscape. As we continue to scale, we are looking to build a strong procurement function from the ground up. We are seeking a Procurement Manager - Logistics to help shape our procurement strategy, develop best-in-class processes, and establish strategic supplier relationships. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for logistics procurement and a desire to contribute to a dynamic, high-growth environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Logistics Procurement Strategy:

  • Develop, implement, and execute the logistics procurement strategy to support the company's growth and operational objectives.
  • Analyze current logistics needs and identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and service optimization across the supply chain.
  • Lead and drive the logistics sourcing activities, focusing on transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, and last-mile delivery.

• Supplier Selection & Relationship Management:

  • Source, evaluate, and select logistics service providers, ensuring alignment with business needs, cost-efficiency, and service quality.
  • Establish long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with key suppliers and partners, negotiating terms, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs).
  • Monitor supplier performance, conducting regular reviews to ensure compliance with contracts and driving continuous improvement.

• Contract Management & Negotiation:

  • Lead the negotiation of contracts, pricing models, and terms with logistics providers and third-party service providers.
  • Ensure all procurement contracts are legally sound, in line with company policies, and provide flexibility for business growth.
  • Oversee contract renewals, extensions, and revisions, ensuring all parties meet agreed-upon SLAs and KPIs.

• Process Optimization & Technology Integration:

  • Continuously assess and optimize logistics procurement processes, ensuring they are efficient, scalable, and aligned with industry best practices.
  • Work closely with the IT and operations teams to integrate procurement technologies and systems that enhance visibility, data accuracy, and operational efficiency.
  • Champion digitalization and automation of logistics procurement activities to improve productivity and reduce lead times.

• Cost Control & Budget Management:

  • Develop and manage the logistics procurement budget, ensuring that expenses are kept within targets and cost-saving initiatives are identified and implemented.
  • Regularly track logistics spending and identify areas for improvement, implementing strategies to minimize costs without compromising service quality.

• Risk Management & Compliance:

  • Monitor and mitigate risks related to logistics procurement, including supplier reliability, supply chain disruptions, and compliance with international shipping regulations.
  • Ensure that all logistics procurement activities are compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

• Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Lead and mentor a growing team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
  • Work closely with internal stakeholders (finance, operations, supply chain, etc.) to ensure seamless integration of logistics procurement into overall business operations.
  • Provide procurement expertise to support business initiatives, including new product launches, regional expansions, and operational optimization projects.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in logistics procurement, supply chain management, or a related field, with a proven track record in sourcing and managing logistics suppliers.
• Leadership Experience: Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to build and develop a high-performing procurement team.
• Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of logistics and supply chain processes, including transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, and distribution.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with experience in managing complex supplier agreements.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with procurement software (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle, etc.) and advanced Excel skills; experience with logistics technologies and platforms is a plus.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess market trends, evaluate supplier performance, and develop cost-saving strategies.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field; relevant certifications (CIPS, CPSM, etc.) are an advantage.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Dutch or other European languages is highly preferred.

Why Join Us?

• Exciting Growth Opportunity: Be part of a rapidly expanding company and have a key role in building a strategic procurement function from scratch.
• Career Development: Opportunity to shape procurement processes and grow your career in a dynamic, high-performance team.
• Impactful Role: Your work will directly contribute to the company's growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage in the logistics sector.
• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary and benefits package based on experience, including performance-based incentives.

If you're a proactive, results-oriented procurement professional with experience in logistics, looking for an exciting challenge in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, we would love to hear from you! Join us and be part of shaping the future of logistics procurement