Mgr, Strategic Sourcing

our team • Overland Park, KS

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Lead and develop the sourcing strategy for transportation and logistics services, including Truckload, LTL, Parcel, International Freight, and TMS solutions. This position will be responsible for delivering year-over-year improvements in freight cost, service, visibility, and operational performance while ensuring a reliable and resilient logistics network capable of supporting current and future business requirements.

Requirements

• 5 to 8 years’ relevant work experience in global manufacturing companies with increasing responsibilities in a multi-site, multi-product, company.
• International experience strongly preferred.
• Solid negotiation skills. Competent at planning and leading negotiation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing processes and project management skills.
• Demonstrated experience and success working in a fast paced, matrixed environment satisfying multiple customers.
• Strategic planning/thinking skills, coupled with analytical and execution skills.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to articulate vision to a broad audience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including advanced data functions in Excel, ability to translate data to decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with executive and senior level management, both internally and externally.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage a broad range of logistics-related commercial agreements including transportation carrier agreements, logistics services agreements, and transportation technology contracts.
• Demonstrated experience managing transportation categories including Truckload (TL), LTL, Parcel, Air, Ocean, and International Freight.
• Strong understanding of transportation pricing methodologies, fuel programs, carrier contracts, accessorial charges, and freight market dynamics.
• Experience implementing, optimizing, or managing Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and related logistics technology platforms.
• Proven ability to use transportation analytics and reporting tools to identify cost savings opportunities and drive operational improvements.
• Knowledge of global trade compliance, customs processes, duties, Incoterms, and international shipping requirements.
• Experience leading carrier RFPs, bid optimization events, transportation network studies, and logistics transformation initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success negotiating multi-year logistics contracts and service agreements.
• Understanding of freight audit and payment processes, transportation KPIs, and logistics performance management.
• Ability to manage complex cross-functional projects in a fast-paced global manufacturing environment.
• Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, transportation analytics, and data-driven decision making.
• Process oriented and driven.
• Competent in ERP systems and end-to-end supply chain management processes (concept, planning, development, launch)
• Proven track record of meeting commitments with the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
• Take charge individual with intensity and clear sense of urgency.
• Out-of-the-box thinker, decisive; experienced in and capable of communicating the need for results and leading change with a variety of departments and teams.
• An excellent team player.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for transportation and logistics services, including Truckload (TL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Parcel, Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Customs Brokerage, Warehousing, and International Logistics.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, RFx events, contract negotiations, and carrier selection processes to optimize cost, service, capacity, and risk.
• Manage relationships with transportation providers, 3PLs, freight forwarders, parcel carriers, customs brokers, and logistics technology providers.
• Analyze transportation spend, network requirements, freight market trends, and carrier performance to drive year-over-year productivity improvements.
• Establish and govern carrier agreements, service-level requirements, rate structures, accessorial controls, and performance scorecards.
• Partner with operations, distribution, customer service, planning, and finance teams to align transportation strategies with business objectives and customer requirements.
• Lead freight optimization initiatives focused on mode selection, route consolidation, load planning, shipment visibility, and network design.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to address capacity constraints, geopolitical disruptions, regulatory changes, and transportation market volatility.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics including freight cost, on-time delivery, claims, carrier performance, lead times, and customer service levels.
• Support business growth initiatives, acquisitions, facility consolidations, and supply chain transformation projects requiring transportation and logistics expertise.
• Drive continuous improvement opportunities through data analytics, benchmarking, automation, and logistics process standardization.
• Ensure compliance with domestic and international transportation regulations, trade requirements, and company policies.

Benefits

• Generous and flexible paid time off including paid personal time off, caregiver, parental, and volunteer leave
• Competitive health insurance plans and 401(k) match, with benefits starting day one
• Competitive and performance-based compensation packages and bonus plans
• Educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager