Purchasing Strategic Category Manager - Freight

Continental•Fort Mill, SC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT SG 11 We're looking for a strategic and analytical Purchasing Strategic Category Manager - Freight to join our procurement team in Fort Mill, United States. In this role, you will lead the development and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives within the transportation category. You will drive cost optimization, supplier performance, and operational excellence while managing complex vendor relationships and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree PLUS 5+ years of experience in strategic procurement, category management, or supply chain management OR 10+ years of experience if no Bachelor's Degree
Proven expertise in logistics operations or logistics procurement
Strong vendor management and negotiation skills with demonstrated success in contract management
Advanced analytical and data analysis capabilities with proficiency in cost modeling and spend analysis
Experience with procurement systems, ERP software, and data analytics tools
Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis
Detail-oriented approach with strong organizational skills
Legal Authorization to work in the US is required.
Continental is able to offer visa support for internals individuals who currently hold an existing valid employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of freight logistics operations, carrier types, and transportation modes
Familiarity with RFQ/RFP processes and vendor evaluation methodologies
Background in supply chain risk management and mitigation strategies
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies or process optimization initiatives
Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) or logistics software

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for the transportation category to optimize costs, quality, and service levels
Analyze market trends, carrier performance data, and logistics costs to identify opportunities for savings and process improvements
Manage the complete procurement lifecycle, including RFQ/RFP development, vendor evaluation, contract negotiation, and supplier selection
Build and maintain strong relationships with transport carriers and logistics providers, supporting regular performance reviews and addressing service issues
Monitor and analyze freight spending patterns, carrier performance metrics, and KPIs to ensure compliance with service level agreements
Collaborate with internal stakeholders across logistics, finance to align freight procurement strategies with business needs
Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with carriers while ensuring favorable terms and conditions
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to transportation services
Lead cross-functional projects to optimize freight operations, reduce transportation costs, and improve delivery performance
Maintain detailed records of RFQ documents, contracts, and procurement activities using procurement systems and tools
Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in freight procurement and supply chain management