Category Manager Logistics

Who we are:

ARLANXEO, established in April 2016, is a world-leading synthetic rubber company with sales of around EUR 3.2 billion in 2017, about 3,800 employees and a presence at 12 production sites in nine countries. The company’s core business is the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-performance rubber for use in, for example, the automotive and tire industries, the construction industry, and the oil and gas industries. 

What we can offer you:

ARLANXEO is a young company with strong roots! We derive our strength from global presence, management excellence and most importantly our people! Our employees are the pillars of our success. 

We offer exciting career opportunities regionally as well as internationally, competitive pay and benefits, educational assistance programs, and many other personal and professional development programs that are a part of our vision and values that drive our ongoing success.

ARLANXEO has a new career opportunity available for a Category Manager Logistics Procurement at our Pittsburgh Corporate office. This position is not open to full remote work and operates on a hybrid schedule.

The Category Manager Logistics Procurement is responsible for leading and executing strategic initiatives to transform and enhance the logistics procurement function within the North American (NORAM) organization. This role involves redefining procurement strategies, optimizing supplier relationships, and streamlining logistics operations to drive cost savings, increase efficiency, and improve overall supply chain performance.

The role is responsible for the category management of all NORAM land, rail, and ocean freight services to ensure cost and service levels are optimized. This role functions as a member of a global category network and represents the NORAM region in the Global Ocean sourcing events.
 

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Procurement Leadership & Sourcing
  • Develop purchasing strategies in line with business demand and market conditions to ensure reliable and competitive transport services in the areas of land, rail and ocean freight and freight forwarding.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive initiatives to reduce procurement expenses while maintaining quality and service levels.
  • Negotiate major short-term and long-term logistics contracts including with FTL, LTL and dray carriers, freight forwarders, railways and railcar lessors.
  • Execute the contract negotiation process from start to finish including, preparing request for bids, negotiation of rates, evaluating proposals, drafting the contracts, coordinating legal review and execution of the final contract.

• Change Management
  • Lead change initiatives within the logistics and procurement functions, ensuring effective communication and buy-in from stakeholders.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and transformation.

• Supplier Relationship Management
  • Manage and develop supplier relationships and serve as the primary contact for all logistics procurement matters including, but not limited to, contract management, pricing, supply, and quality issues
  • Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and driving continuous improvement.
  • Monitor supplier performance, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
  • Identify and onboard new suppliers who can contribute to the organization's transformational goals.
  • Lead cross-functional teams in re-evaluating supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and optimizing procurement processes.

• Compliance and Risk Management
  • Implement Risk Management assessment including mitigation plan to ensure continuous flow of goods
  • Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to address supply chain disruptions.
  • Ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and compliance standards in procurement and logistics activities.

• Logistics Optimization & Innovation
  • Evaluate and redesign logistics processes to enhance efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
  • Collaborate with logistics partners to implement best practices in transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
  • Utilize technology and data analytics to make data-driven decisions for logistics improvements.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in logistics and procurement.

• Cost Analysis and Budgeting
  • Conduct cost analyses and financial assessments to identify areas for cost reduction and cost control.
  • Develop and manage logistics and procurement budgets, ensuring that expenditures\align with strategic objectives.

• People Management
  • Directly manage and develop the Logistics Specialist to ensure timely execution of day-to-day responsibilities (e.g., support improvement initiatives, manage potential disputes with logistic suppliers, reporting and maintaining the systems by the Logistics Specialist).

In order to accomplish this, you will possess: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering
• 3-5 years related logistics or other procurement and/or supply chain experience (preferred)
• Knowledge of the North America road, rail and ocean freight industries, and competitive factors that influence price and service (preferred)
• Self-starting, proactive, ability to organize/prioritize, structure, and find opportunities for improvement
• Ability to communicate effectively with regional and global senior managers in direct support of their objectives
• Ability to identify category risks and implement effective risk mitigation strategies
• Understanding of the key legal requirements and regulations for logistics contracts (preferred)
• Proficiency with Excel & PowerPoint

As part of the application process, please attach a professional resume file to be viewed in the original format. 

ARLANXEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, or disability.