Category Specialist, Transportation and Logistics

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Category Specialist will lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of category strategies. Above and beyond strategic sourcing activities, the Category Specialist understands external variables, learns the internal landscape of our clients (requirements, organizational structure, and priorities) and develops relationships to successfully develop category strategies that utilize various value levers to deliver improved cost, reduced risk, and more efficient services to our clients.

The Category Specialist will report to the General Manager and Head of Center of Excellence (CoE), Transportation and Logistics.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead negotiations with current and potential suppliers as part of the contract renewal or vendor selection process for with a Category spend of approximately $100M;
• Prepare entire process for tenders for Transportation and Logistics agreements and ensure to reissue agreements that expire when applicable;
• Develop long-term and short-term cost saving strategies for Ocean, Rail, Over-the-Road and Warehousing categories;
• Provide support throughout the sourcing and contracting process when necessary, ensuring seamless hand off to our clients when appropriate;
• Develop and maintain professional knowledge regarding market drivers, market trends, economic forecasts, supplier base, and competitive intelligence;
• Participate in category CoE business reviews to support collaboration, knowledge sharing, opportunity identification, and overall relationship development;
• Update and maintain freight rates in Order-To-Cash ERP;
• Manage supplier performance, including supporting, developing and monitoring supplier performance indicators;
• Actively involved in the creation of the T&L Spend Cube and Category Playbook (Suppliers/Category/Cost Center;
• Lead various continuous improvements projects (e.g. Transportation Management Solution (TMS), automation, AI, outsourcing);
• Apply Project Management tools and best practices (e.g. mandate, project charter, Gantt charts);
• Develop and maintain professional knowledge regarding market drivers, market trends, economic forecasts, supplier base, and competitive intelligence;

QUALIFICATIONS

ACADEMIC

• University degree or equivalent (business administration, engineering, logistics or other) complemented by a demonstrated track record of success;
• SCMA (Supply Chain Management Association ) accreditation or MBA is an asset;

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 7 to 10 years of strategic sourcing experience identifying cost savings opportunities, developing cost saving strategies, demonstrating deep subject matter expertise, and establishing value in continued stakeholder engagement;
• Proven ability to build relationships and buy-in with stakeholders as a trusted advisor;
• Experience leading negotiations with incumbent and potential suppliers; experience leading the supplier selection process across multiple subsets of the category with various scope and client stakeholder groups;
• Innovate within the procurement space; look at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools/processes to add value;
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office software suite;
• Experience in designing, building and maintaining Dashboards using Microsoft Power BI system (an asset);
• Knowledge of SAP, JDEdwards, K2GEN, TMS or in any ERP system (an asset);

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Deep business analysis and strategic thinking skills.
• Understanding of data analysis and cost saving methods.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel and Power Point.
• Previous experience in a procurement lead role.
• Expertise in contract negotiations for Logistics and Warehousing services (direct experience in negotiating Ocean Services contracts is considered an asset).
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Experience with sourcing or procurement management role.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.

LANGUAGES

• Bilingual - French / English (advanced level).