Position Summary
The Category Manager – Logistics, Warehousing & Transportation is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across logistics subcategories including freight (inbound/outbound), warehousing, distribution, and 3PL services. This role will drive cost optimization, service quality improvements, and supplier innovation while ensuring continuity of supply and alignment with business objectives. The ideal candidate brings strong procurement expertise across transportation and logistics services, combined with data-driven decision-making, supplier relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies for logistics, warehousing, and transportation services, including identifying needs, project planning, collecting internal and external data, performing strategic analysis and identifying opportunities, formulating procurement strategies, and developing implementation plans.
- Form, lead, and facilitate cross-functional teams as applicable to execute the procurement process and plans; enable supplier selection and decision process; lead/facilitate contract development, negotiation and execution process.
- Establish should-cost models and benchmark rates across carriers and logistics providers
- Manage strategy alignment, long term security of supply, supplier performance, and establish preferred supply base.
- Ensure optimal supplier pricing, supply responsiveness, quality, and contractual compliance.
- Develop appropriate risk management strategies which anticipate and address an extensive range of risk scenarios to assure supply of ICU Medical’s requirements.
- Maintain industry intelligence on technology trends, sourcing options, and competitive pricing.
- Measure and report on commodity performance objectives, monitor supplier performance, conduct periodic business reviews, and initiate corrective action when necessary.
- Review, negotiate, and maintain Supplier Agreements and supporting documentation.
- Benchmark prices and pricing information to ensure that the company is receiving the most cost-effective, highest quality products.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to support the sourcing process.
- Coordinate with other functions and impacted stakeholders to assure timely implementation and compliance with the agreed to sourcing strategies.
- Work on special assignments as they arise.
Knowledge & Skills
- Comprehensive understanding of logistics, warehousing, and transportation services.
- Demonstrated leadership including the ability to develop a vision, strategies, and tactics that will lead the organization to stated goals and objectives.
- Strong negotiating, project management, problem solving, relationship management and decision-making skills are essential.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal interactions skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Superior data management skills utilizing Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to multitask, work in a demanding environment, and meet deadlines.
Minimum Qualifications, Education & Experience
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) required; Master of Science or MBA preferred.
- 8-10 years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience in global or multi-site manufacturing environment.
- Commercial experience in indirect sourcing and/or facility services sourcing.
- Commercial experience in an outsourcing environment.
- Experience negotiating commercial contract terms and partnering with Legal business partners.
- Experience negotiating and managing high dollar contracts.
- Management of large spend portfolios sourced on a global scale.
- Experience managing multi-functional, cross-site teams.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-site activities, benchmarking, periodic meetings, and training as needed.
- Proven ability to successfully introduce change in a center-led management model.
- Experience working with large ERP systems; Oracle preferred.
- Project management experience.
Work Environment
- This is largely a sedentary role.
- This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.
- Typically requires travel less than 5% of the time.
Originally posted on