POSITION PURPOSE
As Category Leader – Transportation Inbound & Outbound , you will contribute to the implementation and execution of sourcing strategies covering inbound and outbound transportation activities across our pharmaceutical network.
Operating in a highly regulated and cost-driven environment, you will focus on operational performance, supplier management, cost control and compliance, while helping ensure reliable product flows between manufacturing sites, distribution centres and external partners.
Working closely with Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Quality and Procurement teams, you will contribute to category analysis, sourcing execution and continuous improvement, including Budget and Long-Range Planning activities. The broader transportation category covers areas such as freight, distribution, supplier performance, cost management, sustainability, digitalisation and regulatory compliance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Category Strategy & Value Creation
Contribute to the development and deployment of sourcing strategies for inbound transportation of raw materials, APIs and packaging components, as well as outbound transportation of finished goods.
Support the Category Manager Logistics with spend analysis, cost structure insights, market intelligence and operational feedback.
Monitor and negotiate transportation contracts and follow market developments such as freight rates, fuel surcharges, carrier capacity and regional risks.
Identify potential impacts on cost and service levels and support appropriate sourcing decisions.
Supplier Relationship Management
Manage strategic relationships with transportation providers, including road, air and sea carriers, regional providers and freight forwarders.
Support contract negotiations, supplier performance reviews and long-term partnerships.
Define and monitor KPIs including OTIF, temperature excursions, damage rates, lead times and ESG compliance.
Drive supplier segmentation, corrective actions and continuous improvement.
Support risk management through contingency planning, route alternatives and other mitigation measures.
Cross-functional Collaboration
Collaborate with Procurement CoE, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Finance and Manufacturing teams.
Support product launches, tech transfers and clinical trial logistics requiring specialised transportation solutions.
Contribute to distribution transformation programmes, including digitalisation and AI initiatives.
Cost Management & Budget/LRP
Identify and deliver cost savings through competitive tendering, freight consolidation and contract renegotiation.
Play an active role in the annual budget cycle and Long-Range Planning.
Support working capital optimisation through improvements to lead times, inventory turnover and inbound logistics planning.
Contribute to cash-flow improvement through payment-term negotiations, freight-cost forecasting and demand-planning alignment.
Sustainability, Digitalisation & Compliance
Embed ESG criteria into supplier selection and performance management.
Promote sustainable logistics practices and carbon-reduction initiatives with suppliers.
Track sustainability KPIs in alignment with corporate goals.
Leverage digital tools and AI technologies to enhance logistics and supplier performance.
Ensure compliance with GDP, customs regulations and internal procurement requirements.
Maintain accurate documentation and support supplier audits, risk mapping and audit readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED SKILLS
Master’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Logistics or a related field.
5–8 years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management, preferably within transportation/logistics in the pharmaceutical or FMCG sector.
Strong knowledge of global freight markets, cold-chain logistics and regulatory requirements, including GDP and customs.
Experience managing global suppliers and complex procurement projects.
Strong negotiation, stakeholder-management and…