Freight Category Lead (Global Air, Ocean & Land)

About the RoleWe are looking for a highly strategic and commercially driven Freight Category Lead to own and execute the global end-to-end category strategy for Air, Ocean, and Land freight procurement. This role is responsible for transforming logistics spend into a competitive advantage through strategic sourcing, total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization, supplier relationship management, and data-driven decision making.The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in global freight procurement, multimodal transportation, and carrier management, with strong exposure to Tier-1 shipping lines, freight forwarders, 3PL providers, and enterprise transportation management systems. This individual will work closely with global stakeholders to build resilient, cost-effective, and digitally enabled logistics networks.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & ProcurementDevelop and execute long-term global category strategies for Ocean, Air, and Land freight procurement aligned with organisational objectives.Drive strategic sourcing initiatives across multimodal transportation, including Ocean Freight, Air Freight, FTL, LTL, and 3PL services.Optimise Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through innovative sourcing strategies, contract optimisation, and supplier consolidation.Build procurement roadmaps that balance cost, service, capacity, and supply chain resilience.Strategic Sourcing & Commercial NegotiationsLead complex RFx processes, supplier evaluations, and commercial negotiations with global logistics service providers.Negotiate long-term agreements with Tier-1 and Tier-2 shipping lines including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and other leading logistics partners.Develop freight indexing and pricing models using market benchmarks such as Drewry, FBX, and regional transport indices.Drive continuous cost optimisation while ensuring service excellence and capacity commitments.Spend Analytics & Demand PlanningPerform comprehensive spend analysis, freight lane optimisation, and demand forecasting.Analyse transportation trends, carrier performance, and freight utilisation to identify cost-saving opportunities.Develop data-driven recommendations for network optimization and supplier allocation.Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)Establish a robust Supplier Relationship Management framework across strategic logistics partners.Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), define supplier KPIs, and drive continuous performance improvement.Manage strategic relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders, transport providers, and 3PL partners.Risk Management & Supply Chain ResilienceMonitor geopolitical developments, market volatility, regulatory changes, and capacity risks impacting global freight.Develop contingency plans, alternate sourcing strategies, and transportation resilience frameworks.Ensure business continuity through proactive carrier diversification and risk mitigation initiatives.Digital TransformationDrive adoption and optimization of Transportation Management Systems (TMS) such as Oracle Transportation Management (OTM), Blue Yonder, Coupa Logistics, SAP TM, or equivalent platforms.Leverage freight analytics, AI-driven sourcing tools, and digital dashboards to improve visibility, governance, and procurement effectiveness.Improve freight data quality, reporting, and automation across global logistics operations.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Trade Compliance, Warehouse Operations, and Regional Business Units.Provide strategic procurement guidance for transportation planning, freight budgeting, and logistics policy governance.Support global transformation initiatives and standardization of logistics processes.LeadershipLead and mentor a high-performing freight procurement team.Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and commercial excellence.Build organizational capability through coaching and knowledge sharing.Required Skills & ExpertiseExtensive experience in Global Freight Category Management and Strategic Procurement.Strong expertise in Ocean, Air, and Land Freight sourcing.Deep understanding of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) methodologies.Proven experience in Strategic Sourcing, Contract Negotiation, RFx Management, and Supplier Relationship Management.Strong knowledge of freight indexing, carrier pricing models, and logistics market dynamics.Experience working with Tier-1 shipping lines, freight forwarders, and global 3PL providers.Expertise in spend analytics, freight optimization, and transportation cost modelling.Strong understanding of multimodal transportation networks and international logistics.Experience with Transportation Management Systems (OTM, Blue Yonder, SAP TM, Coupa Logistics or similar).Excellent stakeholder management, presentation, and executive communication skills.Strong analytical, commercial, and negotiation capabilities.Preferred Industry ExperienceCandidates from the following organizations will be highly preferred:Global Manufacturing MNCsAutomotive & Industrial ManufacturingFMCGPharmaceuticalsElectronics ManufacturingShipping Lines (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, etc.)Freight Forwarders (DHL Global Forwarding, DSV, Kuehne+Nagel, DB Schenker, CEVA, Expeditors, GEODIS, etc.)Global 3PL / Contract Logistics OrganisationsPreferred QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.MBA or Master's Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Operations Management is highly preferred.Professional certifications such as APICS CSCP, CPSM, CIPS, or Lean Six Sigma will be an added advantage.Experience10–15years of experience in Global Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Category Management.Demonstrated experience managing multimodal freight categories across Ocean, Air, and Land transportation.Experience operating within a global matrix organization supporting multiple regions and stakeholders.Preferred Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is a commercially astute procurement professional with proven expertise in managing global freight categories, negotiating with international carriers and logistics providers, and delivering measurable cost savings through strategic sourcing initiatives. They should possess strong analytical capabilities, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and a track record of driving digital transformation and supply chain resilience within a multinational environment.