Global Category Manager - Ocean Freight

We are looking for an experienced Category Manager, Ocean Freight to lead our global ocean freight procurement strategy and drive value across our international transportation network.

In this role, you will manage strategic sourcing activities, develop strong carrier and 3PL partnerships, optimize contracts, and deliver sustainable cost and operational improvements. You will collaborate with stakeholders across logistics, finance, planning, customs, and procurement functions worldwide to ensure reliable, efficient, and future-ready transportation solutions.

If you thrive in a global environment, enjoy negotiating complex transportation agreements, and are passionate about supply chain optimization, we'd love to hear from you.

What You Will Do

Develop and Execute Global Category Strategies

• Create and implement comprehensive ocean freight sourcing and supplier strategies aligned with business objectives
• Lead global sourcing initiatives, RFQs, and RFPs for ocean freight services (FCL, LCL, and end-to-end transportation solutions)
• Conduct market intelligence, benchmarking, and carrier assessments to identify opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks
• Secure optimal carrier capacity across strategic trade lanes through effective supplier management and negotiation
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance logistics efficiency and deliver sustainable cost savings

Supplier & Contract Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers
• Manage contract negotiations and ensure compliance, performance, and commercial effectiveness throughout the contract lifecycle
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and Executive Business Reviews with strategic partners
• Partner with suppliers on initiatives that drive innovation, productivity, and business value

Stakeholder Partnership

• Collaborate closely with global and regional teams including Logistics, Finance, Planning, Customs & Trade Compliance, and Transportation
• Influence senior stakeholders and align procurement objectives with broader business priorities
• Foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and inclusion across cross-functional teams
• Work effectively across multiple regions and time zones

Sustainability & Digital Transformation

• Drive carbon reduction and sustainability initiatives with logistics partners
• Support the implementation and adoption of procurement technologies and digital tools
• Lead change management and training activities to ensure successful deployment of new processes and systems

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor procurement KPIs, supplier performance, savings delivery, and operational effectiveness
• Provide market insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities through data-driven decision-making

What We're Looking For

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain, procurement, or related fields
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management within ocean freight or logistics procurement
• Strong operational understanding of transportation networks and logistics processes
• Experience managing global suppliers, contracts, and complex stakeholder environments
• Project management experience with a track record of delivering measurable business results

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep understanding of the ocean freight market, carrier landscape, trade lanes, and logistics service providers
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and commercial acumen
• Knowledge of customs, trade compliance, and transportation operations is highly desirable
• Understanding of carbon efficiency and sustainability in transportation
• Strong analytical and financial skills, including business case development
• Proficiency with procurement systems, sourcing tools, MS Office, Tableau, and digital solutions
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, or a related field

Why Join Us?

• Lead a truly global category with significant business impact
• Shape strategic partnerships with leading carriers and logistics providers
• Drive sustainability and digital transformation initiatives
• Work with senior stakeholders across regions and functions
• Be part of a collaborative, international organization where your expertise directly influences supply chain performance and business success

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At Schneider, we believe that every employee is a talent who deserves equal opportunities. This means you matter. Every individual needs to feel valued, supported, and treated fairly to do their best work.

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Our Total Rewards package outlines all the benefits and support you'll enjoy as part of the Schneider Electric team:

Care for Yourself and Your Family. We ensure you feel secure with benefits that help you and your family thrive: health and life insurance, paid time off, parental and care leave, flexible work options, support for chronic conditions, and confidential counseling for life's challenges.

Invest and Plan Your Future. We help you plan and invest for the future with competitive pay and programs: your base salary, short-term incentives or sales incentives, opportunities to own company shares, and pension saving matching contribution.

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We are looking for IMPACT Makers; exceptional people who turn sustainability ambitions into actions at the intersection of automation, electrification, and digitization. We celebrate IMPACT Makers and believe everyone has the potential to be one.

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40 billion global revenue
+9% organic growth
150 000+ employees in 100+ countries

You must submit an online application to be considered for any position with us. This position will be posted until filled.

Schneider Electric aspires to be the most inclusive and caring company in the world, by providing equitable opportunities to everyone, everywhere, and ensuring all employees feel uniquely valued and safe to contribute their best. We mirror the diversity of the communities in which we operate, and 'inclusion' is one of our core values. We believe our differences make us stronger as a company and as individuals and we are committed to championing inclusivity in everything we do.

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Client-provided location(s): Bangalore, India, Singapore, Budapest, Hungary, Grenoble, France

Job ID: Schneider_Electric-133030

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-09-07T19:00:52