Role Summary
This role manages complex and high-impact logistics categories, ensuring end-to-end ownership of the procurement lifecycle from requirement definition to payment assurance.
This role combines strategic sourcing, operational execution, and transversal leadership, acting as a trusted advisor and role model for the broader purchasing team while driving supplier performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Purpose: To independently manage complex logistics categories, ensuring effective strategic sourcing, strong supplier partnerships, and sustainable value creation for the business.
Objective: To lead the full procurement lifecycle, drive negotiations, resolve escalations, and ensure alignment between procurement activities and business priorities.
Impact of the Role: This role plays a critical role in ensuring operational continuity, cost efficiency, and supplier performance excellence, while acting as a key enabler of procurement strategy execution and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Execution
- Own end-to-end sourcing activities (RFI/RFQ/RFP) for logistics services
- Translate business requirements into sourcing strategies and contracting approaches
- Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and contract development
- Manage resourcing and continuous sourcing optimization initiatives
- Supplier Performance & Relationship Management
- Manage supplier relationships to ensure QCD performance (Quality, Cost, Delivery)
- Conduct business reviews and performance monitoring (KPIs)
- Manage commercial negotiations, cost optimization, and claims
- Lead escalation handling and ensure service continuity with critical suppliers
- Contracting, Compliance & Governance
- Ensure contract compliance, audit readiness, and documentation accuracy
- Support and manage SOX, contract audits, and procurement compliance processes
- Oversee PO creation, payment validation, and procurement governance activities
- Risk Management & Continuous Improvement
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (capacity, cost volatility, disruptions)
- Monitor market trends and apply market intelligence for decision-making
- Drive cost-saving initiatives, innovation, and lessons learned implementation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with operations, finance, legal, and supply chain teams
- Ensure procurement decisions are aligned with business strategy and operational needs
- Act as a key interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Leadership & Team Influence
- Act as a mentor and guide for junior buyers, sharing knowledge and best practices
- Influence cross-functional teams and support decision-making across the organization
- Promote a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement
Focus Areas
- End-to-end sourcing for complex logistics services
- Strategic supplier management
- Cross-functional alignment
- Cost optimization and risk mitigation initiatives
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Cost savings achieved
- Supplier on-time performance
- Contract coverage & compliance rate
- Sourcing cycle time
- Escalation resolution time
- Stakeholder satisfaction
- Innovation / sustainability initiatives delivered
Requirements:
Min 5 years of experience in:
- Managing complex logistics procurement categories (e.g., international freight, warehousing, 3PL)
- Strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier performance management
- Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional sourcing projects in dynamic environments
- Exposure to global and multi-stakeholder environments
Core Skills
Strategic & Financial
- Strong strategic sourcing and category management capabilities
- Ability to build and validate business cases and total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Strong cost analysis and financial decision-making skills
Supplier & Market Management
- Advanced negotiation and contract management
- Supplier performance management using KPIs and structured governance
- Strong market intelligence and benchmarking capabilities
Operations & Execution
- Ability to manage both strategic sourcing and operational execution
- Strong follow-up on POs, contracts, and payment processes
- Ability to operate effectively under time pressure and operational urgency
Risk & Compliance
- Strong understanding of procurement compliance, audit requirements, and governance frameworks (e.g., SOX)
- Ability to manage contractual risk, supplier dependency, and service continuity
Leadership & Influence
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive decisions without formal authority
- Experience mentoring or guiding junior buyers and team members
- Strong stakeholder management and conflict resolution skills
Data & Tools
- Strong analytical skills with KPI-driven decision-making
- Proficiency in procurement systems, ERP tools, and reporting dashboards
Languages
- English: Advanced / Fluent (mandatory) – ability to lead negotiations, supplier discussions, and cross-functional communication in a global environment
- Spanish: Fluent (mandatory) – for local stakeholder and operational alignment
- Additional languages (e.g., French, Portuguese) are a plus
Systems & Tools
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP or equivalent) for procurement and PO management
- Familiarity with sourcing platforms / RFQ tools (e.g., e-sourcing systems such as e-Leen or similar)
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced level) for cost analysis, reporting, and decision-making
- Experience with data visualization or reporting tools (e.g., Power BI or equivalent) is a plus
Technical & Analytical Capabilities
- Ability to perform cost modeling and total cost analysis (TCO)
- Strong capability in KPI tracking, supplier performance analysis, and reporting
- Experience working with large data sets and structured procurement reporting
- Solid understanding of logistics flows and supply chain operations
Compliance & Process Knowledge
- Knowledge of procurement compliance frameworks and audit environments (e.g., SOX)
- Experience managing contract documentation, governance, and approval workflows
- Understanding of procurement processes (RFI/RFQ/RFP, contracting, payments)
Certifications (Nice to Have)
- Procurement or Supply Chain certifications (e.g., APICS, CPSM, CIPS)
- Lean / Continuous Improvement certifications
- Data or analytics-related certifications
