Strategic Sourcing/ Category Manager Job Listing at Yusen Logistics in Jacksonville, FL (Job ID 2024-5589)

Description

The Strategic Sourcing Manager will be responsible for the development, leadership, and execution of the Strategic Sourcing and Market Analysis function of the Logistics Procurement & Partner Management (LPM) team, under the guidance of the LPM director, and in alignment with global and regional strategies. In this role, you will have the opportunity to influence the structure of this function and the source-to-contract methodology through the strategic design, selection, and creation of policies, processes, procedures, best practices, and tools. You will be responsible to design, implement, and manage general and customer-specific sourcing strategies as well as the execution of strategic sourcing events and the design of implementable award solutions that provide the best possible combination of service, cost, and sustainability to Yusen and our customers. As part of the strategic sourcing process, you will also conduct negotiations to either supplement or in lieu of formal sourcing events.

You will also be responsible for developing and providing data-driven logistics market intelligence to various internal stakeholders including market developments, trends, logistics indices, and benchmarks, as well as research and evaluation of providers to build a high-quality supplier base, and for being the subject matter expert on market developments in this industry. You will partner closely with your Partner Development and Contract Management peers from the LPM team, and business leaders in North America across Business Development, Business Management, Operations, and Solutions Design, as well as other functions and business units within Yusen Logistics. As part of the LPM team, you will be able to apply your skills to various areas within the logistics industry from different transportation modes; FTL, LTL, Drayage, Parcel, Air, Ocean, and others; to potentially 3PL warehousing, distribution management, or transloading; and related services like CHB.

In this role, you will support both Yusen's LLP and 4PL functions meaning you will service the internal stakeholders of Yusen's transportation brokerage operation as well as external customer stakeholders directly. During the initial stages of the design and implementation of these new ways of working, you will also be responsible for the agile management and execution of pricing activities for new and existing customers in collaboration with Yusen's Logistics Service Provider (LSP) partners and to develop and improve formal pricing processes in order to support a consistent level of business that will provide a steppingstone towards our future processes and business activities.

This role provides a great opportunity to develop and enhance invaluable skills through training, networking, and on-the-job experience. You will play a critical part in this new and exciting area within Yusen Logistics and will be able to leave your own handprint on this function by influencing its development with your experience and skills.

• Support the development and improvement of the source-to-contract methodology through the strategic design, selection, and buildout of policies, processes, procedures, best practices, and tools.
• Prepare and execute all aspects of sourcing projects across the 7-step sourcing process including the definition of strategy, scope, objectives, resources, timelines, demand, supplier selection criteria and more.
• Support the implementation and application of global and regional strategies and policies.
• Manage the group's logistics spend in the US and proactively build the group's logistics category strategies in the US to maximize service, quality, competitiveness, and sustainability.
• Develop, introduce, and implement innovative ideas to build a best-in-class logistics sourcing organization.
• Identify and implement continuous cost and performance improvement opportunities.
• Anticipate, identify, and support category priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Develop and improve new strategies to price new and existing business opportunities.
• Conduct market research and analysis by collecting, interpreting, and summarizing industry news, mergers/acquisitions/bankruptcies, contract/spot rate movements, Load-to-Truck ratios, tender rejections, volume fluctuations, and more.
• Access, gather, build, and distribute internal and external benchmarking to Yusen stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities and develop sustainable solutions that contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions for SCS and its customers.
• Conduct research and pre-qualification of LSPs via surveys and evaluation conversations to identify appropriate and strong LSPs for the group and its customers.
• Support and execute contract and pricing negotiations in collaboration with the Contract Management team.

• Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Procurement/Sourcing, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or other related discipline. Postgraduate degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, transportation, supply chain management, or logistics. 3+ years of experience specifically in strategic sourcing of transportation services strongly preferred.

Required Hard Skills

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Teams PowerPoint, Word). Expert-level skills in MS Office and knowledge in data visualization tools such as PowerBI or Tableau preferred.
• Proficient in sourcing-related tools including but not limited to eSourcing and supplier management systems. Proficiency in contract management, project management and eSignature systems preferred. Proficiency in advanced eSourcing tools such as JAGGAER's (Advanced) Sourcing Optimizer, or Coupa's Strategic Sourcing and Optimization Suite, strongly preferred.

Required Soft Skills

• Strategic and data-focused mindset with strong analytical and research skills.
• Ambitious and highly organized self-starter with a curious mind and an ability for out-of-the-box thinking that can thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Outstanding negotiator with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to successfully manage expectations of stakeholders, leadership, and colleagues across key initiatives.
• Flexibility to drive and adapt to change in the organization including but not limited to strategic goals, systems, structures, processes, policies, or procedures.
• Ability to effectively prioritize workload, manage competing responsibilities and make sound business decisions to meet objectives with minimal direction while complying with company policies.
• Proven expertise in the preparation and presentation of information, conclusions, and decisions.
• Ability to effectively communicate strategic, technical, process-related, and other business matters to a variety of stakeholders and customers across all levels, both orally and in writing.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to lead cross functional teams and impact decisions across the organization.
• Proven team player with superior interpersonal and relationship management skills that is comfortable in working closely and collaboratively with people of various backgrounds, functional groups, and levels of responsibility within the Yusen and Customer organizations.

Other Preferred Skills

• Understanding of logistics functions including but not limited to Supply Chain Management, different modes of transportation (Air, Ocean, Intermodal, FTL, LTL, Drayage, Parcel) including the application of fuel and accessorials, warehousing services, and the service offerings of LLPs, 3PLs and 4PLs.
• Understanding of contract structures, general contractual, insurance and liability language and terms, as well as transportation-specific language and knowledge of USC and CFR Titles 49 incl. the Carmack Amendment.
• Understanding of legal requirements to provide logistics services including but not limited motor carrier, broker and freight forwarder authorities, hours-of-service, and CTPAT regulations.
• Understanding of the structure, setup, and function of Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
• Understanding of the importance and effect of sustainability efforts, evaluation of environmental impacts and emission calculations, and transportation-related sustainability areas such as SmartWay, Alternative Fuel Vehicles (LNG/CNG) and Zero-Emission Trucks (BEV/FCEV).

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel, sometimes overnight, as required (<10%).
• Ability to work five (5) days per week for at least eight (8) hours, and occasionally longer.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Benefits

Yusen offers a generous Employee Benefits Package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month following start date
• 401k with a company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits, vacation, and much more.

Any and all benefits offered are subject to the eligibility requirements, terms, and provisions set forth in the respective policies and plan documents, which you may request from Human Resources.

About Yusen Logistics (Americas)

Yusen Logistics is working to become the world's preferred supply chain logistics company. Our complete offer is designed to forge better connections between businesses, customers and communities – through innovative supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services. As a company we're dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring everyone who works with us is committed, connected and creative in making us the world's preferred choice.

www.yusen-logistics.com/

Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. values each individual employee and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship status, uniform service member status, age, disability, sexual and gender orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Los Angeles County Only: Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department Fair Chance Act webpage.