Category Leader - Transportation Inbound & Outbound

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 project-leadership skills.
• Fluent English, written and spoken. Additional languages are an advantage.

Our Recruitment Process:

To be considered for this role, please apply in our Applicant tracking system and refrain from sending your CV via email. Upon the completion of sourcing (CV collection) period, all received application will be reviewed by our Recruitment experts and evaluated against the needs of the open role. Successful candidates will be contacted by our Recruiting experts for an initial screening interview during which further details about the selection process will be shared. Successful candidates will progress to interviews with line managers, while not selected candidates will be informed in a written form as soon as possible.

Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is an act @Zentiva

At Zentiva, we are a team of 5000 unique talents bonded together by our purpose to provide health and well-being for all generations. We strive daily to create a work culture where everyone feels appreciated, can be their true selves, and contribute to the best of their ability. Seeking for a balanced team across the company, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates with various educational and industry experiences, cultural or ethnical backgrounds, and different life experiences or abilities, regardless of their religious or philosophical beliefs or whomever they choose to love.

Join our winning team! Be a part of our winning culture! Be Zentiva!