NA Logistics Category Manager en Valmet

Are you looking for an opportunity to launch your career to the next level? Do you aspire to become a key player within Global Logistics and Material Management Category team?

Deciding on your next employer is not a decision to be made lightly. But if you want to work on the front lines of development, shaping the field as you go, keep reading to see what we have to offer! Our winning team is built by continuous investment in skills development, leadership and well-being. As a global company, we offer many career paths to suit individual needs and aspirations. Join our team and apply your expertise as a Logistic Category Manager

The purpose of this role is to optimize Supplier footprint and strengthen cost-competitiveness and efficiency of Valmet’s logistics operations in North America and support business growth by driving improvement in logistics solutions, digitalization and automation. In this key role, you work closely with Valmet Business Areas in the NA and logistics colleagues globally. You are responsible for the management and development of the local transportation categories (e.g. Truck Load/LTL/Courier/Warehouse) and providing support to Business Areas in the Area for transportation and logistics related matters.

In this role you will report to the Global Director Logistics and Material Management Category.  This position is located in Beloit, WI.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and follow-up transportation category strategy, harmonizing with the overall global Valmet Logistics strategy and business requirements
• Translate the high-level plan into a roadmap, and drive the execution of the defined actions
• Conduct supplier, industry benchmarking and understand market trends in logistics markets (e.g., fuel prices, capacity constraints, regulatory changes).
• Share cost development market data, risk and forecasts to key stakeholders
• Identify, evaluate, and manage NA logistics service providers.
• Continuously identify category internal and external needs and requirements with key stakeholders and carriers in the NA
• Work closely with supply chain, operations, finance, and regional procurement teams.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract development, and performance management in NA.
• Perform Supplier Relationship Management for the suppliers 
• Foster strategic partnerships and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing and process improvements.
• Ensures quality of Category Management master data for NA in all relevant systems and environments to support accurate reporting and development of category KPIs.
• Monitor and report on category spend, savings, and compliance.
• Lead category team in matrix which includes team members from business units and business areas in NA.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, and corporate policies.
• Mitigate risks related to logistics disruptions, geopolitical issues, and sustainability.
• Drive innovation in logistics solutions, including digital tools and automation.
• Promote sustainable logistics practices and support ESG goals.
• North America approver of new suppliers in their own category in SRM system. Develop, implement, and follow up global category strategy, harmonizing with the overall Valmet Logistics strategy and business requirements

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Expectations

• The position requires a good understanding of logistics operations, applications, analytical mindset, and ability to communicate with all different teams and stakeholders globally within logistics and cross-organizational stakeholders.
• Suitable educational background (e.g., BSc/MSc) with a minimum of 5 years relevant logistics category work experience in a global or regional scope/Solid Knowledge on logistics operational processes, tools, and applications
• Experience in analysis, ERP and reporting
• Solid experience and knowledge of supply chain and logistics industry, warehouse management skills are a plus
• Strong knowledge of North American truck load, LTL and courier markets and the tendering process
• Expertise in category management, negotiations, and contract management.
• High degree of strategic thinking and proven ability to develop strategies and plans
• Good leadership and stakeholder management capabilities to influence and operate in a matrix organization
• Result driven work approach
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Intercultural skills and ability to work under high degrees of uncertainties
• Ability to travel up to 15% - 20% occasionally for the on-site events and intense periods of the rollout phase, mainly in North America and with some international travel

We Offer

We offer a challenging work environment that values innovation and suits development-minded people who enjoy working in a fast-paced and dynamic setting. Includes a generous wage and benefits package that includes a 401(k) with a Company match-up.

Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a background check and pre-employment physical and drug screen.

Additional Information

Delivering competitive technologies and services is what we do best. At Valmet, we continue to push forward and develop ourselves, concentrating on technology, services, sustainability, local presence, and our people. To be included in the recruiting process, please apply directly with us online.

Where everything works together

Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. With 20,000 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. Our commitment to moving our customer's performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how - and above all, teamwork. Join the team! www.valmet.com/careers

Please note that Valmet will never ask for personal financial information during the interview process. If you feel you have been a victim of an online job posting scam, please notify the Federal Trade Commission.