Category Manager – Landside Transportation (Japan)

Location

Tokyo, Japan

Function

Logistics & Services Procurement

Reports To

Area Head of Logistics & Services Procurement, APA-NEA

About the Role

Maersk is seeking a commercially driven Category Manager to lead the procurement and supplier management of Landside Transportation services across Japan.

This position plays a critical role in supporting one of the largest integrated logistics networks in the world by ensuring sustainable transportation capacity, competitive cost structures, operational excellence, and strong supplier partnerships.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing sourcing initiatives, transportation supplier relationships, commercial negotiations, and category strategies across multiple transportation modes, while partnering closely with Operations, Product, and Finance leadership teams.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Category Strategy & Sourcing

• Develop and execute the category strategy for Landside Transportation in Japan.
• Lead transportation sourcing events, tender processes, and carrier selection activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost competitiveness, service levels, and supplier performance.
• Support network expansion initiatives through procurement expertise and market intelligence.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Manage strategic relationships with transportation providers.
• Conduct regular business reviews and performance assessments.
• Develop supplier improvement plans and corrective actions where required.
• Drive collaboration on service innovation and operational efficiencies.

Commercial Negotiation

• Lead negotiations for transportation rates, contracts, and commercial frameworks.
• Balance cost optimization with capacity security and operational reliability.
• Ensure favorable contractual terms while managing commercial and operational risks.

Market Intelligence

• Monitor transportation market trends and capacity developments.
• Analyze carrier capabilities, pricing movements, labor market impacts, fuel-related risks, and regulatory changes.
• Provide recommendations to business stakeholders based on market insights.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with Operations teams to understand transportation requirements.
• Support business growth through scalable transportation procurement solutions.
• Work collaboratively with Finance, Legal, Product, and Customer Experience teams.
• Influence decision making through fact-based analyses and strategic recommendations.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Support carrier risk assessments and business continuity planning.
• Ensure supplier compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Maersk policies.
• Drive governance and procurement process compliance.

Who We're Looking For

Experience

• 5-10 years of experience in procurement, transportation, logistics, supply chain, or commercial roles.
• Experience managing supplier negotiations and commercial contracts.
• Experience within transportation, logistics, freight forwarding, trucking, or supply chain sectors is preferred.
• Experience working within an international or matrix organization is advantageous.

Skills

• Strategic Sourcing
• Category Management
• Commercial Negotiation
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Data Analysis
• Stakeholder Management
• Project Management

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded with strong business acumen.
• Self-motivated and results oriented.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Able to influence stakeholders across multiple functions.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving change.

Language Requirements

• Japanese: Native / Fluent
• English: Business Level

Why This Role Matters

This role directly influences one of Maersk Japan's largest external spend categories and has a significant impact on transportation cost, service quality, operational resilience, and customer satisfaction.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior business leaders and key transportation partners while shaping the future transportation network supporting Maersk's integrated logistics business in Japan.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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