POSITION PURPOSE

As Category Manager – Transportation Inbound & Outbound, you are responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously evolving the global sourcing strategy for freight (air, sea, road), warehousing, and distribution services across the organisation. Operating within a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment, the role ensures performance, risk mitigation, innovation, compliance, and alignment with ESG and sustainability goals.

This position requires strong cross‑functional leadership, deep market expertise, and the ability to influence in a matrixed international context. You will drive supplier relationship management (SRM), digital transformation, and value creation, while contributing to working capital optimisation and cash flow improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Category Strategy & Value Creation

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global sourcing strategy for transport and distribution services, aligned with business objectives, ESG commitments, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead initiatives for supplier consolidation and modal shifts to improve cost efficiency, service reliability, and environmental impact.
• Monitor market dynamics (fuel indices, capacity constraints, geopolitical risks) and translate insights into actionable sourcing decisions.
• Contribute with Supply Chain to innovation in logistics models, including control towers, digital freight platforms, and AI‑powered route planning.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Manage strategic relationships with global logistics providers and 3PLs.
• Define and monitor KPIs (OTIF, temperature excursions, damage rates, lead times, ESG compliance).
• Lead supplier segmentation and engagement models.
• Ensure robust risk management strategies.

Cross‑functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Procurement CoE, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, and Manufacturing.
• Support product launches and clinical trial logistics.
• Act as procurement lead in transformation programmes.

Cost Management & Budget

• Identify and deliver cost‑saving initiatives.
• Participate in the annual budget cycle and LRP.
• Optimise working capital.
• Contribute to cash‑flow improvement.

Sustainability & ESG Integration

• Embed ESG criteria in supplier selection.
• Promote sustainable logistics practices.
• Track sustainability KPIs.

Digitalisation & AI Enablement

• Leverage digital tools and AI solutions.
• Champion digital transformation across logistics sourcing.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with GDP and customs regulations.
• Maintain sourcing documentation and support audits.
• Ensure audit readiness across the category.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED SKILLS

• Master’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field.
• 8–12 years of experience in procurement or category management, with proven experience in building and deploying global category strategies.
• Strong knowledge of logistics, distribution, and 3PL models; experience in regulated industries is an advantage.
• Strong negotiation track record, including complex, high‑value tenders.
• High financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, savings models, and P&L‑related topics.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are an advantage.
• Strong stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to influence without authority and challenge senior stakeholders constructively.

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! 

Minimum Gross Annual Salary in Italy: 70,000 EUR