Category Manager Logistics

Category Manager – Logistics 

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe.

We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.

Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.

AAK Location

This position is ideally based in Malmo, Sweden however we will also consider candidates at AAK sites in Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK.

About the role

 
AAK is seeking a forward-thinking Category Manager - Logistics to lead the strategic approach to warehousing and transportation spend across Europe and the UK. This role is critical in elevating the logistics category, driving value, and promoting positive change for the business. With one direct report, you will work closely with stakeholders in a dynamic environment to develop comprehensive strategies for portfolio mapping and enhance transparency in logistics and warehousing expenditures across all locations. The role involves identifying strategic sourcing opportunities, develop suitable category strategies, executing tenders, streamlining processes, standardizing operations, bundling volumes, and implementing initiatives that optimize value through smarter procurement practices. A strong emphasis will be placed on driving value generation and sustainable transportation projects and fostering innovative supplier partnerships that align with the company’s financial and sustainability goals. This position requires the ability to collaborate effectively across functions, regions, engage suppliers proactively, and lead transformation within the logistics category. AAK offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and help redefine the future of procurement at our organization. 

Responsibilities

• Create and implement comprehensive procurement category strategies for logistics, focusing on warehousing and transportation across the region in line with the company’s overall strategy. This involves both short-term and long-term planning to improve overall value in a collaborative and result driven approach.

• Conduct detailed analyses of spending and ongoing risk assessments with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities and vulnerabilities, executing improvements as needed.
• Build and enhance a robust supplier base that meets established quality standards, performance expectations, and drives continuous improvement.
• Cultivate strong supplier relationships and use influencing skills to negotiate value-added benefits, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals and securing a competitive edge.
• Collaborate closely with regional and cross-regional stakeholders to ensure alignment and engagement in category strategies and the execution off this.
• Set and monitor supplier performance metrics and implement corrective actions to improve service delivery and quality standards.
• Lead the development and execution of Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Information (RFI), managing the tender process, contract execution, and improving negotiation outcomes using analytical models.
• Actively participate in and lead cross-functional teams and projects to achieve strategic objectives and drive category performance.
• Stay informed about market trends and best practices in procurement and logistics, refining strategies to continuously enhance operational effectiveness.
• Mentor and develop your direct report to enhance skills and performance, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team environment that aligns with the EU Procurement strategy.
• Lead change initiatives within the logistics category, ensuring effective communication and engagement across teams to achieve strategic goals.
• Establish performance metrics for your direct report, regularly reviewing progress to drive accountability and continuous improvement in line with the annual EU Procurement KPIs.

About you

• At least 5 years of relevant experience, with a strong background in logistics or an equivalent level of expertise. Experience in the food industry is beneficial, though not mandatory, and exposure to a market leader in procurement logistics is a plus.
• A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• You have a proven track record of leading projects and initiatives that consistently drive sustainable value for the company year over year.
• You possess the ability to analyze and proactively respond to market trends and insights, keeping the company ahead of changes in the industry.
• You have experience in developing and executing regional category strategies that align with organizational goals, ensuring a clear direction and measurable results.
  Your expertise in sustainable procurement practices allows you to identify and implement innovative solutions that support both sustainability goals and operational efficiency.
• You excel at building strong relationships and networks, collaborating effectively with suppliers, stakeholders, and internal teams to drive success.
• You have the agility to adapt strategies in response to evolving market dynamics and regulatory changes, ensuring flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• As a leader, you inspire and motivate teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and high performance while maintaining excellent communication skills.
• You bring valuable experience in logistics, ideally from a market-leading organization, with a deep understanding of sustainable transport solutions and strategic initiatives that drive value.
• You have a thorough understanding of the European supplier market, including market structures, regulatory frameworks, commodity forecasts, and competitive dynamics, and have demonstrated your ability to drive value and efficiency in this space.

In return AAK offers

• Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.
• In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
• AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths.
• You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability-focused approach.
• Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.

Contact and information

 
For further information about the position, please contact the Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Conor Kelly by phone at +31 (0) 6 11 85 1825 or by email; conor.kelly@aak.com

About AAK

Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.

AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.

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