Director of Global Category Management for Logistics - Global Procurement

POSITION SUMMARY  

The Director of Global Category Management for Logistics is responsible for overseeing all aspects of negotiation, acquisition, and management of Logistics engagements critical to Vertiv's enterprise operations and transformation agenda. This strategic role encompasses all aspects of procurement of logistics including Ocean, Brokerage, TMS, Control Tower, Road, 3-4ppl, Warehousing, Parcel, Road, Rail and any other logistics needs across all Vertiv regions. Lead regional Global Category managers aligned to the modes of logistics, secures high-quality, outcome-driven engagements that align with business objectives while adapting procurement strategies to reflect the evolving AI-enabled services landscape. This role requires strong leadership capabilities to drive the execution of global strategies and set regional direction in collaboration with global procurement leadership. Additionally, this role will play a key role in fostering high-performing teams and ensuring alignment between procurement initiatives and overall business goals, making them a pivotal asset in our organizational success.  

The ideal candidate will develop and implement category strategies that meet the diverse needs of business partners across the enterprise, while effectively managing a supply base that drives growth, value realization, and profitability across all Vertiv regions. They must possess extensive experience in logistics procurement within complex, multi-regional environments, demonstrating a proven track record of delivering global category strategies that enhance cost efficiencies, strengthen supplier relationships, and reposition how the organization contracts logistics.  

RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Strategic Procurement: Collaborate closely with Vertiv business leaders to identify and source partners for logistics via complete, data driven category strategies, Category segmentation and supplier segmentation — ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.  

• Supplier Program Management: Oversee the supplier segmentation program for all modes of logistics and services to ensure business continuity, optimal performance, and competitive pricing.  

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams in analyzing historical spend data, conducting market research, and employing cost modelling techniques to uncover high-value opportunities that drive innovation, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation across the logistics services portfolio.  

• Cost Modelling: Establish comprehensive rate card benchmarking, total cost of engagement, and outcome-based pricing models for key categories, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs and procurement strategies.  

• Sourcing Strategy Development: Create and implement effective sourcing, negotiation, and contracting strategies — including outcome-based, time-and-materials, and hybrid engagement models — to achieve desired outcomes consistent with global procurement category strategies.  

• Strategic Leadership: Formulate and execute a robust procurement strategy for logistics services, enhancing operational efficiency and aligning with organizational goals — including repositioning how Vertiv contracts logistics as AI reshapes the market.  

• Supplier Relationship Management: Identify, evaluate, and cultivate strategic partnerships with key professional services firms, ensuring high-quality, reliable, and competitively priced.  

• Cost Efficiency Initiatives: Spearhead cost reduction initiatives and value analysis processes to optimize the total cost of engagement and maximize return on logistics investment.  

• Risk Management: Conduct in-depth market analyses and risk assessments — including evaluation of AI-driven service delivery models — to proactively mitigate supply chain disruptions and ensure compliance with industry standards.  

• Collaboration: Partner with operations, and business unit leaders to understand project requirements, ensuring seamless alignment on procurement timelines, specifications, and engagement governance.  

• Standardization: Standardize tools, processes, and contracting frameworks for logistics services procurement — including statement of work templates, rate card governance, and vendor management system integration.  

• Team Development: Mentor and lead a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth.  

• Performance Measurement: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate procurement effectiveness, supplier performance, and engagement outcomes.  

• Reporting: Prepare and present comprehensive reports to senior management on procurement performance, trends, and strategic insights to inform decision-making.  

QUALIFICATIONS  

Education:  

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.  

• Master's degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, MCIPS) preferred.  

Experience:  

• Minimum of 12 years in procurement or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused logistics, corporate procurement, or supply chain management.  

• Proven track record in developing and executing global category strategies that drive cost efficiencies and supplier performance across logistics categories.  

• Deep understanding of logistics models, rate card structures, and the evolving impact of AI on services delivery.  

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.  

• Track record of establishing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure procurement effectiveness and drive results.  

• Key Skills & Core Competencies: 

• Freight & Carrier Expertise: Deep knowledge of pricing models across multiple modes (TL, LTL, Ocean, Air, and Parcel). 

• Strategic Sourcing: Expert-level capability in running large-scale RFPs, vendor evaluations, and contract drafting. 

• Advanced Analytics: Proficiency in TMS (Transportation Management Systems), ERPs (like SAP or Oracle), and data tools (Power BI, Excel) to track KPIs and cost savings. 

• Negotiation & Relationship Management: Strong ability to secure favorable contract terms while maintaining healthy partnerships with global logistics providers. 

ANTICIPATED BUSINESS TRAVEL: ~30%  

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