Senior Manager Strategic Sourcing

Company Introduction:Lindt & Sprüngli is a Swiss chocolate manufacturer and recognized as a global leader in the market for premium chocolate, offering a large selection of products around the world. Lindt & Sprüngli looks back on a long-standing tradition of 175 years during which it has become known as one of the most innovative and creative companies making premium chocolate under the key brand Lindt.Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. is the holding company of the US family of companies Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc. and Russell Stover Chocolates Inc. Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. offers a shared-services model acting as the Center of Excellence for the North American market by providing world-class Supply Chain, Project Management, Information Technology, and additional business services to the local entities.This is an exciting time to join our company as we are further accelerating the success story and market expansion over the next years. High performing, entrepreneurial, result driven and passionate employees are key success factors for Lindt & Sprüngli. We are warmly welcoming ambitious talents to join us.What Lindt & Sprüngli offers:A highly passionate team driven for successA fast-changing business environment and entrepreneurial mindsetCentral and prime office location in Kansas City next to the PlazaUS or international career opportunities within the Lindt GroupOpportunities to be involved in employee committeesA flexible work environment offering a hybrid modelMarket competitive compensation, annual bonus and benefitsAnd of course – delicious premium chocolate!Lindt & Sprungli wants employees who align to our core values:Excellence: You have passion for what you are doing and strive for excellenceInnovation: You are constantly looking for new and better ways to deliver successEntrepreneurship: You are empowered and accountable for your actions and resultsResponsibility: You act with integrity and treat everyone with respectCollaboration: You support your colleagues across disciplines, business segments and geographiesJob Description Summary:The Senior Manager, Transportation Strategic Sourcing & Procurement is accountable for the development, execution, and governance of Lindt & Sprüngli North America’s enterprise transportation procurement strategy across all modes, systems, and services. This role owns carrier sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier performance management, and financial stewardship for $100M+ in annual transportation spend, ensuring service excellence, cost optimization, and supply chain resiliency.Acting as the primary authority for transportation procurement, this role partners closely with Transportation Operations, Finance, Sales, and external providers to align commercial strategies with operational and customer requirements. The Senior Manager serves as the escalation point for supplier performance, contractual compliance, and transportation cost variances, while providing market intelligence and insights to senior leadership.Essential FunctionsStrategic Procurement & Financial StewardshipOwn development and execution of annual transportation budgets, sourcing strategies, and savings initiatives within an established Performance Control SystemLead all carrier sourcing, RFPs, negotiations, and award decisions, balancing total landed cost, service performance, and risk mitigationGovern freight rate structures, accessorials, and contract compliance to ensure budget adherence and financial transparencyProvide executive‑level analysis of transportation cost drivers, variances, and market conditionsCarrier & Supplier GovernanceEstablish and maintain carrier qualification standards, onboarding processes, and contractual performance expectationsLead supplier performance management through scorecards, service reviews, and corrective action plansEnsure carriers meet contractual commitments related to capacity, seasonality, service, and volume allocationServe as escalation authority for carrier and operational issues impacting contractual terms or service levelsAnalytics, Systems & Market IntelligenceOversee rate loading, routing authorizations, and audit readiness within the Transportation Management SystemDrive freight audit, payment reconciliation, exception management, and claims resolution processesConduct ongoing market analysis, freight studies, and capacity assessments to inform sourcing strategiesDevelop and enhance transportation dashboards, KPIs, and reporting for leadership visibilityCross‑Functional LeadershipPartner with Sales and Finance to deliver accurate freight economics, customer shipping models, and pricing supportCollaborate cross‑functionally to ensure transportation strategies align with network design, plant operations, and customer delivery requirementsAct as the single point of accountability for transportation procurement inquiries from internal stakeholders and external partnersPeople Leadership & Continuous ImprovementLead, mentor, and develop team members through coaching, training, and performance managementFoster a culture of continuous improvement, analytical rigor, and enterprise‑first decision makingIdentify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, productivity, and service qualityBasic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Transportation, Finance, or related field8+ years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics, strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chainDemonstrated experience managing large, complex transportation spend portfolios ($50M+)Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; strong data analysis and financial modeling capabilityProven ability to influence cross‑functional leaders and present insights at the executive levelStrong organizational, prioritization, and problem‑solving skillsAbility to travel up to 15%Preferred QualificationsMasters’ degree, preferably in Business, Transportation, or Supply ChainStrong negotiation and problem-solving skillsFinancial acumen and strong analytical skillsExperience with scorecards/metricsCompany DescriptionLindt and Sprüngli (North America) Inc. is the Supply Chain and Business Shared Services Company supporting the Lindt & Sprüngli family of brands (Lindt USA, Ghirardelli Chocolates and Russell Stover Chocolates), headquartered in Kansas City, MO.Employment by Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, and satisfactory employment and background checks.Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. 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