Transportation Sourcing Manager

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

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© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

The Transportation Sourcing Manager – NAM is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing transportation services (e.g., truckload, LTL, intermodal, parcel, bulk tanker, courier, ocean/air as applicable) to ensure reliable capacity, competitive rates, and strong carrier performance. Responsible scope across US, Canada, and Mexico is $75M USD spend, 130,000 shipments, and 200 carriers. This role leads transportation sourcing events (1-2 per year, per mode), develops carrier strategies, manages contracts and compliance, and partners with operations, logistics, and finance to optimize total landed/transportation cost while meeting service requirements.

A key focus of this role over the next 3-24 months will be supporting the transition from a 4PL-managed transportation network to an insourced transportation operating model. The role will support the migration of a complex transportation portfolio while ensuring uninterrupted service and sustainable transportation procurement practices. 

This position is based in Nashville, TN

Key Responsibilites

Cross Functional Leadership
• Partner with logistics teams to align procurement decisions with operational realities.
• Manage carrier contracts to support service commitments and customer requirements.
• Contribute to network design projects and new site/carrier/customer onboarding from a procurement standpoint.
Procurement and Sourcing
• Using deep industry experience, develop and execute transportation sourcing strategies aligned to business needs, cost, and service requirements
• Lead RFP events, lane analysis, carrier selection, and awards.
• Build and maintain a balanced carrier portfolio (asset vs broker, regional vs national, etc) optimizing cost while maintaining capacity and service. 
• Benchmark rates, assess and predict market trends, and adjust strategies accordingly.
Negotiation and Contract Management
• Negotiate freight rates, assessorial schedules, and SLA’s
• With support from the legal team, review, award, and manage carrier contracts.
• Ensure compliance with insurance, safety, regulatory requirements, and internal procurement policies.
• Partner with legal and risk teams to mitigate risk and ensure contract adherence.
Carrier Performance and Relationship Management
• Collaborate with transportation operations to resolve service failures and capacity concerns.
• Conduct QBR’s with key carrier partners to drive continuous improvement.
• Establish industry standard KPI’s and create/manage carrier scorecards.
Cost Optimization and Analytics
• Identify and deliver cost-savings initiatives utilizing mode optimization, route guide changes, and periodic RFP’s.
• Manage transportation budgets and forecast impacts from market shifts and business volume changes.
Digital & TMS Adoption
• Ensure all approved carriers have the capability for effective use of TMS (SAP TM) and visibility tools in daily operations. 
• Support system adoption and provide feedback for improvements.

Job Requirements

Education
• University degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
Experience
• 7-10 years of experience in transportation
• Demonstrated experience running RFP’s and negotiating carrier contracts at a large scale ($20M+ in annual spend)
• Strong knowledge of transportation modes, pricing structures, accessories, and broad market dynamics.
• Experience working with TMS and logistics digital tools 
• Familiarity with freight pay/audit, claims management, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with international freight and customs preferred
Skills
• Strong operational and problem-solving mindset 
• Ability to manage high-paced, dynamic environments 
• Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills 
• Understanding of transport planning, execution, and carrier operations 
• Analytical skills to monitor performance and drive improvements 
• Proficiency in reporting tools 
• Experience with SAP TM and SAP Business Network for Logistics (BN4L) is a strong plus

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary range for this role is: $125,000 to $137,000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

401K retirement savings with 6% company match
Eligible for annual bonus
Medical insurance with HSA
Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
Generous vacation, sick and holiday pay
Short & Long term disability
Paid Parental leave after 1 year
Career growth opportunities
Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
Employee referral bonus
Employee appreciation days

Competencies

Accepting Direction

Accepting Responsibility

Acquiring Information

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 55091

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