Procurement Category Manager

See yourself at Odyssey.

Join the team as our new Manager, Procurement Category!

Who We Are & Why We’re Hiring

Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation (Odyssey) is a global logistics provider. Our adaptive approach to solving modern logistics challenges differentiates us in the markets we serve.

Odyssey Logistics & Technology’s specialized multimodal expertise is the strategic foundation that provides clients with a full-service offering across our four operating divisions including intermodal, freight forwarding, transport & warehousing, and managed services.

Odyssey’s multimodal services offer cost-effective, end-to-end freight solutions equipped to deliver on evolving customer requirements.

Combined, Odyssey delivers innovative, high-value logistics services & technology solutions to support diverse customer requirements.

In addition to being certified by the American Chemistry Council as a Responsible Care® partner company we consistently exceed customer expectations by integrating analytics, carrier relationships, specialized assets, sustainability strategies and deep international expertise.

Our unique approach ensures that customer shipments keep moving at full speed, even in the face of ever-changing market headwinds.

Based in vibrant Charlotte, NC Odyssey is on a journey to constantly innovate logistics. We’re actively recruiting for this key, high profile role in the company because we have experienced tremendous growth and would love for you to join us!

Visit us at : About the Job :

About the Job :

The Manager, Procurement Category will have the primary responsibility to negotiate and issue General Service Agreements and continuously purchase materials and services under these service agreements for IT, Operations, MRO, Facilities, Professional Services, HR, Material Handling Equipment for Operations, and other departments.

This role requires the ability to analyze the financial impacts of contracted services and material purchases while following Procurement guidelines.

In This Role, You Will :

Category Management :

• Develop and implement category-specific procurement strategies to meet organizational goals.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks within the category.
• Interpret internal and external business issues and recommend best practices.

Supplier Management :

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure favorable agreements.
• Manage supplier relationships, monitor performance, and address any issues that arise.
• Request or approve amendments to contract terms or contract extensions.
• Initiate supplier audits, resolve supplier performance issues and identify potential contract improvement opportunities & re-negotiations.
• Participate in pricing negotiation processes and uses creative ways to drive costs down through the establishment of long-term agreements.
• Support the sourcing needs by interviewing and conferring with prospective suppliers to determine supplier capabilities, negotiate prices, delivery terms, and ensure best-in-class total cost sourcing solutions.
• Develop new sources for the services or materials being requested.

Procurement Process :

• Execute end-to-end procurement processes, from requisition to purchase order to payment.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records and documentation.
• Prepare bids or requests for proposals (RFPs) including specifications and requirements.
• Execute Material Purchase Orders against Agreements.
• Ensure there is proper 1) business case, 2) risk management, and 3) compliance components in place for each contract and / or vendor.

Cost Management :

• Analyze spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement cost-reduction initiatives.
• Track and report on savings achieved through strategic sourcing and negotiation efforts.
• Provides purchasing planning and control information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends.
• Development of Dashboard, KPI’s, Metrics, Reporting, and adding value to the process.

Collaboration and Communication :

• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including finance, operations, and other departments, to understand their needs and provide procurement support.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure clarity and alignment on procurement activities.
• Lead cross-functional and remotely located teams to implement and realize improvements.
• Advise internal functions of contractual rights and obligations.
• Attend Training and Operations project meetings as required.

All other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

We recognize not all applicants have every skill or qualification to match a job description exactly. Odyssey values diverse experiences in other industries, and we encourage everyone who meets most required qualifications to apply.

While having desired qualifications make for a strong candidate, we encourage applicants with alternative experiences to also apply.

We are always looking for people who will bring something new to the table!

Required :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ direct and active work experience in procurement is required.
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in Procurement and Contract Management.
• Must have knowledge of materials and service terms, and conditions.
• Buying experience preferred.
• Must be familiar with industry-related commodities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to Interact with a diverse range of individuals with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
• Certification of Contract Administration, American Purchasing Society, or Institute of Supply Management ISM is plus.

Location :

This is an in-office role in Charlotte, NC.

We offer a generous compensation and benefits package including :

• Choice of medical plans with FSA, HRA and HSA options
• Company-paid dental and life / disability Plans
• 401K with company match
• Preferred vendor discounts
• Competitive Paid Time Off

No relocation allowance will be considered unless specifically addressed. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Odyssey is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified Applicants are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification protected under applicable Federal, State or Local law.

Odyssey does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.