Sourcing Manager, Global Transportation - Air & Ocean Freight

Strategic Sourcing Manager (Global Category Manager) – Ocean and Air Freight

Location:Hybrid work arrangement for candidates based near Greater Cincinnati, Parsippany NJ, or Chicago Metro area 

Position Summary

Sun Chemical is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead the global sourcing, supplier management, and commercial performance of transportation categories, including ocean freight (FCL/LCL), air freight, freight forwarding, and 4PL services.

This role is responsible for developing and executing global sourcing strategies, leading supplier selection and contract negotiations, managing transportation provider performance, and driving cost competitiveness, service reliability, and network optimization across Sun Chemical and DIC operations worldwide.

The Strategic Sourcing Manager collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders and transportation partners across Sun Chemical and DIC's global operations to develop and implement transportation strategies that improve service, optimize costs, strengthen supplier performance, and support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for ocean freight, air freight, freight forwarding, and 4PL services.
• Lead global sourcing events, including RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, contract negotiations, and implementation activities in coordination with DIC Group.
• Manage strategic relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, and 3PL/4PL providers to ensure strong service, cost, and performance outcomes.
• Conduct transportation spend analysis and evaluate market intelligence, freight benchmarks, capacity trends, and supplier performance to identify cost savings, cost avoidance, and network optimization opportunities.
• Drive route guide governance, compliance initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across global operations.
• Lead supplier accountability efforts related to freight claims, service failures, transportation quality issues, and corrective action activities.
• Develop and monitor transportation procurement KPIs and reporting.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders across Logistics, Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Customer Service, Finance, and DIC Group to support transportation strategy and performance objectives.
• Support additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in logistics procurement, transportation sourcing, supply chain, or logistics management.
• Experience negotiating and managing global transportation agreements, including ocean freight (FCL/LCL), air freight, freight forwarding, and 3PL/4PL service providers.
• Experience leading global freight sourcing, implementation, governance, and supplier management initiatives across multiple regions.
• Knowledge of international transportation markets, carrier procurement practices, and freight benchmarking tools.
• Demonstrated success identifying and implementing cost savings, cost avoidance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Salary Ranges:

Chicago Metro Area: $105,000 - $125,000

Greater Cincinnati: $100,000 - $120,000

Benefits: We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that include merit increases, paid holidays, Paid Time Off, medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability benefits, 401(k)+match and life insurance. Eligibility of benefit timing may vary.