Global Category Manager, Transportation & Trade Services

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.   

Ready to shape the future of global logistics and trade services? As our Global Category Manager, Transportation & Trade Services, you will lead a critical global procurement portfolio that supports supply chain performance, distribution excellence, regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and business growth. This is an opportunity to influence strategic decisions, drive innovation, and help build a more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready logistics network while positioning Procurement as a strategic enabler of Smith+Nephew's transformation ambitions.
 

What will you be doing?

• Define and execute the global Transportation & Trade Services category strategy across Parcel, Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Road Freight, Customs Brokerage, and Freight Audit & Payment services.
• Build and deliver a multi-year value creation pipeline through cost optimization, productivity improvements, working capital enhancement, risk reduction, innovation, and network optimization.
• Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to Global Supply Chain and Global Trade Compliance leaders, influencing transportation, logistics, and trade services decisions through commercial expertise, market insight, and strategic thinking.
• Lead complex supplier negotiations and drive strategic supplier relationships that improve performance, resilience, compliance, innovation, and long-term business outcomes.
• Drive sustainability, resilience, and continuous improvement initiatives across transportation and trade services while supporting evolving business needs.
• Champion digital transformation through transportation technologies, analytics, automation, visibility platforms, and data-driven decision making that enhance operational performance and supply chain effectiveness.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing procurement team while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and commercial excellence.

Why does this role matter and what does success look like?

• Transportation & Trade Services sits at the heart of Smith+Nephew's ability to serve customers, manage global supply chains, navigate increasingly complex trade environments, and support future growth. In this role, success will be defined by your ability to build strong strategic partnerships, deliver measurable business value, improve cost competitiveness and operational resilience, drive supplier innovation, strengthen governance and compliance, and advance the adoption of data-driven, digitally enabled logistics solutions across the global network.

What will you need to be successful?

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, CSCP, or APICS are preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in transportation procurement, logistics sourcing, or supply chain procurement. Experience within a regulated or MedTech environment is preferred.
• Proven experience developing and executing category strategies that deliver measurable business value across complex global organizations.
• Strong expertise in transportation markets, carrier commercial models, logistics operations, customs brokerage, and international trade compliance.
• Demonstrated success leading complex transportation negotiations and strategic supplier relationship programs across multiple transportation modes, including parcel and last-mile distribution networks.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior leaders across matrix organizations.
• Experience leading teams and driving transformation, change management, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making.
• Experience with transportation management systems (TMS), freight visibility platforms, freight audit solutions, or digital logistics technologies is a plus.

We anticipate the application window for this opening to close on 10.12.2026

The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $119,500.00 - $207,250.00 USD annually and the compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, job-related knowledge/skills, geographical location. You will be entitled to receive bonus and benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, and a variety of wellness offerings.​

Smith & Nephew follows the Pay Transparency and non-discrimination provisions described by local and state policies.

You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.    

• Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).
• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement  
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program 
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.