Transportation Sourcing Manager

Since 1792, AkzoNobel has supplied innovative paints and coatings that color lives and protect what matters. Our global portfolio—including Dulux, International, Sikkens, and Interpon—is trusted in over 150 countries. We pioneer sustainable solutions that enhance everyday surfaces while preserving today’s best for a better tomorrow.

About the role

The Transportation Sourcing Manager – NAM sources, negotiates, and manages transportation services (truckload, LTL, intermodal, parcel, bulk tanker, courier, ocean/air) to ensure reliable capacity, competitive rates, and strong carrier performance. The role covers a $75M USD spend across the US, Canada, and Mexico, handling 130,000 shipments with 200 carriers. Key responsibilities include leading annual sourcing events, developing carrier strategies, managing contracts, and optimizing total landed costs while meeting service requirements. Over the next 3-24 months, the role will support transitioning from a 4PL-managed network to an insourced model, ensuring uninterrupted service and sustainable procurement practices. This position is based in Nashville, TN.

Responsibilities

• Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner with logistics teams to align procurement decisions with operational needs.
  • 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
  • Develop and execute transportation sourcing strategies aligned with 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) to optimize cost while ensuring capacity and service.
  • Benchmark rates, assess market trends, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Negotiation and Contract Management
  • Negotiate freight rates, assessorial schedules, and SLAs.
  • Review, award, and manage carrier contracts with legal support.
  • Ensure compliance with insurance, safety, regulatory requirements, and internal procurement policies.
  • Mitigate risk and ensure contract adherence in partnership with legal and risk teams.
• Carrier Performance and Relationship Management
  • Collaborate with transportation operations to resolve service failures and capacity concerns.
  • Conduct quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with key carrier partners to drive continuous improvement.
  • Establish industry-standard KPIs and manage carrier scorecards.
• Cost Optimization and Analytics
  • Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives through mode optimization, route guide changes, and periodic RFPs.
  • Manage transportation budgets and forecast impacts from market shifts and business volume changes.
• Digital & TMS Adoption
  • Ensure all approved carriers can effectively use TMS (SAP TM) and visibility tools in daily operations.
  • Support system adoption and provide feedback for improvements.

Requirements

• Education: University degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • 7-10 years in transportation.
  • Demonstrated experience running RFPs and negotiating carrier contracts at scale ($20M+ annual spend).
  • Strong knowledge of transportation modes, pricing structures, assessorials, and market dynamics.
  • Experience with TMS and logistics digital tools.
  • Familiarity with freight pay/audit, claims management, and regulatory requirements.
  • International freight and customs experience preferred.
• Skills:
  • Strong operational and problem-solving mindset.
  • Ability to manage high-paced, dynamic environments.
  • Excellent 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.

Pay

Base salary range: $125,000 to $137,000. The range reflects the anticipated wage setting for this position, though actual pay may vary.

Benefits

• 401K retirement savings with a 6% company match.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus.
• Medical insurance with HSA, dental, vision, life, and AD&D benefits.
• Generous vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Employee appreciation days.