At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and execute European transportation strategy while managing category spend.
- Company: Join Arconic, a leader in innovative transportation solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities to lead and innovate in a global context.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transportation efficiency and cost savings across Europe.
- Qualifications: Analytical mindset, strong collaboration skills, and experience in category management.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is pivotal in shaping and executing our European transportation strategy and advancing the overall transportation organization within Arconic. The ideal candidate is innovative, analytical, process-driven, and highly collaborative, with an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. Success requires thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and delivering creative, effective solutions that drive transparency, process optimization, compliance, and cost savings—while strengthening service levels for stakeholders and customers.
Responsibilities
- Own transportation category spend for European locations (Kofem – Hungary, Kitts Green – UK, Hannover – Germany).
- Develop and execute category & sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives and market dynamics.
- Support plant transportation teams with competitive bid processes and sourcing events.
- Manage European transportation activities across all modes—truckload, LTL, small parcel, ocean, air, rail—and related services such as warehousing and transloading.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key and transactional suppliers to ensure performance, compliance, and cost efficiency.
- Lead contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and mitigate risk.
- Provide market-driven headwind/tailwind forecasts to inform budgeting and strategic decisions.
- Partner with U.S. category managers on negotiations and sourcing initiatives involving European-based suppliers.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to regularly assess transportation modes across lanes, sites, and customer routes, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and enhance service through optimal mode and equipment selection.
Category Manager - European Transportation & Freight Payment (UK) in Birmingham employer: Arconic
Arconic is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, particularly for the Category Manager role in the UK. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, Arconic offers unique opportunities to shape European transportation strategies while working alongside talented professionals in a fast-paced environment. The company prioritises transparency, process optimisation, and cost savings, ensuring that employees are empowered to deliver impactful solutions that benefit both stakeholders and customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - European Transportation & Freight Payment (UK) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their transportation strategies and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your innovative and analytical mindset can drive cost savings and improve service levels. Keep it concise and impactful—first impressions matter!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - European Transportation & Freight Payment (UK) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Category Manager role. Highlight your innovative and analytical abilities, as well as any experience in transportation and freight management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven process optimisation and cost savings in previous positions, and don’t forget to show off your collaborative spirit!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, emphasise your entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges in fast-paced environments and delivered creative solutions that made a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arconic
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the transportation and freight payment landscape in Europe. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and innovations in the industry. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful discussions about strategic category management.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data analysis to drive decisions or optimise processes. Think of instances where your analytical approach led to cost savings or improved service levels. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your fit for a role that requires a process-driven mindset.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Relationship Building
Since this role involves working closely with suppliers and internal teams, be ready to share stories about how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative spirit and how it has led to successful negotiations or project outcomes. This will resonate well with the company's focus on teamwork.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to transportation management. Practice articulating your thought process in scenarios involving cost optimisation, compliance issues, or supplier negotiations. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial approach, which are key for success in this dynamic environment.
