At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global freight procurement and optimise transportation strategies for cost and service improvements.
- Company: Join Azenta, a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on teamwork and strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming global freight operations and driving efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in freight procurement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Azenta UK, Ltd.
At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future.
Our customer focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships.
All we accomplish is grounded in our core values of Customer Focus, Achievement, Accountability, Teamwork, Employee Value and Integrity
- Job Title
- Global Freight Procurement & RFQ Lead
Job Description
- Duration 6 months
- Based in Wotton, Surrey
The Global Freight Procurement & RFQ Lead will be responsible for completing a full diagnostic review of Azenta’s global freight spend, carrier base, freight forwarding arrangements, courier/parcel activity, commercial terms and service performance.
This role is expected to challenge current freight purchasing and transportation arrangements, identify cost and service improvement opportunities, and take the business out to market through a robust RFQ/RFP process.
Working closely with Operations, Procurement, Finance, Sales, Customer Service and regional stakeholders, the role will evaluate existing and potential freight providers across relevant transport modes and geographies.
The output will be a clear recommendation pack for leadership, outlining provider options, commercial benefits, service-level improvements, implementation considerations, and the recommended global freight strategy.
Scope clarification
This contract is focused on freight spend and transportation provider sourcing only.
It does not include a review of current contracted 3PL warehousing, fulfilment or site operating arrangements, which will be managed as a separate review due to existing contractual commitments.
- Key Contract Deliverables
- Complete global freight spend baseline, including cost drivers, lanes, shipment volumes, modes, service levels, surcharges and contractual terms.
- Identify quick-win freight cost reduction and service improvement opportunities across current transportation arrangements.
- Build and run a structured RFQ/RFP process covering relevant freight forwarders, parcel/courier providers, carriers and specialist transport providers.
- Create an objective supplier evaluation model covering cost, service, coverage, compliance, technology, risk and implementation capability.
- Present recommended freight provider options and a global transportation solution that supports cost reduction, better service levels and future business growth.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Map current global freight activity, carriers, freight forwarders, parcel/courier providers, lanes, volumes, shipment profiles, modes, Incoterms dependencies and operating requirements.
- Analyse freight spend across regions, business units and providers to identify savings opportunities, avoidable costs, rate leakage and process inefficiencies.
- Evaluate current freight provider performance against cost, delivery reliability, responsiveness, quality, claims, customer impact, geographic coverage and scalability.
- Benchmark current pricing, rate cards, accessorial charges, fuel mechanisms, surcharges and freight terms against the external market.
- Develop the RFQ/RFP strategy, supplier longlist, data pack, bid requirements, scoring criteria and timeline.
- Engage the market to identify freight providers capable of delivering a stronger global transportation solution across priority lanes and regions.
- Lead supplier Q&A, bid clarification, commercial comparison, operational assessment and final evaluation.
- Build a clear business case showing cost savings, service improvements, risks, assumptions, implementation complexity and expected benefits.
- Recommend preferred freight provider options and a transition roadmap, including contract, implementation, governance and performance management considerations.
- Partner with Procurement, Operations, Finance, Sales, Customer Service, Compliance and regional teams to align recommendations with business needs.
- Define ongoing freight supplier KPIs, reporting cadence and governance process to ensure savings and service improvements are sustained.
- Provide regular progress updates, risks, issues and decision points to the Senior Director, Global C&I Operations.
- What You'll Bring
- Strong experience in freight procurement, logistics sourcing, transportation management, carrier management or supply chain cost reduction projects.
- Proven track record of running freight RFQ/RFP processes from data preparation through supplier evaluation, negotiation support and recommendation.
- Strong commercial and analytical capability, with the ability to interpret freight spend, rate structures, surcharges, service data and operational requirements.
- Good understanding of international freight, carrier networks, freight forwarders, parcel/courier providers, customs touchpoints and global transport operating models.
- Ability to benchmark pricing and service levels, identify cost reduction opportunities and translate analysis into a practical business case.
- Experience developing supplier scorecards, KPI frameworks, evaluation matrices and executive-level recommendation packs.
- Confident stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work across Operations, Procurement, Finance, Sales and regional teams.
- Strong project management capability, comfortable managing a fast-paced six-month review with clear milestones and deliverables.
- High proficiency in Excel and data analysis; experience with Power BI, ERP/TMS data or freight audit tools would be advantageous.
- Clear communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex freight options in a simple, evidence-based way for senior decision makers.
- Preferred Experience
- Experience in a global, multi-site manufacturing, life sciences, healthcare, technology or regulated operating environment.
- Direct experience sourcing parcel, courier, air, ocean, road, express and/or specialist freight services.
- Experience negotiating with freight forwarders, carriers, parcel providers and specialist transport organizations.
- Knowledge of international trade, customs requirements, temperature-controlled or high-value shipments would be beneficial.
If any applicant is unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please email at Recruiting@azenta. com for assistance.
Azenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Global Freight Procurement & RFQ Lead employer: Azenta
At GENEWIZ, part of Azenta, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative culture, where teamwork and integrity are at the forefront, providing ample opportunities for professional development. Located in South Plainfield, NJ, we offer a unique chance to be part of a global leader in life sciences, driving meaningful advancements in research and technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Freight Procurement & RFQ Lead
✨Get to Know the Local Scene
Temporary roles in logistics and supply chain often rely on local connections. Visit local businesses or warehouses and introduce yourself! You'd be surprised how often work is filled through word of mouth, so put yourself out there.
✨Leverage Industry Events
Look for trade shows, logistics expos, or supply chain seminars happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and often feature companies looking for temporary staff. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
✨Be Ready to Flex Your Skills
In temporary roles, employers want people who can easily adapt. Brush up on your knowledge of inventory management systems or logistics software—anything that can show you're ready to jump in right away. It will make you stand out!
✨Apply through Our Website!
Don't forget to check our listings at StudySmarter! We often have great temporary roles in logistics and supply chain that you can apply for directly. Getting your application in through our site is a solid step towards landing your next gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Freight Procurement & RFQ Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Logistics Know-How:When applying for a Global Freight Procurement & RFQ Lead in logistics and supply chain, make sure to highlight your relevant skills such as inventory management, procurement knowledge, and experience with logistics software. Tailor your CV to show any specific projects or coursework you've completed that relate to the field—specifics matter!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, it's important to showcase your flexibility in your cover letter. Employers want to know that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to changing priorities, so share examples of previous roles where you've shown this adaptability.
Include Certifications and Training:If you have any relevant certifications like a Forklift License or training in supply chain management, make sure these are front and centre in your application. They really can set you apart in the logistics field, especially for a temporary role where employers may prefer someone who's ready to jump straight into the task at hand.
Why You Want This Role:In your cover letter, express why you're interested in this temporary position at Azenta. Use it as a chance to show your enthusiasm for the logistics field and how this experience will help you grow professionally. Remember, it’s about more than just the job—show us you're keen to learn and make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Azenta
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on fundamental supply chain concepts, like inventory management and logistics strategies. Since this is a temporary role, having a quick grasp of these basics can set you apart and show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you solved logistics challenges. Interviewers love hearing how you approached issues like delays or order discrepancies, so come prepared with a couple of solid examples that highlight your critical thinking skills.
✨Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
As a temporary candidate, we need to demonstrate adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can quickly integrate into different teams and handle diverse tasks. This can really showcase your potential to thrive in a fast-paced environment like logistics.
✨Get Familiar with Logistics Tools
Familiarise yourself with common supply chain management software, such as SAP or Oracle. Mentioning these tools during your interview can impress your interviewer at Azenta and demonstrate your readiness to engage with their systems right away.
