Associate Category Manager Logistics
Zaventem, BE
At Etex, our purpose Building Better Together underpins everything we do.
As a leading global manufacturer of sustainable building materials, we are driven by a commitment to excellence, but it's our people that are our top priority.
We foster a culture where connection and collaboration empower our teams to thrive and perform at their best.
A career with us is an opportunity to grow, learn and lead, supported by our commitment to your development and well-being.
About the role:
Together, we’re shaping the future of construction. Ready to make your impact?
Join Etex as Associate Category Manager - Logistics and be a part of "Buying Better Together" - Etex's global Procurement transformation programme. Buying Better Together is transforming Procurement at Etex into a globally connected function that creates value through category excellence, strategic supplier partnerships, digital capabilities and disciplined execution.
The Associate Category Manager - Logistics is a senior individual contributor accountable for developing and delivering strategies for assigned logistics subcategories, strategic suppliers and cross-regional sourcing programmes. Reporting to the Global Category Manager Logistics, the role owns sourcing, negotiation, contracting, implementation and supplier governance within its delegated portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies and roadmaps for assigned logistics subcategories aligned with the global category strategy.
- Translate category objectives into multi-year value roadmaps and annual delivery plans in partnership with business stakeholders.
- Coordinate demand management and supplier engagement across countries and divisions to leverage One Etex scale.
- Analyze freight markets, capacity, transport economics, and supplier capabilities to drive commercial recommendations.
- Lead logistics and freight tenders, including supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract management.
- Deliver agreed savings, cost avoidance, working-capital improvements, and contract compliance targets.
- Drive total-cost optimization through benchmarking, network analysis, load utilization improvements, and transport mode reviews.
- Own commercial relationships and performance governance for logistics providers and carriers.
- Establish and manage supplier performance scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action plans.
- Identify and mitigate supply, market, capacity, geopolitical, regulatory, and supplier-related risks while ensuring logistics resilience.
- Lead transport sustainability and decarbonization initiatives, including emissions reduction projects and sustainable supplier practices.
- Drive cross-functional implementation of sourcing initiatives, ensuring stakeholder alignment, supplier adoption, and realization of business benefits.
Key Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Several years of experience in strategic procurement, category management, sourcing, or supplier management within logistics.
- Proven track record of leading multi-country logistics tenders and sourcing projects.
- Strong experience negotiating with carriers and logistics service providers.
- Demonstrated success in contract implementation and delivering measurable commercial results.
- Advanced expertise in logistics category strategy development and deployment.
- Advanced knowledge of supplier relationship management and performance governance.
- Advanced capability in logistics spend analysis, lane-level total cost modelling, and freight-market intelligence.
- Deep understanding of logistics contracting, including service levels, claims, fuel indexation, accessorial charges, and capacity commitments.
- Proven matrix leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and change initiatives without direct authority.
- Ability to influence stakeholders, coach local procurement teams, and drive adoption across multiple countries and functions.
- Professional-level English communication and presentation skills, including negotiation with senior stakeholders.
Why Join Us:
- Etex's strong purpose 'Building Better together' is shaping a new future for the construction industry and helping to build a better future for all.
- Our culture – we connect & care about those around us. We nurture teamwork, communities, partnerships and new ways of working, placing the highest importance on the safety and working environment of our people.
- Our ‘Road to Sustainability 2030’ is our plan to help build a better, sustainable future. We work towards this vision by caring about our social and environmental impacts and developing innovative solutions.
- We have a strong conviction that diversity of thinking helps us to deliver a strong and sustainable performance. It is also essential for us that everyone feels part of the team. In this spirit, we are committed to equal opportunities and zero tolerance towards discrimination.