Procurement Manager – U.S. Ground Transportation & Warehousing

Job description

Be an essential element to a brighter future. We work together to transform essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. Join our values-led organization committed to building a more resilient world with people and planet in mind. Our core values are the foundation that make us successful for ourselves, our customers and the planet. Job Description Albemarle is seeking a Procurement Manager of U.S. Ground Transportation & Warehousing. This position is a hybrid role, required to be in the Charlotte office 3 days a week. Department: Global Logistics Procurement Reports To: Global Logistics Procurement Manager The Procurement Manager of U.S. Ground Transportation & Warehousing is responsible for sourcing, contracting, and managing domestic truck carrier and warehousing service providers across the United States. This role owns the commercial strategy and execution for transportation and warehousing services, including flatbed, container, drayage, bulk carriers, rail and third-party warehouse providers, ensuring reliable capacity, competitive cost structures, and strong supplier performance. The position partners closely with Logistics, Operations, Finance, and Risk Management to manage budgets, performance metrics, forecasting, and RFPs while mitigating operational and market risk across both transportation and warehousing networks. What You Will Do Lead sourcing, negotiation, and contracting activities for all transportation modes (Truck and rail) and warehousing. Negotiations will include carrier performance management, QBR, KPIs, accessorial, fuel surcharges and escalation clauses, storage rates, handling fees, value-added services, Service-level agreements (SLAs), and performance remedies Develop and execute sourcing strategies for: U.S. domestic truck carriers (flatbed, container, drayage, bulk), third-party warehousing providers (contract warehousing, overflow, short-term storage) Negotiate rates, accessorial, fuel surcharges, credit terms, service-level agreements (SLAs), and contract terms to balance cost, service, and risk. Participate in budgeting, freight cost forecasting, and savings pipeline development for transportation and warehousing categories. Lead negotiations and contracts for transportation and warehousing services, Track performance for OTR carriers to ensure safe, compliant, and reliable transportation. Lead bidding events, evaluate proposals, manage contracts, facilitate legal reviews, and finalize agreements. Lead regular supplier business reviews (QBRs/MBRs) to drive continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with transportation safety, regulatory, and trade requirements. Lead collaboration with carriers, warehouses, and stakeholders to improve logistics operations. Conduct research and analysis to support supply‑chain optimization initiatives. Ensure all NA transportation and warehousing contracts are uploaded, complete and maintained in contracting system SAP ARIBA Partner with Logistics, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure procurement strategies support operational execution. Collaborate with Logistics and Operations to understand shipment forecasts and capacity requirements. Translate volume forecasts into sourcing and capacity plans. Anticipate peak seasons, network changes, and risk events that could impact carrier availability or cost. Work with Legal and Risk teams to ensure contracts meet compliance, insurance, and risk mitigation requirements. Support continuity planning by maintaining backup carriers and contingency strategies. Drive cost reduction and continuous improvement through data-driven decisions, network performance analysis, and market intelligence while maintaining service and compliance. What You Bring Required Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Economics, or related field. Minimum 3 years of logistics or procurement experience in a multinational environment, freight forwarding. Experience managing OTR transportation and/or warehousing procurement Continuous improvement experience. Strong data analytics abilities: SAP S4 HANA or other ERP systems and advanced Excel. Experience working cross‑culturally with international teams. Familiarity with transportation of regulated and non-regulated goods (ground, rail, ocean, air). Proficient in MS Office Suite. Preferred Bilingual English/Spanish a plus. Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to work effectively in cross-functional environments. #LI-CJ1 Benefits of Joining Albemarle Competitive compensation Comprehensive benefits package A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally. We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.