Category Manager - European Transportation & Freight

Job Description

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 in this role requires thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and delivering creative, effective solutions that drive transparency, process optimization, compliance, and cost savings—all while strengthening service levels for stakeholders and customers.

• 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.

• Lead the Freight Payment Team in managing the accounts payable process for European freight, ensuring seamless support for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee carrier freight bill processing to guarantee timely and accurate payment disbursement.
• Ensure compliance with contractual agreements, proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies in rates and accessorial charges.
• Analyze recurring variances to identify root causes and implement practical, timely solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement in freight audit and payment processes, strengthening internal controls to increase accuracy and reduce fraud risk.
• Maintain proactive communication with carriers to ensure timely receipt of freight bills and supporting documentation, as well as reconciliation and resolution of past‑due amounts.
• Monitor workloads for data entry and audit teams to ensure consistent and efficient processing.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive process documentation and establish KPIs to track performance and ensure

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Supply Chain, or Logistics.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in transportation category management.
• High-energy, proactive individual with strong problem-solving skills and ability to work across all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and prioritization skills.

• International work experience and intercultural competence.
• MBA or PMP certification.
• Proven leadership in complex transportation organizations.
• Fluency in English, Hungarian knowledge is an advantage.
• Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Strategic thinker with innovative mindset.

• Approximately 25% travel, primarily within Europe; some international travel required.