Senior Category Procurement Manager - Logistics

Job Summary: Leads a team in the development, execution, and implementation of effective short- and long-term logistics procurement strategies, from initial identification of procurement needs through delivery, for logistics and supply chain services. The strategies will align with the Company goals for reducing costs and meeting financial expectation, while managing supplier relationships. This role is responsible for managing key logistics categories including inbound transportation (ocean, drayage, truckload, LTL, intermodal, and parcel), fleet operations, final mile delivery, warehouse automation, and maintenance services. Responsible for negotiating, coordinating, and assuring that the multiple logistics services are purchased at optimal cost. Assesses near-term and long-term plans to establish that supplier priorities are balanced with business needs; consults with senior management, and other subject matter experts to develop alternative solutions; advises on options, risks, total cost of ownership, and business impacts. Provides oversight of work quality and constructive feedback to direct and indirect reports, where applicable. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded logistics leader with deep transportation knowledge, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to manage complex RFPs, contract negotiations, and supplier relationships. This individual will serve as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, provide market intelligence and industry best practices, lead strategic initiatives, develop team members, and drive data-driven decision making. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, executive-level communication capabilities, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to independently manage high-impact projects while helping shape the future of Walgreens' supply chain network. #LI-NL1 This role is based in our Deerfield, IL office and is on‑site four days a week. Job Responsibilities:

• Directs team activity and execution across multiple categories, strategic sourcing strategies, best practices, and initiatives that support aggressive improvements in supplier quality, total cost effectiveness, enhanced service levels, improved coordination, delivery, pricing, lead-times, payment, risk compliance and other areas as identified.

• Provides continuous leadership, oversight of work quality and constructive feedback to direct reports.

• Collaborates and influences leaders outside of category span of control.

• Executes category sourcing strategies including development and execution of RFI’s and RFP’s, documents bid events through correspondence to suppliers; develops selection criteria and drives the selection of suppliers in collaboration with a cross-functional teams; conducts supplier negotiations and ongoing supplier management.

• Streamlines business processes; researches and provides information on industry category trends and best practices. Provides procurement input to maximize procurement leverage, optimizes project design and minimizes project durations and cost.

• Develops negotiation strategies, gains alignment from stakeholders, leads cross-functional, category-based negotiation teams, and implements appropriate supplier risk analysis. Directly negotiates with suppliers that require a detailed strategic plan and have a direct correlation with Walgreens operational needs and goals.

• Uses current spend information/data and business knowledge to identify sourcing projects for individual subcategories and develops an overall cost reduction plan. Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of business requirements and category ownership by creating and defending category strategies and decisions with sound analytics. Delegates analytic tasks to key support functions; and synthesizes results.

• Develops supplier score card to measure supplier performance against agreed upon key performance indicators; tracks compliance and supports formal management reporting to director and other members of senior management. Benchmark, track, and analyze annual performance metrics and sourcing trends against budget on a monthly basis to demonstrate continuous improvement and progress against strategic objectives. Implement supplier management programs with key suppliers including metrics, performance goals, and improvement initiatives.

• Monitors supplier performance to ensure that delivery dates and technical and contractual requirements are met. Participates in strategic meetings with suppliers and business leaders to ensure execution of defined strategies. Manages day-to-day on-going category supplier relations and seeks outgrowth or revision opportunities within supply base. Acts as the internal point of contact for supplier management and complaint resolution; conducts regular supplier meetings and implements improvement strategies with suppliers. Creates, nurtures, and enhances supplier relationships.

• Aggressively manages category performance by adhering to internal Savings goals and reviewing financial models for commodity type items. Ensures spend portfolio for reoccurring managed spend is balanced through coordinated sourcing waves and leveraged with Capital project sourcing activities.

• Drives consolidation of spend and seeks out synergies across Business Units where applicable, by forming and leading cross-functional strategic sourcing teams to develop and implement category/commodity strategies and to drive cost from individual spend sub-categories. Champions weekly category review meetings with cross-functional teams to manage category performance.

• Cultivates team morale, motivation, and loyalty through continuous training and mentorship, proving clear communication and constructive feedback.