Transportation Sourcing Manager - NAM

Date: Jul 17, 2026

Location: Nashville, TN, US, 37214

Company: AkzoNobel

The Transportation Sourcing Manager – NAM is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing transportation services (e.g., truckload, LTL, intermodal, parcel, bulk tanker, courier, ocean/air as applicable) to ensure reliable capacity, competitive rates, and strong carrier performance. Responsible scope across US, Canada, and Mexico is $75M USD spend, 130,000 shipments, and 200 carriers. This role leads transportation sourcing events (1-2 per year, per mode), develops carrier strategies, manages contracts and compliance, and partners with operations, logistics, and finance to optimize total landed/transportation cost while meeting service requirements.

A key focus of this role over the next 3-24 months will be supporting the transition from a 4PL-managed transportation network to an insourced transportation operating model. The role will support the migration of a complex transportation portfolio while ensuring uninterrupted service and sustainable transportation procurement practices.

This role is located in Nashville, TN, must reside or be willing to relocate to this area.

Job Responsibilities

Cross Functional Leadership

Partner with logistics teams to align procurement decisions with operational realities.

Manage carrier contracts to support service commitments and customer requirements.

Contribute to network design projects and new site/carrier/customer onboarding from a procurement standpoint.

Procurement and Sourcing

Using deep industry experience, develop and execute transportation sourcing strategies aligned to business needs, cost, and service requirements

Lead RFP events, lane analysis, carrier selection, and awards.

Build and maintain a balanced carrier portfolio (asset vs broker, regional vs national, etc) optimizing cost while maintaining capacity and service.

Benchmark rates, assess and predict market trends, and adjust strategies accordingly.

Negotiation and Contract Management

Negotiate freight rates, assessorial schedules, and SLA’s

With support from the legal team, review, award, and manage carrier contracts.

Ensure compliance with insurance, safety, regulatory requirements, and internal procurement policies.

Partner with legal and risk teams to mitigate risk and ensure contract adherence.

Carrier Performance and Relationship Management

Collaborate with transportation operations to resolve service failures and capacity concerns.

Conduct QBR’s with key carrier partners to drive continuous improvement.

Establish industry standard KPI’s and create/manage carrier scorecards.

Cost Optimization and Analytics

Identify and deliver cost-savings initiatives utilizing mode optimization, route guide changes, and periodic RFP’s.

Manage transportation budgets and forecast impacts from market shifts and business volume changes.

Digital & TMS Adoption

Ensure all approved carriers have the capability for effective use of TMS (SAP TM) and visibility tools in daily operations.

Support system adoption and provide feedback for improvements.

Job Requirements

Education

University degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.

Experience

7-10 years of experience in transportation

Demonstrated experience running RFP’s and negotiating carrier contracts at a large scale ($20M+ in annual spend)

Strong knowledge of transportation modes, pricing structures, accessories, and broad market dynamics.

Experience working with TMS and logistics digital tools

Familiarity with freight pay/audit, claims management, and regulatory requirements.

Experience with international freight and customs preferred

Skills

Strong operational and problem-solving mindset

Ability to manage high-paced, dynamic environments

Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills

Understanding of transport planning, execution, and carrier operations

Analytical skills to monitor performance and drive improvements

Proficiency in reporting tools

Experience with SAP TM and SAP Business Network for Logistics (BN4L) is a strong plus

Nearest Major Market: Nashville