Freight Forwarding Category Manager

Richard's Packaging Inc. has evolved from its origins as a glass container manufacturer for pharmacies into a leading North American distributor of packaging and healthcare products for the healthcare, food and beverage, and cosmetics sectors. With 112 years of experience and a team of approximately 600 employees across the continent, we are committed to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service. Join us in making a meaningful impact across diverse industries.

Why Join Richards:

• Generous compensation package including a competitive base salary and variable compensation
• Fantastic comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Dental benefits
• Gender affirmation support
• Paramedical services granting access to different practitioners
• Mental health coverage
• Orthotic and footwear coverage for custom boots or shoes
• Emergency travel insurance ensuring peace of mind while you travel
• And so much more!

About the Role:

Reporting to the Director of Purchasing and Sourcing, the Freight Forwarding Category Manager will be responsible for overseeing the sourcing and management of inbound ocean freight and local/regional over-the-road (OTR) rate sourcing. You will be responsible for optimizing freight cost structures, streamlining operations, and driving cost savings while ensuring that our freight services meet the highest standards of performance and reliability across the USA and Canada.

The successful applicant will:

• Manage the incumbent Freight Forwarders to deliver the best door-to-door service at the lowest total landed cost for USA & Canada, with an annual spend of $5-$6M USD.
• Develop, implement, and guide regional inbound freight initiatives, collaborating with purchasing teams to secure optimal ocean freight rates.
• Identify and qualify new freight forwarders for key ocean freight routes to maximize cost savings and service levels.
• Lead the business relationship and oversight for the CBSA/CARM portal and manage Customs Clearance in Canada.
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of the ocean freight industry, market trends, and competitors to inform strategic decisions.
• Act as the subject matter expert for ocean freight rate movements, advising on off-season and peak-season adjustments to deliver year-over-year cost savings.
• Build and maintain relationships with OTR freight suppliers to ensure the best market rates in local and branch-specific regions.
• Optimize regional freight lanes and implement new OTR freight programs for inter-company transfers and outbound shipments.
• Develop a comprehensive ocean freight sourcing strategy to stabilize market fluctuations and maintain predictable landed costs.
• Work closely with the Global Glass sourcing team to identify alternative sourcing options to avoid cost risks, including tariffs.
• Ensure the timely and accurate reporting of inbound shipments and logistics data to key stakeholders, enabling effective supply chain and logistics planning.
• Utilize freight forwarder shipment tracking tools to enhance visibility and collaboration on global inbound freight movements.

We are seeking a candidate with the following experience and attributes:

• College/University Diploma, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field.
• 10-15 years of relevant experience in Freight Forwarding, Category Management, or Supply Chain.
• Proven success in managing multi-million-dollar freight budgets and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Expertise in global and regional freight market analysis, including sourcing and cost management strategies.
• Strong knowledge of the logistics industry and experience managing freight forwarders and OTR freight suppliers.

Richards Packaging Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for all. We firmly believe that our work is at its best when everyone feels free to be their most authentic self. If you require accommodation, please let us know how we can further support you during the recruitment process.