Head of Procurement and 3PL Management

As part of the CEVA Lead Logistics (CLL) Management team, and reporting into the CLL Product Leader, the Head of Procurement and 3PL Management defines and oversees the strategy of managing 3PLs and Logistics Service Providers on behalf of CEVA’s 4PL customers.

This role covers the following main areas of responsibility:

• Define and own CEVA Lead Logistics’ strategy and approach to 3PL sourcing, onboarding and performance management
• Oversee and manage 3PL RFQ and tender activities on behalf of CLL’s customers
• Provide Market expertise and insights to internal and external stakeholders

The portfolio of 3PL and Logistics Service providers to be managed spans across all modes of transport (Air, Ocean, Ground / Rail, Parcel) and all geographies globally.

Main areas of focus and accountability of the role – detail in order of importance the main areas of accountability of the role:

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

• In alignment with the CLL global management team, develop an approach to sourcing, contracting and managing 3PLs and Logistics Service Providers (LSP) in the scope of 4PL engagements. Understand customer needs and derive a strategy to be offered as integrated part of the global CLL service portfolio. Document Procurement strategy and support creation of marketing materials.
• This covers the following areas:
• 3PL sourcing: develop a process of sourcing 3PL and LSPs through a standardized approach to tendering. Develop supporting documents and tools, such as questionnaires, 3PL evaluation matrix, freight rate templates, 3PL scorecards and final proposal to customers.
• 3PL onboarding: definition of standard 3PL onboarding plans and RACI, combining both operational as well as technical tasks (e.g. EDI onboarding) and development of a standard 3PL SOP, aligned with the global CLL service offering and adaptable to customer’s business requirements.
• 3PL performance management: develop and implement a standardized approach to managing Service Provider performance; This includes definition of standard KPIs and related reporting, setting SLA and performance targets and governance approach (performance meetings, MBR / QBR)
• Develop a process to gather and manage 3PL and LSP information with the aim of centralizing and benchmarking data such as LSP contact information, rate cards, volumes and performance figures.
• Understand technical capabilities with involved CEVA / CLL support functions, such as EDI connectivity, usage of external data sources (e.g. aggregators) and other technology (IOT, AI) as integral part of the service offering.

3PL Tender and RFQ Management:

• Lead and coordinate 3PL sourcing and tendering activities, including market research, defining and launching RFI and RFQ / tenders, data analysis, service provider selection, negotiation and contracting.
• Where applicable, evaluate and discuss savings expectations through rate negotiations and align with the customer
• Lead and coordinate the integration and onboarding of new 3PL / LSP on behalf of the customer and in collaboration with involved CLL functions. This includes data collection, 3PL SOP creation, coordination of IT and EDI integration, trainings and handovers

Market Expertise and Operational / Customer Support

• Gather extensive market information and support CLL customers’ logistics strategy by providing regular transportation market insights and updates on legislation, regulations or supply chain disruptions, supporting customer initiatives and decision making with specific market knowledge and logistics expertise
• Conduct periodical reviews of customers’ 3PL portfolio in the context of fluctuation in customers’ transportation and supply chain network or changes to environment / market conditions
• Periodically validate current rates against market level and trends
• Support 4PL operational teams by providing subject matter expertise on transportation and supply chain issues (e.g. industry requirements, Dangerous Goods, transport legislation and others)
• Act as senior point of escalation for unresolved (operational or performance) issues with 3PL; liaise and support customer in case of persisting issues with Service Provider performance and propose manage alternative / backup providers.
• Support contract management teams to prepare regular strategy meetings (QBR, MBR) and in performance discussions with the customer

Engineering and Continuous Improvement:

• Work in close collaboration with CLL management teams (Contract Management, Operations Management, Solution Design) to identify and implement value-adding initiatives for CLL customers (e.g. network studies, re-engineering and continuous improvement initiatives)
• Create improvement roadmap with contracted 3PL, leveraging projects such as process automati