Location: Shanghai or Guangzhou Reports to: Head of Seafreight Department JOB SUMMARY: The Procurement Manager for Ocean Freight is responsible for managing and optimizing the procurement of ocean freight services for an international freight forwarding company. This role involves strategic sourcing, vendor management, cost negotiation, and ensuring the highest level of service quality from ocean carriers and partners. The Procurement Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders, including operations, sales, and customer service teams, to ensure seamless and cost-effective ocean freight solutions for clients. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Strategic Sourcing: - Identify, evaluate, and select ocean carriers, NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers), and other service providers to ensure competitive pricing and reliable service. - Develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize ocean freight costs while maintaining service quality. - Monitor global market trends, including freight rates, capacity, and industry developments, to make informed procurement decisions. 2. Vendor Management: - Build and maintain strong relationships with ocean carriers, co-loaders, and other partners. - Negotiate contracts, rates, and terms with vendors to secure favorable conditions for the company. - Conduct regular performance reviews of vendors to ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs) and KPIs. 3. Cost Management: - Analyze and control ocean freight costs, ensuring alignment with budget and profitability goals. - Identify cost-saving opportunities through route optimization, carrier selection, and volume consolidation. - Prepare and present cost analysis reports to senior management. 4. Operational Support: - Collaborate with the operations team to ensure smooth execution of ocean freight shipments. - Resolve any issues related to procurement, such as capacity shortages, rate discrepancies, or service failures. - Provide procurement support for special projects, such as new trade lane development or customer-specific solutions. QUALIFICATIONS: 85 Education: - Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) is a plus. 85 Experience: - Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in procurement, preferably within the international freight forwarding or shipping industry. - Proven track record of managing ocean freight procurement and vendor relationships. - Strong knowledge of ocean freight operations, including FCL and LCL - Key relationship with one or two major carriers on Europe Trade 85 Skills: - Excellent negotiation and contract management skills. - Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. - Proficiency in procurement software and tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar). - Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. - Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus. 85 Personal Attributes: - Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset. - Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. - High level of integrity and ethical standards. - Strong leadership and team management skills. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATIORS (KPIs): - Total seafreight volume increase - Cost savings achieved through procurement initiatives. - Vendor performance metrics (e.g., on-time delivery, service quality). - Contract compliance rate. - Reduction in procurement cycle time. - Customer satisfaction scores related to ocean freight services. WORKING CONDITIONS: - Office-based role with occasional travel to meet vendors or attend industry events. - May require flexibility to work across different time zones due to the global nature of the business. APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications to us. *This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not encompass all responsibilities or tasks that may be required.
