Ocean Freight Negotiator

The Product Specialist role plays a pivotal part in securing competitive rates from ocean carriers and supporting sales teams in pricing freight forwarding services. This involves developing and managing carrier relationships, analyzing market dynamics, and ensuring timely responses to RFQs and tenders while supporting the global ocean freight strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Negotiate with ocean carriers for FAKs, bundled rates, and contract agreements to secure competitive pricing.
2. Establish strategic relationships with both core and non-core carriers to ensure rate procurement efficiency.
3. Monitor carrier performance to ensure compliance with Minimum Quantity Commitments (MQCs) and agreed terms.
4. Implement an ocean procurement strategy that aligns with business objectives and provides market insights.
5. Oversee tender submissions, maintaining a comprehensive repository of responses and ensuring compliance with requirements.
6. Prepare clear and competitive proposals in collaboration with the tender management team.
7. Provide market intelligence and value-added information to support sales and improve win rates.
8. Develop a comprehensive pricing model that aligns with market conditions and business goals.
9. Manage Oceantariff templates, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.
10. Analyze price sensitivity and profitability, recommending revenue adjustments and margin improvements.
11. Communicate pricing adjustments to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and clarity.
12. Collect, analyze, and distribute market intelligence on rate trends, carrier behaviors, and market dynamics.
13. Act as a central point of contact for regional pricing inquiries, offering insights into local and global market conditions.
14. Provide feedback on procurement performance, identifying areas for improvement and aligning with the global product strategy.
15. Contribute to the development of ocean freight products, defining them according to global standards.
16. Support product training initiatives, equipping the sales team with up-to-date knowledge.
17. Align product offerings with customer requirements, collaborating with commercial teams for competitive advantage.
18. Maintain long-term partnerships with ocean carriers, driving improved procurement results.
19. Negotiate for FCL and LCL services, focusing on competitive pricing and value-added solutions.
20. Address operational issues with carriers, acting as an escalation point for timely resolution.
21. Evaluate procurement processes for efficiency, supporting the creation of minimum selling rate guidelines.
22. Ensure data integrity within the rate management system, providing accurate information to relevant stakeholders.
23. Report on procurement performance, rate competitiveness, and carrier utilization regularly.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. Rate Competitiveness: Secure competitive rates aligned with market benchmarks and tender requirements.
2. Tender Success: Ensure accurate, timely, and competitive tender submissions with high win rates.
3. Rate Management Accuracy: Maintain accuracy and timely updates in rate management systems.
4. Carrier Utilization: Fulfil MQCs and strengthen key carrier relationships.
5. Procurement Efficiency: Enhance rate negotiation processes for faster responses and continuous improvements.
6. Margin Improvement: Drive margin improvements through effective rate negotiations and cost-saving measures.
7. Sales Support: Provide prompt and accurate responses to sales rate inquiries, supporting customer needs.
8. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Maintain effective communication with stakeholders to support procurement strategies and improvements.

Interactions:

External: Ocean Carriers and Vendors, Key Customers, Third-Party Logistics Providers

Internal: Global Head of Ocean Freight, Sales & BD, Managing Directors, Tender Management Team, Operations Team, WeFreight Branch offices

Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related fields.

Background and Experience: Experience in freight forwarding or logistics, preferably with carrier relationships or negotiation experience.

Competencies and Skills:

1. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in ocean freight rate procurement, carrier negotiation, or related roles in freight forwarding.
2. In-depth knowledge of ocean freight products, procurement strategies, and carrier dynamics.
3. Strong analytical skills, including pricing models, rate trends, and market intelligence.
4. Technical Skills: Knowledge of ocean freight procurement, rate structures, and market trends.
5. Proficiency in using rate management tools and software for accuracy and efficiency.

Communication Skills: Excellent negotiation and relationship-building abilities, with strong verbal and written communication skills, including fluency in English.

Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze rate data, market trends, and tender results for strategic decision-making.

Problem-Solving: Proactive and adaptable, with the ability to resolve issues related to rate discrepancies and carrier negotiations.

Core Competencies:

1. Customer Focus: Committed to meeting customer needs through competitive rate solutions.
2. Commercial Acumen: Understands market dynamics, driving profitability through smart procurement.
3. Analytical Thinking: Analyzes trends and performance for enhanced rate competitiveness.
4. Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiator, maintaining strategic carrier partnerships.
5. Collaboration: Works effectively with internal teams to achieve objectives.
6. Adaptability: Responds to changing market conditions and requirements.
7. Result Orientation: Focused on achieving targets and improving procurement performance.

Please submit your application form, cover letter, and CV.