Global Procurement Lead Ocean Freight

Mindfield Resources; Dubai; On-site; AED 367,000 - 551,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a seasoned professional to oversee global procurement strategies for ocean freight operations. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in procurement with significant expertise in ocean freight, focusing on cost efficiencies and stakeholder management. The role emphasizes strategic negotiation, vendor development, and compliance with procurement policies. Competitive compensation package offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in procurement, with at least 5 years in global ocean freight procurement.
• Experience in large manufacturing organizations, preferably FMCG.
• Proven track record in freight planning, contract negotiations, and cost reduction.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee global procurement strategies for ocean freight operations.
• Develop and execute freight buying strategies.
• Monitor ocean freight market trends and conduct variance analysis.
• Negotiate contracts with key shipping line accounts and freight forwarders.

Skills

Global procurement strategies

Negotiation with shipping lines

Stakeholder relationship management

Cost efficiencies

Freight procurement optimization

Education

Master’s degree in Business Administration (Supply Chain, Operations, Finance)

Job description

Overview

Our Client is an international name in the consumer goods industry with a significant presence and premium quality of well loved brands in the food industry.

Role Overview

You would lead and oversee global procurement strategies for ocean freight operations. This role is instrumental in driving cost efficiencies, ensuring timely container availability to meet OTIF (On Time In Full) targets, and leading negotiations with major shipping lines and freight forwarders. The successful candidate will also manage stakeholder relationships across geographies and optimize freight procurement processes in line with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute freight buying strategies to ensure timely container availability for meeting OTIF commitments.
• Lead global ocean freight procurement efforts across India, the Middle East, Europe, America, Thailand, and Africa.
• Track ocean freight market trends, monitor price fluctuations, and conduct variance analysis (actuals vs budget vs market).
• Lead negotiations for short- and long-term contracts with key shipping line accounts and freight forwarders.
• Optimize procurement leverage to secure favorable SLAs and cost terms.
• Manage spot freight buying aligned with operational requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with key accounts; conduct performance evaluations and regular reviews.
• Identify and evaluate alternate freight forwarders for vendor development.
• Own the end-to-end freight expense MIS tracking to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate with plants and logistics partners to ensure timely availability of food-grade containers for stuffing and shipment.
• Address and resolve inter-regional logistics issues and shipment delays.
• Oversee the full process from booking to Bill of Lading release for intra-group or third-party purchases.
• Monitor and control Detention and Demurrage (D&D) charges across geographies.
• Ensure SOP compliance and drive process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory and internal policies related to freight procurement and logistics.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Supply Chain, Operations, or Finance.

• Experience:

• 15+ years in procurement, with at least 5 years in global ocean freight procurement

• Experience in large manufacturing organizations; FMCG background preferred.

• Proven track record in freight planning, contract negotiations, vendor development, and cost reduction initiatives.

Next Steps

Please upload your resume via our ATS platform with all fields completed.

Note: Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 5–7 business days for further discussions.