Head of Logistics Rate Procurement & Operations

Client of Salt; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Client of Salt is seeking a Head of Logistics / Rate Procurement & Operations to own the supply side of a fast-growing logistics technology platform. The role combines rate sourcing, carrier relations and operational execution with a hands-on leadership approach in a dynamic environment.

The ideal candidate has senior ocean freight FCL experience, strong knowledge of the India-UAE trade lane and proven ability to negotiate and source competitive rates while shaping an AI-enhanced quotation

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on ocean freight/FCL experience in forwarding, NVOCC or carrier environments.
• Strong knowledge of the India-UAE trade lane and related market dynamics.
• Established relationships with NVOCCs and regional carriers across India and UAE/GCC.
• Proven experience sourcing and negotiating ocean freight rates and contracts.
• Deep understanding of spot vs. contract rates, surcharges, allocations and transit times.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end ocean freight rate procurement across the India-UAE FCL corridor and future markets.
• Build and manage relationships with NVOCCs, regional carriers and other rate sources.
• Negotiate competitive spot rates, contracts, and surcharges.
• Monitor market pricing, capacity, transit times and carrier activity.
• Lead the rate procurement and operations desk and build the team as the business scales.
• Act as the senior escalation point for operational and customer issues.
• Collaborate with Product & Technology to improve AI-powered quoting and booking platform.
• Validate automated quotes against live market conditions and provide industry insight to improve the platform.
• Support commercial growth and key accounts during early-stage expansion.

Skills

Ocean freight

FCL expertise

NVOCC relationships

Rate negotiation

Trade lane India-UAE

Freight desk management

Commercial judgement

CargoWise / Freightos

Hindi / Arabic

Tools

CargoWise

Freightos

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing logistics technology company, is looking for a Head of Logistics / Rate Procurement & Operations to take ownership of the supply side of the business. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an experienced ocean freight professional who can combine rate procurement, carrier/NVOCC relationships and operational execution with the ability to help shape a technology-driven logistics platform.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end ocean freight rate procurement across the India-UAE FCL corridor and future markets.
• Build and manage relationships with NVOCCs, regional carriers and other rate sources .
• Negotiate competitive spot rates, contracts, special agreements and surcharges.
• Monitor market pricing, capacity, transit times and carrier activity.
• Lead the rate procurement and operations desk and build the team as the business scales.
• Act as the senior escalation point for operational and customer issues.
• Work closely with Product & Technology to improve the AI-powered quoting and booking platform .
• Validate automated quotes against live market conditions and provide industry insight to improve the platform.
• Support commercial growth and key accounts during the company s early-stage expansion.

Desired Candidate Profile

• 5+ years of hands-on ocean freight/FCL experience within forwarding, NVOCC or carrier environments.
• Strong knowledge of the India-UAE trade lane .
• Established relationships with NVOCCs and regional carriers across India and/or the UAE/GCC.
• Proven experience personally sourcing and negotiating ocean freight rates .
• Strong understanding of spot vs. contract rates, surcharges, allocations and transit times.
• Experience running a freight desk, branch or similar operation independently.
• Strong commercial judgement combined with detailed operational knowledge.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and remaining hands-on.
• Experience with CargoWise, Freightos or similar platforms is an advantage.
• Hindi or Arabic is a plus.