Ocean Freight Procurement Lead

upscale; Shah Alam; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

upscale in Malaysia is seeking an experienced Shipping / Ocean Freight Manager to lead procurement, line management and cost optimisation across international shipments. You will oversee relationships with shipping lines, carriers and forwarders to ensure cost-effective, compliant and timely deliveries.

The role requires hands-on procurement experience, strong negotiation and collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a deep understanding of Malaysia's ocean freight market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, business administration or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of shipping, ocean freight, freight procurement or logistics experience.
• Hands-on ocean freight procurement experience essential.
• Experience managing relationships with shipping lines preferred.
• Experience in freight rate negotiation, tender management and carrier selection.
• Knowledge ofIncoterms, freight charges and shipping documentation.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and communication skills.
• Good understanding of Malaysia logistics and ocean freight market.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and logistics/ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the company's ocean freight procurement activities.
• Develop and maintain relations with shipping lines, carriers, freight forwarders and partners.
• Negotiate ocean freight rates, contracts, service terms and capacity commitments.
• Monitor market freight rates, capacity, surcharges and trends for cost savings.
• Evaluate and select suitable shipping lines and providers.
• Manage RFQs, tenders and freight rate negotiations.
• Monitor shipping performance, transit time and service quality.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Warehouse, Finance and Customer Service.
• Review freight costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular reviews.
• Support resolution of operational issues including delays and documentation.
• Ensure shipping activities comply with customs, trade and company requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on freight spend, supplier performance, savings and KPIs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce logistics costs.

Skills

Ocean Freight Procurement

Shipping Line Management

Freight Rate Negotiation

Contract & Tender Management

Carrier Management

Cost Optimisation

International Shipping

Logistics Operations

Supplier Performance Management

Market & Freight Rate Analysis

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Logistics/SC/Business Admin

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

upscale in Malaysia is seeking an experienced Shipping / Ocean Freight Manager to lead procurement, line management and cost optimisation across international shipments. You will oversee relationships with shipping lines, carriers and forwarders to ensure cost-effective, compliant and timely deliveries.

The role requires hands-on procurement experience, strong negotiation and collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a deep understanding of Malaysia's ocean freight market.