Group Head of Sea Freight Procurement

Leman International Transport Ltd; Staten Island Junction (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

LEMAN is seeking an Americas Head of Sea Freight Procurement to lead global procurement of LCL and FCL carriers, manage capacity, pricing strategy and supplier performance across trade lanes. This role focuses on trade lane product design, negotiations with core and niche carriers, and development and management of key trade lanes to ensure competitive rates and operational excellence.

You will design trade lane products, negotiate with core and niche carriers, support bids and tenders, and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in international transportation and freight forwarding, focused on ocean freight.
• Proven track record in planning and implementing sales and procurement strategies.
• Knowledge of TSA security regulations and federal import/export regulations is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with and manage regular contact with global carriers and key vendors.
• Develop procurement strategies and monitor carrier commitments for VID discussions.
• Prepare rate updates and communicate changes to the organization.
• Support operations in resolving carrier-related issues and monitor market developments.

Skills

Ocean freight

Carrier management

Pricing strategy

Negotiation

Job description

Are you ready to take the wheel and make logistics run like clockwork?

We are looking for a Americas Head of Sea Freight Procurement

The Americas Head of Sea Freight Procurementt is responsible for the global procurement of LCL andFCL carriers and co-loaders, including capacity management, pricing strategy,and supplier performance. This role focuses on trade lane product design,negotiations with both core and niche carriers, and the development andmanagement of key trade lanes to ensure competitive rates and operationalexcellence.

Carrier & Vendor Management

• Negotiate with and maintain regular contact with global carriers.
• Build and maintain relationships with key vendors, including container truckers, drayage companies, and other service providers.
• Oversee carrier performance, including equipment availability, schedule reliability, and volume commitments.
• Monitor liftings versus allocations and propose corrective actions as required.

Procurement & Pricing

• Source and price LEMAN US and Group strategic opportunities from core carriers and key vendors.
• Assist in procuring rates for tender accounts or prospects across global trade lanes.
• Develop procurement strategies and monitor carrier commitments in preparation for VID (Volume Incentive Discount) discussions.
• Prepare minimum/suggested selling rates in collaboration with sales management and communicate rate updates to the organization.
• Negotiate terms, conditions, and VID agreements with carriers.

Operational & Market Support

• Support operations in resolving carrier-related issues.
• Stay updated on market developments, including GRI notifications, port strikes, blank sailings, and other relevant changes.
• Work with LEMAN payables to ensure carriers are in good standing, including monitoring accounts, resolving disputes, and assisting with rate discrepancies.
• Contribute to gateway strategy and consolidation routes.
• Provide support on bids, tenders, RFQs, and multi-lane opportunities.
• Assist with technical inquiries and attend key customer meetings as needed.

Strategic Development & Reporting

• Help set and achieve growth targets for trade lanes while ensuring competitive pricing and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain regular updates and communication with internal counterparts and peers.
• Identify opportunities for new business development across the Group.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business goals.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in international transportation and freight forwarding, with a strong focus on ocean freight.
• Proven track record in planning and implementing sales and procurement strategies.
• Knowledge of TSA security regulations and federal import/export regulations is highly preferred.

About us

LEMAN is a global company with deep roots and a modern, people-centric approach. We believe in empowering our colleagues and creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to perform at their best. Every day, we provide customised logistics and transport solutions that make a difference for companies and people around the world. We’re large enough to deliver top-quality global supply chain solutions yet small enough to offer truly personal experience – for both our customers and each other.