Manager, Ocean Procurement

Flexport; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Flexport is seeking a Procurement Manager for the Ocean team, focusing on the Transpacific-Eastbound trade. You will lead ocean carrier procurement, negotiate rates, and build scalable processes that support new business and existing book of business.

The role requires cross-region collaboration with Asia and the U.S., with travel to regions as needed. Success hinges on strategic thinking, negotiation prowess, and the ability to articulate market developments to internal teams, driving

Qualifications

• Ocean procurement experience in freight forwarding or trade experience at a carrier is required.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to build processes from scratch when needed.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Desire to scale ocean business and grow with Flexport.

Responsibilities

• Drive ocean carrier procurement for the TPEB trade and own carrier development and partnerships.
• Coordinate and negotiate annual, quarterly, monthly, and weekly procurement activities.
• Build scalable procurement operating rhythms and use contract tools for cost and pricing management.
• Lead rate setting and strategy for RFP season on the trade.
• Collaborate with commercial Ocean and demand teams to win new business and service current book.

Skills

Ocean procurement

Carrier negotiation

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Willingness to travel

Education

BA/BS Degree

Job description

At Flexport, we believe global trade can move the human race forward. That’s why it’s our mission to make global commerce so easy there will be more of it. We’re shaping the future of a $10T industry with solutions powered by innovative technology and exceptional people. Today, companies of all sizes—from emerging brands to Fortune 500s—use Flexport technology to move more than $19B of merchandise across 112 countries a year.

The recent global supply chain crisis has put Flexport center stage as we continue to play a pivotal role in how goods move around the world. We are proud to have the support of the best investors in the game who believe in our mission, solutions and people. Ready to tackle global challenges that impact business, society, and the environment? Come join us.

The Opportunity

The Ocean team at Flexport works globally to make sure all business moves smoothly and our ocean product is the best it can be for our clients. Our Ocean Procurement Team is essential to winning new business, supporting all current business, and building out the future of Flexport’s ocean services.

As a Procurement Manager, you’ll be an integral part of helping achieve Flexport’s growth goals. It’s a face-paced and integral position for both winning new business, and supporting our current book of business. This role is focused on the Transpacific-Eastbound (TPEB) trade. A successful procurement manager will need to communicate market developments and strategy to a broad range of colleagues, negotiate freight rates, be willing and able to dig into the weeds of pricing / contract nuances, manage carrier relationships, and represent Flexport commercially.

You Will

• Drive all things ocean carrier procurement for TPEB and take direct responsibility for carrier development and partnership on the respective trade, demonstrating Flexport’s competitive advantages
• Coordinate and negotiate annual, quarterly, monthly, and weekly procurement activities
• Build scalable procurement operating rhythms and tools, including working directly with internal contract tools for cost and pricing management
• Lead rate setting and strategy for RFP season on the trade
• Work closely with commercial Ocean and demand teams to win new business and execute for current book of business
• Educate and enable the broader Flexport organization with carrier and tradelane intelligence to foster better decision making, client engagement and growing the trade
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in Asia to execute trade strategy and fulfillment
• Dive into escalations both in Asia and in the U.S. to keep our business moving

You Should Have

• 7+ years of prior Ocean procurement experience at a top freight forwarder or trade experience at a carrier or 7+ years of supply chain experience and a BA/BS Degree;
• Strategic vision and continuous desire to improve–get into the weeds and build process from ground-up when needed
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills;
• Desire to build / scale ocean business
• Ability to travel regionally and internationally
• A "compliance first" attitude to keep our regulators happy and enthusiastic about Flexport since we operate in a heavily regulated industry.

The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire base salary for the position in the posting's respective region. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range displayed, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and / or training. Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at Flexport, which also includes bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefit offerings such as medical, dental, and flexible time off.

The US base salary range for this position (this does not include bonus, equity and benefits):

$96,000 - $120,000 USD

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

At Flexport, our ability to fulfill our mission of making global commerce easy and accessible relies on having a diverse, dedicated and engaged workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, health status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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At Flexport, our ability to fulfill our mission of making global commerce easy and accessible relies on having a diverse, dedicated and engaged workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, health status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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