Ocean Freight Tender Manager

DHL Global Forwarding; Atlanta (GA); Remote; USD 69,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) match

Stock purchase plan

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding is seeking an Ocean Freight Tender Manager who will drive strategic RFQ responses and pricing leadership across the Americas and beyond. You will coordinate with the Commercial team and product experts to craft winning bids that meet customer needs while optimizing profitability.

The role requires deep ocean freight knowledge, strong analytics, and the ability to influence across cultures and regions. Occasional travel (<20%) is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in Ocean Freight forwarding industry.
• At least 4 years in tender management or pricing leadership roles.
• Deep understanding of RFQ processes and Ocean Freight operations.
• Advanced analytical and conceptual skills; strong Excel proficiency.
• Ability to negotiate and influence internally and externally.
• Excellent English communication; travel about 20%.

Responsibilities

• Define bid strategy for RFQs, including target lanes and pricing.
• Steer regional teams to focus on strategic tenders with high impact.
• Develop end-to-end competitive and profitable pricing solutions.
• Drive pricing leadership and align with commercial owners.
• Summarize competitiveness and quantify risk for decisions.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Ocean freight pricing

Analytical skills

Pricing systems

Excel and data tools

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Time management

Tools

Pricing systems

Excel

Data tools

Job description

Job Title: Ocean Freight Tender Manager

Job Location: Anywhere in the United States

The Ocean Freight Tender Manager drives the strategic and operational management of Ocean Freight RFQs as a trusted subject matter expert and consultant to strategic customers in collaboration with the Commercial team. This role ensures competitive, profitable, and timely tender responses by defining bid strategies, steering global and regional stakeholders, and continuously improving pricing and processes. At its core, the position acts as the vital connector—bringing Ocean Freight product experts closer to customers to deliver tailored solutions that secure RFQ success, fuel profitable growth, and strengthen our market leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Commercial Enablement
• Act as the Ocean Freight subject matter expert, acting as a connector between product experts and the Commercial Team to drive RFQ processes and customer engagements.
• Collaborate with Commercial Owners to understand requirements and develop winning strategies.
• Bid Strategy & Solution Design
• Define bid strategy for assigned RFQs, including target trade lanes, competitive pricing, solution design, and technical value proposition
• Align strategy with Commercial Owners, Trade managers, LCL, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Tender Steering
• Steer regional Trade, LCL, and Country OCC teams to focus on strategic tenders involving significant lanes, volumes, and complexity.
• Ensure proactive solution development and generation of end-to-end competitive and profitable pricing.
• Pricing Leadership
• Drive competitive pricing aligned with customer targets and market developments.
• Facilitate walk-away pricing decisions with senior decision makers.
• Coach and train regional and country teams on Ocean Freight pricing principles.
• Risk & Competitiveness Analysis
• Summarize competitiveness levels and quantify risk exposures.
• Provide fact-based recommendations to support investment decisions and secure management approval.

Skills / Requirements

• Collaborative mindset with ability to steer and influence cross-functional teams, multicultural environment
• Deep understanding of ocean freight markets, trade dynamics, and carrier pricing structures
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen with the ability to interpret data and translate into actionable strategies
• Advanced proficiency in pricing systems, Excel, and data tools
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• Capable of managing complexity, prioritizing under pressure, and driving decisions
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented and capable of delivering under time pressure.
• Action-oriented and results-driven.

Qualifications & Key Requirements

Experience: Minimum 6 years in Ocean Freight forwarding industry. At least 4 years in tender management or pricing leadership roles.

Technical Skills: Deep understanding of RFQ processes and Ocean Freight end-to-end operations. Advanced analytical and conceptual skills; strong Excel proficiency.

Commercial Acumen: Ability to negotiate and influence internally and externally. Strong stakeholder management and customer engagement capabilities.

Other: Excellent English communication skills (written and oral). Ability to work effectively across cultures and regions. International travel (approx. 20%).

Pay Range: $68,722.50 - $91,630.00+ (Based on Experience)

Benefits (All Non-Union Employees)

• Compensation: Competitive base salary plus role dependent performance-based incentives.
• 401(k) Match: $1-for-$1 match up to 4% quarterly + 2% annual base contribution.
• Stock Purchase Plan: Ability to purchase Deutsche Post AG shares at a discounted rate.
• Medical: Comprehensive plans covering preventive care, inpatient/outpatient services, and prescriptions.
• Vision: Optional coverage for exams, frames, and contacts.
• Dental: Optional coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.
• Paid Time Off: 7 major holidays, 8 floating holidays, and accrued vacation/sick days.

Why Join DHL Global Forwarding?

At DHL Global Forwarding, we invest in our employees’ growth, providing training, guidance, and career advancement opportunities. We believe in building careers, not just jobs, and empowering our team to develop skills and achieve long‑term success.

Be part of DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics provider, operating in 220+ countries. DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is a global leader in air and ocean freight, with 30,000+ employees ensuring seamless transport and supply chain solutions.

Explore careers with us: DHL Careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DHL Global Forwarding is committed to equal employment opportunities, evaluating all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.