Job Description

Job Position: Commercial Manager - Freight Procurement (Well versed with shipping industry and good repo with major shipping lines , NVOCCs, Feeders ,Slot Holders etc)

Location: DUBAI

Reports to: MANAGING DIRECTOR

Job Overview:

The Commercial Manager for Freight Procurement is responsible for managing and optimizing freight procurement activities, building strategic relationships with shipping lines, feeders, NVOCCs and ensuring cost-effective and reliable logistics solutions. This role requires a deep understanding of the shipping industry, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex logistics processes and contracts to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Freight Procurement Strategy Development:

Develop and execute freight procurement strategies to optimize shipping costs, efficiency, and service quality.

Conduct market analysis to identify market fluctuations, trends, risks, and opportunities in freight rates, capacity, and carrier performance.

2. Vendor and Carrier Management:

Build and maintain strategic relationships with key shipping lines and freight carriers.

Evaluate and negotiate price with shipping lines, NVOCC & Feeders, to secure favourable terms and competitive rates.

3. Cost Optimization and Negotiation:

Negotiate freight rates, surcharges, and terms with carriers, ensuring cost savings and budget alignment.

Implement cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and timeliness in shipping services.

Regularly review and benchmark freight rates to stay competitive within the industry.

4. Risk Management and Compliance:

Manage risks associated with freight procurement, including supply chain disruptions, compliance, market fluctuations and regulatory changes.

Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, including customs requirements and environmental standards.

Monitor and manage shipping schedules, proactively addressing any delays or disruptions.

5. Data Analysis and Reporting:

Analyze freight procurement data to identify trends, measure performance, and improve frieght procurement strategies.

Develop regular reports for senior management on freight spending, cost savings, and carrier performance.

Use data insights to support decision-making and adjust strategies as needed.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Work closely with internal departments such as logistics, supply chain, finance, and sales to ensure alignment on procurement activities and cost goals.

Provide expertise on freight procurement to support operational planning and customer service.

7. Continuous Improvement:

Identify and implement process improvements in freight procurement to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in freight procurement and shipping lines.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field (Master's degree is a plus).

5+ years of experience in freight procurement, specifically with experience in the shipping industry or with shipping lines.

Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with a track record of securing favorable terms and rates.

Knowledge of international shipping regulations, IMCOTERMS, and customs requirements.

Proficiency in data analysis tools and software; experience with ERP systems is a plus.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

Key Competencies:

Strategic Thinking and Planning

Negotiation and Influencing

Risk Management

Data-Driven Decision Making

Relationship Management

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: AED7,000.00 - AED8,000.00 per month