Sea Export Procurement Manager

Description

Freightserve recruitment are looking for a Oceanfreight Procurement Specialist for a fast growing Freight Forwarder based in the Heathrow area.

Job description:–

The Ocean Export Procurement Manager is responsible for developing, executing, and optimizing procurement strategies for all ocean export activities. This role ensures cost–effective carrier selection, contract negotiation, service reliability, and compliance with global trade regulations. The manager acts as the primary liaison between carriers, freight forwarders, internal operations, and key customers to secure capacity, manage performance, and drive continuous improvement across the export supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:–

1. Procurement & Carrier Management

Lead sourcing and procurement of ocean export services across FCL, LCL, consolidation, and special cargo. Negotiate annual and spot rate agreements with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, and logistics partners. Secure capacity during peak seasons through strategic forecasting and relationship management. Evaluate carrier performance using KPIs such as on–time departure, transit reliability, equipment availability, and cost efficiency. Maintain a competitive rate portfolio aligned with market conditions and customer requirements. 2. Export Operations Support

Collaborate with export operations teams to ensure smooth booking, documentation, and equipment coordination. Resolve escalations related to space constraints, rollovers, demurrage / detention, and schedule disruptions. Support pricing teams with accurate, timely rate inputs for RFQs, tenders, and customer proposals. Ensure alignment between procurement strategy and operational execution. 3. Market Intelligence & Strategy

Monitor global ocean freight market trends, capacity shifts, carrier alliances, and geopolitical impacts. Conduct cost modelling, scenario planning, and risk assessments to guide procurement decisions. Recommend strategic adjustments to routing, carriers, or service levels to optimize cost and performance. 4. Compliance & Governance

Ensure all procurement activities adhere to company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements. Support compliance with export controls, documentation standards, and international trade regulations. Maintain accurate records of contracts, rate sheets, and procurement decisions for audit readiness. 5. Stakeholder & Vendor Relationship Management

Build strong partnerships with carriers, NVOCCs, port authorities, and logistics service providers. Collaborate with sales, operations, finance, and supply chain planning teams to align procurement with business goals. Lead quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with carriers to drive performance and continuous improvement. Preferred Skills & Qualifications

Minimum 5+ years of experience in ocean freight procurement, export logistics, or freight forwarding. Strong negotiation and contract management skills. Deep understanding of INCOTERMS, export documentation, and global trade compliance. Proficiency in freight procurement tools, TMS platforms, and rate management systems. Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret market data and build cost models. Excellent communication, vendor management, and cross–functional collaboration skills. Person with operational background for normal and special equipment, breakbulk etc will be preferred Working hours, Monday – Friday 9am to 5.30pm

As an agency we are fast becoming the number one Freight specialist in the UK. We have a fast growing reputation with most Freight related companies. Freightserve has been established since 1992 working within the Freight Forwarding and Shipping industry.

Ad ID: 5418047999