Americas Head of Sea Freight Procurement

LEMAN•Cranford, NJ

About The Position

The Americas Head of Sea Freight Procurement is responsible for procurement of LCL and FCL carriers and co-loaders, including capacity management, pricing strategy, and supplier performance. The role focuses on trade lane product design, negotiations with core and niche carriers, and developing and managing key trade lanes to support competitive rates and operational excellence. The position manages carrier and vendor relationships and performance, sources and prices strategic opportunities, supports rate procurement and tender activity, and develops procurement strategies and carrier commitments. It also supports operations with carrier-related issues, monitors market developments and carrier accounts, contributes to gateway and consolidation strategy, and helps pursue trade-lane growth and business development opportunities. LEMAN describes itself as a global company with deep roots and a modern, people-centric approach. It aims to empower colleagues and create an environment where people feel valued, heard, and inspired, while providing customized logistics and transport solutions worldwide.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of TSA security regulations and federal import/export regulations is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
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 discussions.
Prepare minimum and suggested selling rates in collaboration with sales management and communicate rate updates to the organization.
Negotiate terms, conditions, and VID agreements with carriers.
Support operations in resolving carrier-related issues.
Stay updated on market developments, including GRI notifications, port strikes, and blank sailings.
Work with LEMAN payables to ensure carriers are in good standing by 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.
Help set and achieve trade-lane growth targets 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.