Group Head of Sea Freight Procurement

LEMAN•Cranford, NJ

About The Position

The Group Head of Sea Freight Procurement is responsible for global 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 ensure competitive rates and operational excellence. The role works with carriers, vendors, sales management, operations, payables, and other internal colleagues to support pricing, customer opportunities, operational issue resolution, and the achievement of trade-lane growth targets. It also contributes to gateway strategy, consolidation routes, and new business development across the Group.

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 (Volume Incentive Discount) 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, blank sailings, and other relevant changes.
Work with LEMAN payables to ensure carriers are in good standing, including 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 growth targets for trade lanes 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.