FCL Procurement Manager

The Head of FCL Procurement manages the FCL procurement activity in line with the strategy defined by the Ocean Freight Procurement & Product Director. The role aims to secure competitive buying conditions, reliable carrier solutions and clear pricing guidance for the FCL business.

1. DEFINITION AND PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Head of FCL Procurement implements and follows the FCL procurement action plan under the responsibility of the Ocean Freight Procurement & Product Director. The position ensures that procurement actions support operational efficiency, sales development and margin protection.

2. HIERARCHICAL AND/OR FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS OF THIS POSITION

The Head of FCL Procurement reports to the Ocean Freight Procurement & Product Director and works closely with Product, Sales, Pricing, Operations, overseas offices and trade lane teams.

3. MISSIONS, ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

FCL Procurement Strategy and Trade Lane Management

• Apply the FCL procurement strategy by trade, carrier and region.
• Identify key trade lanes, volume opportunities, risks and priorities.
• Negotiate FCL buying conditions, allocations and space commitments with shipping lines.
• Monitor market trends, carrier performance, rate changes and capacity issues.
• Ensure alignment between buying conditions, sales offers and operational execution.

Link with Ocean Freight Procurement & Product Director Actions

• Turn the Director’s strategic priorities into clear procurement actions.
• Prepare simple trade-by-trade analyses and recommendations.
• Contribute to carrier reviews, allocation follow-up and procurement decisions.
• Link each procurement action to expected impact on buying performance, margin, service and sales competitiveness.

Sales Support and Minimum Selling Rate Guidelines

• Support Sales teams with market information, trade lane guidance and procurement recommendations.
• Issue Minimum Selling Rate guidelines by trade.
• Base these guidelines on buying levels, market conditions, carrier strategy, service quality and target margin.
• Update and share the guidelines regularly with Sales, Pricing and Operations.
• Support tenders and key quotations by validating procurement options and selling floors.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor FCL volumes, buying levels, selling levels, margin and allocation usage.
• Prepare regular reports on procurement performance, risks and action plans.
• Follow up agreed actions with the Ocean Freight Procurement & Product Director and relevant teams.
• Improve procurement processes, rate management and communication routines.

4. KNOW-HOW

Good knowledge of the FCL market, shipping lines and trade lane management. Strong negotiation, analytical and communication skills. Ability to support Sales while protecting margin and company commitments. Rigor, reactivity, service mindset and ability to work with different teams.