JOB

LOCATION:
Mumbai PURPOSE: The Head of Procurement (Global/Regional) is responsible for developing and executing the regional ocean freight procurement strategy for the company's NVOCC operations across the Globe/Regions. The role leads strategic relationships with global and regional shipping lines, negotiates service contracts and space agreements, secures competitive freight rates and capacity, and ensures optimal carrier allocation to support commercial growth and operational excellence. As a key member of the regional leadership team, the incumbent will drive procurement performance, strengthen carrier partnerships, manage capacity risks, and deliver sustainable margin improvements while ensuring service reliability across major trade lanes. IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE: A commercially astute ocean freight procurement leader with deep relationships across the container shipping industry, strong negotiation capabilities, and a proven ability to secure capacity and competitive commercial terms in dynamic market conditions. The individual should combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution and possess a strong understanding of NVOCC economics, carrier dynamics, and global trade flows. KEY RESPONSIBILITES: Strategic Procurement & Carrier Management
• Develop and execute the Global/Regional ocean freight procurement strategy aligned with regional and global business objectives.
• Establish and manage strategic partnerships with major container shipping lines and feeder operators.
• Lead annual, quarterly, and spot negotiations for freight rates, service contracts, capacity commitments, equipment availability, and value-added services.
• Build a diversified carrier portfolio to optimize cost, service quality, transit times, and risk exposure.
• Monitor carrier performance and implement corrective actions where service levels fall below expectations. Capacity Procurement & Space Management
• Secure vessel space and equipment availability across key Global/Regional export and import trade lanes.




• Negotiate long-term and short-term space agreements to ensure capacity during peak seasons and market disruptions.
• Develop contingency procurement plans to mitigate risks arising from carrier blank sailings, congestion, capacity shortages, and geopolitical disruptions.
• Ensure optimal allocation of cargo volumes among contracted carriers. Commercial Support & Pricing
• Partner closely with Sales and Trade Management teams to support business growth initiatives.
• Provide competitive procurement solutions for strategic bids, tenders, and key account opportunities.
• Support pricing teams with market intelligence, carrier rate trends, and capacity outlooks.
• Drive margin enhancement through effective carrier negotiations and procurement optimization. Market Intelligence & Trade Lane Management
• Monitor freight market dynamics, carrier strategies, capacity developments, and regulatory changes impacting ocean freight procurement.
• Analyze market trends and identify opportunities for cost savings, service improvements, and procurement efficiencies.
• Maintain comprehensive understanding of Global/Major Regional-related trade lanes. Supplier Relationship Management
• Act as the senior point of contact for carrier management across the Globe/Regions.
• Conduct regular business reviews with shipping lines to evaluate performance, volume commitments, service quality, and commercial opportunities.
• Negotiate escalation resolutions related to service failures, capacity constraints, and commercial disputes.




• Foster strategic partnerships that provide preferential access to capacity and market opportunities. Financial & Performance Management
• Deliver procurement savings and margin improvement targets.
• Manage carrier commitments, procurement budgets, and contractual obligations.
• Develop and monitor procurement KPIs including: o Freight cost optimization o Space utilization o Carrier allocation performance o Service reliability o Equipment availability o Procurement savings o Contract compliance Leadership & Team Management
• Lead and develop the regional procurement team across the Globe/Regions.
• Establish procurement governance, processes, and best practices.
• Coach and mentor procurement professionals to build solid commercial and negotiation capabilities.
• Promote collaboration across Operations, Trade Management, Pricing, Sales, and Global Procurement teams. REQUIRED

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Maritime Studies, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Professional certifications in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Logistics are advantageous. EXPERIENCE

REQUIREMENTS:
• 15+ years of experience in ocean freight procurement, carrier management, or trade management within: o NVOCC organizations o Freight forwarding companies o Shipping lines o Logistics service providers
• Minimum 5 years in a senior procurement leadership role.
• Proven experience negotiating large-scale carrier contracts and strategic service agreements.
• Strong understanding of global/regional container shipping markets.
• Experience in VID management and maximization, including volume commitments, carrier allocation, and incentive tracking
• Proven ability to reduce freight costs, secure space-capacity, and improve margins
• Demonstrated track record of securing capacity during volatile market conditions and delivering procurement savings.

📌 Head - Procurement (Global/Regional) | Shipping & Logistics (Mumbai)
🏢 Allcargo Global
📍 Mumbai