Job Description

Our Client: is a Dubai-based FMCG company with a global presence, offering a diverse portfolio of high-quality consumer products.
Role Overview: We are seeking a highly experienced Lead - Ocean Freight Buying professional to oversee global procurement strategies for ocean freight operations. This role is instrumental in driving cost efficiencies, ensuring timely container availability to meet OTIF (On Time In Full) targets, and leading negotiations with major shipping lines and freight forwarders. The successful candidate will also manage stakeholder relationships across geographies and optimize freight procurement processes in line with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute freight buying strategies to ensure timely container availability for meeting OTIF commitments.
• Lead global ocean freight procurement efforts across India, the Middle East, Europe, America, Thailand, and Africa.
• Track ocean freight market trends, monitor price fluctuations, and conduct variance analysis (actuals vs budget vs market).
• Lead negotiations for short- and long-term contracts with key shipping line accounts and freight forwarders.
• Optimize procurement leverage to secure favorable SLAs and cost terms.
• Manage spot freight buying aligned with operational requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with key accounts; conduct performance evaluations and regular reviews.
• Identify and evaluate alternate freight forwarders for vendor development.
• Own the end-to-end freight expense MIS tracking to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate with plants and logistics partners to ensure timely availability of food-grade containers for stuffing and shipment.
• Address and resolve inter-regional logistics issues and shipment delays.
• Oversee the full process from booking to Bill of Lading release for intra-group or third-party purchases.
• Monitor and control Detention and Demurrage (D&D) charges across geographies.
• Ensure SOP compliance and drive process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory and internal policies related to freight procurement and logistics.

Your Profile:

• Education:

• Master's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Supply Chain, Operations, or Finance.
• Experience:

• 15+ years in procurement, with at least 5 years in global ocean freight procurement (USD 80 million+ spend).
• Experience in large manufacturing organizations; FMCG background preferred.
• Proven track record in freight planning, contract negotiations, vendor development, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Key Competencies:

• Strategic Orientation
• Analytical Thinking
• Stakeholder Management
• Agility & Adaptability
• Process Orientation
• Quality & Performance Focus
• Effective Communication
• Team Collaboration
• Mentoring & Development of Others

Next Steps: Upload your resume via our ATS platform and ensure all form details are complete. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 5-7 working days for a more detailed discussion about the role. Please note, due to high application volumes, we will only respond to shortlisted profiles.

Skills Required