Procurement Manager/International Freight Forwarder

Job Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in ocean procurement within a freight forwarding company or ocean carrier.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in managing teams, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; proficient in English.
• Ability to manage responsibilities independently and handle unexpected events.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Effective change agent with a flexible approach to dynamic situations.
• Persistent in achieving goals and overcoming challenges.
• Continuously seeks opportunities to enhance processes and performance.
• Ready to travel as required.

Job Description

Rhenus Sankyo Logistics K.K. is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager/International Freight Forwarder to join our team in Tokyo.  The responsibilities and deliverables of the position are as follows.

1. Vendor Relationship Development:

• Select and manage liners and co-loaders, aligning with FCL trade lane procurement managers and product heads.
• Build and maintain relationships with core carriers and co-loaders.
• Monitor and review local performance of core liners and co-loaders, providing consolidated feedback.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement action plans for carrier performance issues.
• Act as the escalation point for carrier-related operational issues.

2. Ocean Freight Strategy:  Implement and monitor the Core Carrier & Core Co-loader Policy.

• Evaluate carrier performance and develop sustainable local relationships.
• Align commercial and product strategy with country commercial head and regional procurement teams.
• Manage local allocations to ensure service stability, coordinating with regional teams as needed.
• Forecast needs for FCL during low and peak seasons.

3. Tariff, Rates, and Contract Management:

• Negotiate rates, file, and generate contracts for tenders, key accounts, or large volumes.
• Secure competitive rates for spot business or non-standard tariffs promptly.
• Oversee tariff management for local charges, customs clearance, trucking, and freight surcharges.
• Ensure competitiveness of rates in the LCL Global Tariff by analyzing and communicating local market conditions.

4. Business Development:

• Conduct regular product-sales collaboration reviews with country sales management.
• Coordinate with sales management to capture new customers or lanes.
• Lead ocean tender strategy for local accounts, making risk-based decisions.
• Support commercial teams by visiting strategic customers to add value and enhance success.

5. Market Intelligence and Product Training:

• Generate and share market intelligence systematically within the country and with regional procurement teams.
• Organize product training sessions to enhance sales and operations knowledge, in alignment with regional procurement teams.
• Provide expertise and education in capacity, pricing, and product management to country management.

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