Regional Ocean Procurement and Pricing Manager - APAC

Job Summary

Lead FCL procurement and pricing strategy across the APAC region, covering multiple countries and trade lanes. Build an optimal mix of direct carrier contracts and strategic co-loader partnerships, deliberately “leaning more on” a selected panel of high-performing NVOCC / master co-loader partners to secure flexible capacity, competitive rates and operational resilience. The role owns buy-rate negotiation, sell-rate pricing strategy, market intelligence, risk calculation, while guiding and aligning country-level procurement and pricing teams.

Regional Procurement Strategy

Develop and execute the APAC FCL procurement roadmap and an optimal own-vs-buy model across all lanes.

• Develop and execute the APAC FCL procurement roadmap: annual carrier contracts, spot buy strategy, RFP / tender participation, and a strategic co-loader framework that complements direct carrier commitments.

• Define clear “own vs. buy” criteria per lane: when to contract directly with shipping lines versus when to lean on strategic co-loaders for flexible space and cost efficiency.

• Champion a strategic co-loading model: build, manage and continuously evaluate a select panel of master co-loaders / NVOCC partners with committed volume, service KPIs and rate competitiveness, rather than transactional ad-hoc placements.

Carrier & Co-loader Partnership Management

• Negotiate competitive FCL buy rates with shipping lines, and strategic co-loaders across the region. Negotiate long-term deals or customer NAC with strategic co-loaders whenever possible.

• Manage allocation, space guarantees, and volume commitments with both direct carriers and co-loader partners.

• Grow and leverage a strong local / regional partner network, ensuring alternative sourcing options in peak season or disruption events.

• Conduct performance reviews with core partners; pivot volume toward partners that deliver superior stability, cost and service agility.

Pricing Strategy

• Own regional sell-rate pricing framework, including spot quotes, annual customer contracts and major tender pricing.

• Provide port to port ocean freight pricing strategies in tenders.

• Provide commercial guidance to country teams on competitive positioning per trade lane.

• Drive yield improvement through smarter capacity sourcing — using co-loader leverage where spot carrier rates spike, and direct contracts where volume density justifies them.

Market Intelligence & Forecasting

• Monitor and forecast FCL market trends: capacity withdrawals, blank sailings, equipment imbalances, port congestion, peak season windows, geopolitical risk and global trade shifts.

• Translate intelligence into actionable procurement timing, inventory of rate headroom, and pricing posture.

Risk Calculation & Control

• Implement risk controls on pricing validity, FX exposure, surcharge pass-through, over-commitment versus actual volume, and partner default risk.

• Use scenario analysis to calculate the cost impact of market swings and ensure quotes remain protective but competitive.

Team Leadership & Process Standardization

• Lead, coach and coordinate country-level FCL procurement and pricing managers across APAC.

• Drive a consistent process for rate loading, quotation approval, tender support, data integrity and KPI reporting.

• Work closely with Global Ocean / Trade Management to align regional strategy and product priorities.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade, Shipping, Business or related field; postgraduate / MBA is a plus.

• At least 6 years of experience in ocean FCL procurement and pricing within a global freight forwarder, NVOCC or shipping line.

• Strong network and relationships with shipping lines, and master co-loaders; proven success in negotiating regional and inter-regional contracts.

• Strong knowledge and experiences in TPEB and LATAM trade is preferred, followed by FEWB and Intra-Asia.

• Demonstrable experience developing and managing strategic co-loader partnerships, to deliver cost competitiveness and capacity flexibility.

• High commercial acumen with strong analytical, forecasting and risk-management skills; advanced Excel / BI experience and proficiency in TMS / ERP pricing tools (CargoWise, CargoSphere, etc.).

• Outstanding leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills in a multicultural / multi-country environment.

• Fluent business English both oral and written.