Global Procurement & Agents Manager
Key Skills
Job Description
The Global Procurement & Agents Manager is a critical strategic role within Samskip Logistics, responsible for strengthening the company’s global forwarding network and procurement capabilities. This role focuses on two key pillars:
Global Agent Network Development-expanding and enhancing strategic partnerships with international agents and logistics networks to drive margin growth, network coverage, and service quality.
Global Carrier Management–transforming Samskip’s fragmented, locally negotiated carrier procurement into a consolidated, globally aligned approach that leverages total volume for improved pricing, service conditions, and operational efficiency.
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in freight forwarding or logistics, with a strong focus on:
- Global procurement (ocean and/or air freight)
- Carrier or supplier management
- International agent network development
- Proven track record in negotiating global contracts and delivering measurable cost savings and margin improvements.
- Experience in working within a multi-country or global organization is essential.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate strategy into financial results.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders internally and externally.
- Deep understanding of global freight forwarding markets, trade lanes, and carrier dynamics.
- Strategic mindset combined with hands-on execution capability.
- Data-driven approach with strong analytical skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building capabilities across cultures and regions.
- Ability to drive change and standardization in a decentralized organization.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
- Willingness to travel internationally as required.
- Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.
- Develop and execute a structured global agent strategy aligned with Samskip’s growth ambitions.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard high-performing agent partners in key trade lanes and regions.
- Strengthen relationships with existing agents to increase shipment volumes, mutual business development, and margin contribution.
- Ensure active participation in relevant global logistics networks and alliances to expand reach and business opportunities.
- Negotiate and manage agency agreements, including commercial terms, service expectations, and performance KPIs.
- Monitor agent performance (financial contribution, service quality, responsiveness) and implement improvement or replacement plans where needed.
- Collaborate with regional offices to maximize agent utilization and ensure alignment with global strategy.
2. Global Carrier Procurement & Management
- Design and implement a global carrier management framework for ocean, air, and potentially multimodal transport providers.
- Consolidate procurement volumes across regions to leverage Samskip’s global scale in negotiations.
- Lead strategic negotiations with key carriers to secure competitive rates, capacity commitments, and favorable contract terms.
- Shift the organization from decentralized, low-volume local contracting to coordinated global agreements.
- Develop preferred carrier programs and routing guides to standardize procurement practices across all offices.
- Monitor carrier performance, including pricing competitiveness, service reliability, and adherence to contract terms.
- Work closely with regional and local teams to ensure adoption and compliance with global procurement strategies.
3. Commercial & Financial Impact
- Drive measurable improvement in gross margins through optimized agent agreements and carrier procurement.
- Identify new revenue opportunities through network expansion and improved trade lane coverage.
- Support tender management and large customer bids by providing competitive global pricing structures.
- Provide visibility on cost development and savings initiatives to senior management.
4. Stakeholder Management & Internal Alignment
- Act as the central point of expertise for agent and carrier management within Global Forwarding.
- Collaborate closely with regional directors and local offices to balance global strategy with local market needs.
- Ensure transparent communication and clear guidelines for agent selection, carrier usage, and procurement processes.
- Support training and development of local teams in procurement best practices and network management.
5. Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks for agent performance, carrier utilization, and procurement savings.
- Analyze shipment data to identify consolidation opportunities and optimization potential.
- Continuously improve processes, tools, and governance related to global procurement and partner management.
- 8.33% holiday allowance and an annual 13th month bonus.
- 28 vacation days per year to recharge.
- A comprehensive pension scheme.
- Travel and internet allowances
Core Responsibilities
The Global Procurement & Agents Manager will lead the development of the global agent network and consolidate carrier procurement to improve service quality and margins. This role involves negotiating global contracts, managing performance KPIs, and driving standardization across the company's international offices.
Requirements
Candidates must have 8–10 years of experience in freight forwarding or logistics with a strong background in global procurement and carrier management. A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field is preferred, along with excellent negotiation skills and a strategic mindset.
Benefits
- Holiday allowance
- 13th month bonus
- 28 vacation days
- Pension scheme
- Travel allowance
- Internet allowance
About Samskip
Industry: Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Samskip is one of the largest European transport companies, with offices in 24 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia, offering environmentally friendly multimodal transport services via shortsea, road, rail and inland waterway. We are committed to cost-effectiveness, operational excellence and best practice in sustainable transport. High frequency services connect destinations across Europe, the Baltic States, Russia and Central Asia, both door-to-door (including collection) and quay-to-quay, transported using a wide range of owned vessels, containers, trucks and trailers. To match equipment to cargoes shipped, options include a full range of ISO containers and reefers, including 33-pallet capacity 45ft units. Samskip's transportation and logistics activities focus mainly on the following sectors: European multimodal transport; North Atlantic integrated logistics; worldwide temperature controlled and ambient cargo forwarding and logistics and European breakbulk and project cargo movements. Through Samskip Logistics, the company offers a full range of services, including ocean freight, trucking, cold storage and documentation based on its in-depth knowledge of global refrigerated transport. These services are supported by a network of worldwide offices.