Air Freight Procurement Manager
Our client is a globally recognized logistics and supply chain organization with a strong legacy of success and innovation. They are seeking a Country Procurement Manager to lead and elevate their airfreight procurement strategy at the country level.
This role is responsible for driving procurement excellence by building long-term, transparent, and strategic relationships with core carriers and suppliers. You will play a key role in shaping airfreight strategies, optimizing costs, and enhancing service performance while aligning closely with commercial and operational teams.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Commercial Alignment
Key Requirements
This role is responsible for driving procurement excellence by building long-term, transparent, and strategic relationships with core carriers and suppliers. You will play a key role in shaping airfreight strategies, optimizing costs, and enhancing service performance while aligning closely with commercial and operational teams.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Commercial Alignment
- Develop and execute airfreight procurement strategies aligned with country, regional, and global objectives
- Partner with the Commercial Head to define trade lane focus based on pipeline, market insights, and internal capabilities
- Identify growth opportunities and support business expansion through strategic supplier engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with core carriers and GSAs at the country level
- Evaluate carrier performance and ensure alignment with global core carrier policies
- Lead contract negotiations, including rates, agreements, and bank guarantees in coordination with regional stakeholders
- Monitor supplier performance through structured reviews, cost controls, and audits
- Ensure competitive buying rates and maintain effective tariff structures
- Collaborate closely with operations and sales teams to maximize profitability and service quality
- Drive a consolidation-focused approach to optimize shipment planning and pricing
- Oversee booking performance and intervene in key cases to enhance margins
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing procurement team
- Foster collaboration across procurement, operations, and commercial teams
- Promote a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes
- Provide actionable insights to senior leadership to support strategic decisions
- Explore alternative routing, service solutions, and investment opportunities
- Support new business implementation and potential gateway development within the country
- Leverage digital procurement and booking platforms to improve efficiency
- Enhance processes to ensure scalability, transparency, and performance tracking
Key Requirements
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire and drive team performance
- Strong commercial acumen with solid experience in P&L management
- Deep expertise in the airfreight industry, including market dynamics and regulations
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives that improve profitability and service quality
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across all organizational levels
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset
- Ability to balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategic goals
- Experience working in cross-functional and regional/global environments
