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Salary: USD 105,000 - 130,000 / annual
Flexport is a global commerce platform that moves over $19B of merchandise across 112 countries annually. The Ocean Procurement team is central to winning new business, supporting existing clients, and scaling Flexport's ocean services.
As Manager of Ocean Procurement, you will lead all ocean carrier procurement activities for the Transpacific-Eastbound (TPEB) trade lane. This is a fast-paced, strategic role that bridges commercial operations and carrier relationships. You will drive carrier development and partnership strategy, demonstrating Flexport's competitive advantages to major ocean carriers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Direct ownership of TPEB ocean carrier procurement and relationship management
- Coordinate and negotiate annual, quarterly, monthly, and weekly procurement activities with carriers
- Build scalable procurement operating rhythms and tools, working with internal contract and pricing management systems
- Lead rate-setting strategy and RFP season execution for the trade lane
- Partner closely with commercial ocean and demand teams to win new business and execute for the current book of business
- Educate the broader Flexport organization with carrier and trade-lane intelligence to improve decision-making and client engagement
- Lead regular cross-functional team meetings
- Collaborate with Asia-based colleagues to execute trade strategy and fulfillment
- Manage escalations in both Asia and the US to keep operations moving smoothly
You will report into the Ocean leadership team and work across multiple geographies and functions. The role requires strong commercial acumen, deep procurement expertise, and the ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 7+ years of ocean procurement experience at a top freight forwarder, OR 7+ years of trade experience at a carrier, OR 7+ years of supply chain experience with a BA/BS degree
- Strategic vision and continuous drive to improve; comfort building processes from the ground up
- Strong negotiation skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
- Desire to build and scale ocean business
- Ability to travel regionally and internationally
- People management experience desired (but not required)
- "Compliance first" mindset to support regulatory requirements in this heavily regulated industry
