Global Ocean Logistics Procurement Manager

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Job Description

Job Title:

Global Ocean Logistics Procurement Manager

SUMMARY

The Global Ocean Logistics Procurement Manager is a leadership role within corporate logistics procurement, with a strong emphasis on global ocean freight operations. This logistics leader will align global and regional stakeholders, develop and implement strategic procurement initiatives, and manage vendor relationships specifically related to ocean freight logistics spend.

This key role reports to the Global Logistics Procurement Manager and operates within the policies and frameworks established by Albemarle. This position is a hybrid role that requires an in-office presence 3 days per week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Functional

• Develop deep global supplier relationships with strategic ocean freight carriers, freight forwarders, custom brokers and NVOCCs, including performance management, data analysis, and innovation initiatives.
• Execute the Global Logistics Procurement (GLP) category vision and strategy for ocean freight, ensuring alignment with long-term business goals and delivering maximum value.
• Lead negotiations with ocean freight Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) to secure competitive rates and service levels based on market conditions and business requirements.
• Engineer and manage transparent bid processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ, RFx), including tender specifications, proposal evaluations, contract drafting, legal review, and execution.
• Provide leadership and support to global business units in resolving escalations with ocean freight suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Integrate supplier performance feedback into future negotiations and tenders.
• Continuously plan, steer, and develop strategic supplier relationships.
• Act as the global ocean freight central contact SME and point for global ocean freight suppliers.
• Ensure timely reporting of supplier KPIs against measurable and actionable targets.
• Lead cost savings initiatives and continuous improvement projects in ocean freight procurement.
• Regularly analyze market conditions and initiate sourcing activities to optimize pricing and reduce risk exposure.

Major Activities

• Accountability for ocean freight LSP, customs brokers, and freight forwarders performance through detailed metrics and dashboards.
• Development, implementation, and publication of ocean freight, customs brokers, and freight forwarders bids inclusive of specifications.
• Facilitation of bid evaluation meetings with technical stakeholders.
• Execution of negotiations, contracts, and supplier relationship management for ocean freight.
• Maintenance of current market intelligence to ensure competitive pricing within existing contracts.
• Collaboration with capital project stakeholders to define logistics requirements and delivery metrics.
• Interaction with global customers and project teams to ensure execution of supply chain strategies (Including North America, Europe, Middle East and Chile).
• Support in escalations with suppliers specifically freight settlement.
• Assurance of compliance with procurement processes and Albemarle policies.
• Development and reporting of performance metrics to key stakeholders.
• Other duties may be assigned

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Economics, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field.
• Bilingual Spanish / English is a must
• MBA is preferred.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS, CAPABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates must have the following experience or working knowledge:

• 8+ years of proven expertise leading global logistics procurement operations in a complex multinational manufacturing environment.
• Management of different time zones (NA, SA, EMEA)
• Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Extensive experience in Global Ocean Freight Operations (minimum 5 years, managing 10K+ TEUs annually).
• Proven experience in managing logistics procurement across Road, Air, and Ocean Freight.
• Strong data mining and analytics capabilities.
• Experience working internationally and engaging with diverse cultures is a plus.
• Chemical industry experience in transporting regulated and non-regulated bulk and packaged goods via ocean, air, rail, and ground is a plus.
• Knowledge of Dangerous Goods transportation regulations is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and influence skills.
• Data-driven approach with a focus on customer and partner needs.
• High sense of urgency and follow-through.
• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems.
• Ability to thrive in cross-functional, team-oriented environments. #LI-JH3

Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.