Driven to deliver commercial success, the Logistics Business Partner will be responsible for advancing relationships with ocean freight carriers, forwarders, hauliers and warehouse providers to ensure we have the best rates in the market for all routes, at all times.
Focused on FCL shipments (40’HC mostly) to and from Asia, Turkey amp; Europe (in coordination with other logistics centres when appropriate), and some regional haulage when required, you will use an entrepreneurial approach to find unique solutions to meet the business needs. You will act as a partner to business leaders, the commercial team and Logistics Managers in other offices in making profitable deals happen with your logistics solutions.
Leading the local shipping function servicing our Asian client base and overseas suppliers, you must ensure the team and processes are working efficiently, meeting customer needs and proactively managing risks.
Part of a global logistics team, you will work with other logistics managers to pool resources and coordinate efforts to improve rates and local service offerings.
Being part of a expanding organisation, in a fast growing industry, you must possess an entrepreneurial spirit and have a proven track record managing all logistics functions across a forwarding, trading or commodity business that operates in multiple countries.
This role is suited to an ambitious individual who is adaptable to change, driven, energetic and with strong connections across the shipping supply chain.
Essential Roles amp; Responsibilities
- Obtain the most competitive spot rates for all shipping routes to/from Asia, Turkey amp; Europe
- Coordinated with other logistics teams where needed to obtain best rates and service
- Negotiate contract rates for long term contracted trade routes
- Coordinated with other logistics teams where needed to obtain best rates and service
- Develop a common rate sheet to enable commercial team to access accurate indication pricing to speed up decision making
- Develop relationships with multiple providers to ensure a broad range of options on all trade routes
- Oversee the full logistics process from cargo booking to delivery, ensuring a high level of customer service, accurate documentation, risk management and efficient communication of information at all times
- Reduce the occurrence of missed loading dates and use customer enquiries as a catalyst to improve processes and therefore service
- Provide a monthly report to management and commercial teams on forecasted rate movements, availability, future risks and strategy to mitigate
- Work with commercial leaders to develop unique logistics solutions to overcome common objections and/or create a new strategy secure long term contracts with limited downside risk.
- Be proactive to seek opportunities to reduce logistics costs
- Enhance existing and develop new standard operating procedures for logistics to ensure accuracy, risk mitigation, compliance and efficient workflows.
- Challenge current ways of working, driving efficiencies, cost savings and minimising opportunity cost
- Contribute to enhancing existing and rolling out of new ERP systems to increase efficiencies in business process that lead to higher levels of client satisfaction, higher quality data or faster reporting
- Be responsible for any ad-hoc analyses/tasks requested from management, including the monitoring of and assisting with the audit process
- Train and educate staff on logistics terminology, processes and regulatory requirements
Requirements
Knowledge (Education amp; Related Experience):
- 10+ years’ experience in Forwarding or Logistics Management with a commercial focus (ideally experienced across all roles in the ocean freight supply chain)
- 3+ years’ experience managing a logistics team for ocean freight
- Business Development experience an advantage
- Experience in FPamp;A preferred (Revenue analysis, business modelling amp; business partnering)
Skills amp; Abilities:
- Excellent skills in Business Development amp; negotiation
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English
- Move easily between big picture thinking and managing relevant detail
- Able to use logic and reasoning to appraise situations
- Able to anticipate opportunities and risks
- Able to simplify complex problems and solve them
- Establish the root causes of issues and tackle them, rather than just the symptoms
- Able to build rapport quickly with colleagues and service providers
- Able to conduct in depth analysis and provide valuable insights
- Able to anticipate business needs and play forward