C.H. ROBINSON

Procurement Manager - Ocean

Chennai, Tamil Nadu India Full time

C.H. Robinson is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager - Ocean to enhance our team.

In this role, you will be at the forefront of building strategic relationships with ocean carriers, securing competitive pricing, and ensuring reliable capacity for global forwarding business. This role is critical in connecting carriers with commercial teams to win, retain, and grow business across key trade lanes. You will also play a vital part in contract negotiations, compliance reviews, and process optimization, making a measurable impact on global supply chain efficiency.

If you are passionate about shaping trade and driving results, join us and be part of a team that moves the world.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop relationships with carriers to effectively procure the space and pricing for the geographical responsibility

  • Create strategic relationships with ocean carriers

  • Procurement on Ocean Carriers (within geographical responsibility)

  • Negotiate and maintain competitive service contracts

  • Lead communication efforts with ocean carriers and commercial resources to optimize tender strategy

  • Build relationships and supports teams internally (Branches) and externally (customers)

  • Work with sales and pricing teams to provide carrier data for bids

  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) for ocean export carrier relations and to present market updates to clients

  • Develop carrier relationships to successfully procure necessary space allocations and equipment

  • Provide network with market analysis and communications

  • Create professional presentations to be shared with network and customers providing carrier and data analysis to communicate risks and propose alternatives

  • Involve and provide pricing for (within geographical responsibility) RFQ’s

  • Work with the restricted commodities team to review and approve restricted commodities requests for export

  • Understand FMC regulations to ensure compliance  

  • Engage in bids for strategy

  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) for matters pertaining to ocean export operations

  • Develop, maintain and manage processes related to contracts submission, review, and retention i.e. forms, templates, terms 

  • Identify areas for improvement related to C.H. Robinson’s contract processes and workflows  

  • Collect and maintain company contracts, approvals, signatures, and related documents 

  • Contribute to general team initiatives, including taking on special projects as necessary 

  • Other duties or responsibilities as assigned according to the team and/or country specific requirements

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

  • Minimum 6 years of previous ocean procurement experience

  • Ability to travel up to 20% (within geographical responsibility)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous ocean export experience

  • Global Forwarding pricing experience

  • Demonstrated negotiation, collaboration, and influencing skills

  • Demonstrated verbal and written communication and multi-tasking skills, including excellent project and meeting management

  • Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of products

  • Flexible working hours

  • Values a diverse and inclusive work environment

Your Health, Wealth, and Self

Your total wellbeing is the foundation of our business, and our benefits support your financial, family and personal goals. We provide the top-tier benefits that matter to you most, including:

  • Group Mediclaim Policy (GMC)

  • Group Personal Accident (GPA) policy

  • Covid-19 related coverage and reimbursement

  • Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

  • Group Term Life (GTL) Insurance Plan for employees

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

  • Investment Declaration & Flexi Benefit Plan

  • Variable Pay based on position

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • Paid Privilege, Casual and Sick Leaves

  • Paid Maternity & Paternity Leaves

  • Paid Compassionate Leaves

  • Paid Public Holidays

  • Paid time off to vote

  • Reward & Recognition Program

  • Wedding Allowance

  • Special Mobility Assistance

  • Employee Wellness Initiatives

  • Plus a broad range of career development, networking, and team-building opportunities

Equal Opportunity

C.H. Robinson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a workplace and performance culture that reflects the strengths of our worldwide marketplace. We value unique experiences and diverse backgrounds of our people within our company, our business relationships, and our communities. We’re committed to providing an inclusive environment, free from harassment and discrimination, where all employees feel welcomed, valued and respected.