Director of Procurement Operations – Ocean Freight

Worldwide Logistics Group / NTDS Canada is seeking an experienced Director of Procurement Operations – Ocean Freight to lead our ocean freight procurement strategy and build out a world-class procurement function. This is a high-impact leadership role reporting directly to the President & CEO, with the opportunity to shape carrier relationships and trade lane strategy across our global operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the ocean freight procurement function, driving strategy and performance across all regions and trade lanes.
• Evaluate the company’s current ocean freight procurement mix.
• Build out the procurement function globally, diversifying the carrier mix through established, long-term relationships.
• Establish regular internal and external updates on market conditions.
• Collaborate with teams across Asia, Europe, and the USA to optimize carrier strategy and improve procurement on existing and new trade lanes.
• Partner with sales to grow the ocean product offering, increasing both volume and gross profit.
• Work alongside the CEO to penetrate new end markets and establish new trade lanes while strengthening existing trade relationships.
• Set procurement policies and manage the department’s budget to support the company’s profitability goals.
• Negotiate and oversee the negotiation of ocean freight carrier contracts.
• Resolve carrier service issues and claims to protect service levels and cost efficiency.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global procurement team.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce or economics is required.
• Proven senior leadership experience in global procurement, preferably within ocean freight/logistics.
• Strong track record managing carrier relationships and trade lane strategy.
• Experience negotiating regional or global contracts with major ocean carriers (e.g., Cosco, HPL, YML, MSC, EVG) across Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Experience working cross-functionally with international teams (Asia, Europe, USA).
• 7-10 years of experience in global ocean freight procurement for a global freight forwarder.
• Extensive professional experience managing procurement and carrier relationships across Asia-based trade lanes.
• Ability to partner with sales to drive commercial growth.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to build long-term global partnerships.

Incentive:

• Performance-based, tied to individual, business unit, and company results.
• Medical insurance for employee and family.
• Company vehicle, cell phone, and laptop provided.

Terms of Employment: Permanent, Full-Time (Minimum 40 hours/week)

Reports To: President & CEO