Global Procurement & Agents Manager

Samskip is a global logistics company, offering transport and related services by land, sea, rail and air. We particularly focus on cost-efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly transport. With an annual turnover of more than 900 million euros, Samskip is one of the largest transport companies in Europe, with offices in 24 countries across Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia, employing around 1700 employees in total.

The Global Procurement & Agents Manager is a critical strategic role within Samskip Logistics, responsible for strengthening the company’s global forwarding network and procurement capabilities. This role focuses on two key pillars: 
Global Agent Network Development-expanding and enhancing strategic partnerships with international agents and logistics networks to drive margin growth, network coverage, and service quality.
Global Carrier Management–transforming Samskip’s fragmented, locally negotiated carrier procurement into a consolidated, globally aligned approach that leverages total volume for improved pricing, service conditions, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

1. Global Agent Network Strategy & Development

• Develop and execute a structured global agent strategy aligned with Samskip’s growth ambitions.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard high-performing agent partners in key trade lanes and regions.
• Strengthen relationships with existing agents to increase shipment volumes, mutual business development, and margin contribution.
• Ensure active participation in relevant global logistics networks and alliances to expand reach and business opportunities.
• Negotiate and manage agency agreements, including commercial terms, service expectations, and performance KPIs.
• Monitor agent performance (financial contribution, service quality, responsiveness) and implement improvement or replacement plans where needed.
• Collaborate with regional offices to maximize agent utilization and ensure alignment with global strategy.

2. Global Carrier Procurement & Management

• Design and implement a global carrier management framework for ocean, air, and potentially multimodal transport providers.
• Consolidate procurement volumes across regions to leverage Samskip’s global scale in negotiations.
• Lead strategic negotiations with key carriers to secure competitive rates, capacity commitments, and favorable contract terms.
• Shift the organization from decentralized, low-volume local contracting to coordinated global agreements.
• Develop preferred carrier programs and routing guides to standardize procurement practices across all offices.
• Monitor carrier performance, including pricing competitiveness, service reliability, and adherence to contract terms.
• Work closely with regional and local teams to ensure adoption and compliance with global procurement strategies.

3. Commercial & Financial Impact

• Drive measurable improvement in gross margins through optimized agent agreements and carrier procurement.
• Identify new revenue opportunities through network expansion and improved trade lane coverage.
• Support tender management and large customer bids by providing competitive global pricing structures.
• Provide visibility on cost development and savings initiatives to senior management.

4. Stakeholder Management & Internal Alignment

• Act as the central point of expertise for agent and carrier management within Global Forwarding.
• Collaborate closely with regional directors and local offices to balance global strategy with local market needs.
• Ensure transparent communication and clear guidelines for agent selection, carrier usage, and procurement processes.
• Support training and development of local teams in procurement best practices and network management.

5. Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks for agent performance, carrier utilization, and procurement savings.
• Analyze shipment data to identify consolidation opportunities and optimization potential.
• Continuously improve processes, tools, and governance related to global procurement and partner management.

Requirements

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in freight forwarding or logistics, with a strong focus on: 
  • Global procurement (ocean and/or air freight)
  • Carrier or supplier management
  • International agent network development
• Proven track record in negotiating global contracts and delivering measurable cost savings and margin improvements.
• Experience in working within a multi-country or global organization is essential.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate strategy into financial results.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders internally and externally.
• Deep understanding of global freight forwarding markets, trade lanes, and carrier dynamics.
• Strategic mindset combined with hands-on execution capability.
• Data-driven approach with strong analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building capabilities across cultures and regions.
• Ability to drive change and standardization in a decentralized organization.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Benefits

• 8.33% holiday allowance and an annual 13th month bonus.
• 28 vacation days per year to recharge.
• A comprehensive pension scheme.
• Travel and internet allowances