Job Description

Job Summary

The Commercial and Procurement Manager is responsible for leading all commercial and procurement activities across the organization, ensuring value for money, compliance with policies, and strong supplier relationships. This role requires a strategic thinker who can drive cost-efficiencies, negotiate effectively, and ensure the integrity and transparency of procurement processes.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement:

Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business objectives. Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including tendering, evaluation, contract negotiation, and supplier selection. Establish and maintain procurement policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and risk management. Monitor supplier performance and address any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing. Build strong supplier relationships and partnerships to support long-term value creation. Oversee forecasting and coordinate the carrier services, ensuring the availability of capacity and allocation.

Commercial Management:

Lead commercial negotiations and ensure favourable contract terms for the business. Develop cost-saving initiatives and identify opportunities for improved commercial terms. Collaborate with finance and legal teams to assess risks and ensure all contracts are commercially viable and legally sound. Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to inform sourcing and pricing strategies. Monitor and report on commercial performance metrics, including cost savings, supplier performance, and contract compliance. Develop and implement commercial/pricing models, tools, systems and processes to ensure effective and value-driven pricing decision making and commercial/pricing management and efficient responses to commercial/pricing requests Ensure the process for price setting, analysis and review of commercial/pricing requests to achieve highest quality standards and internal controls

Leadership & Collaboration:

You're a natural leader with excellent communication skills, able to inspire and engage your team, leading and providing guidance, support, and professional development. Collaborate with internal and external cross-functional teams (e.g., Finance, Legal, Operations, and Project Management) to understand procurement needs and align strategies. Report regularly to senior management on procurement performance, risks, and opportunities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or related field. Professional qualification such as CIPS or equivalent preferred. 5+ years of experience in procurement and/or commercial management roles. Strong negotiation skills and experience managing high-value contracts. Excellent knowledge of procurement best practices, contract law, and supply chain management. Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa).

Key Skills and Competencies

Ability to manage change effectively while maintaining service levels with relevant stakeholders Strategic thinking and commercial acumen Strong interpersonal and communication skills Analytical mindset with attention to detail Problem-solving and decision-making ability Leadership and team management Strong ethical standards and integrity

Desirable:

Experience in Freight, Shipping, Global logistics including Ocean, Short Sea Freight, Intermodal and Road Transport Knowledge of sustainable and ethical sourcing practices

Travel Requirements

* Extensive travel in Europe (60%) and UK travel (40%) will be required