Reports to Director, Head of Procurement
Overview:
The Senior Manager, Terminal Procurement will serve as a strategic leader, accountable for shaping and executing procurement strategies across terminal and port suppliers in the Middle East region, with strong influence over global and strategic terminal partnerships. This role is critical in driving long-term value creation, embedding ESG principles, leveraging supplier market intelligence, and enabling data-driven decision-making to support Hapag-Lloyd’s 2030 Strategy.
Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, the Senior Manager will lead scenario planning, influence sourcing decisions at the highest levels, and champion innovative, future-ready procurement practices that balance cost optimization, sustainability, and operational resilience.
Responsibilities:
· Strategic Category Leadership – Own and evolve terminal and port category strategies and playbooks with direct reports across the region, aligned with Hapag-Lloyd’s 2030 Strategy and global procurement objectives.
· Supplier Market Intelligence & Scenario Planning – Anticipate market shifts, regulatory changes, geopolitical dynamics, and capacity risks to inform procurement strategy and decision-making. Lead structured scenario planning to prepare the organization for future challenges and opportunities.
· Stakeholder Influence & Advisory – Partner with senior executives across the organization to influence sourcing priorities, investment decisions, and supplier portfolio management.
· Value Creation & Risk Management – Balance cost optimization with long-term resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. Champion Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models, performance-based agreements, and risk frameworks to maximize value.
· Embedding ESG – Integrate sustainability, carbon-reduction, and responsible sourcing principles into supplier selection, contracting, and performance frameworks. Lead joint initiatives with suppliers to advance ESG goals.
· Innovation & Analytics – Drive the adoption of advanced analytics, digital sourcing tools, and automation to enhance decision-making, transparency, and performance tracking.
· Leadership & Capability Building – Mentor and develop procurement professionals under direct responsibility within the Terminal Procurement Function, instilling a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Act as a role model for collaborative leadership and strategic thinking.
Core Skills & Competencies:
· Procurement & Sourcing Expertise
o Strong understanding of port and terminal service procurement (terminal & berth agreements, service level agreements etc.)
o Contract negotiation, vendor performance management, and cost optimization skills.
o Familiarity with global tendering processes, e-sourcing tools, and category management.
· Commercial & Financial Acumen
o Ability to analyse cost structures (e.g., operational parameters, storage fees, handling costs).
o Strong budgeting, cost control, and P&L contribution understanding.
o Skilled in total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis and strategic sourcing.
· Industry & Technical Knowledge
o Deep knowledge of shipping operations, port logistics, and terminal infrastructure.
o Understanding of IMO, customs, port regulations, and environmental/sustainability considerations.
o Familiarity with shipping alliances, carrier/terminal relationships, and global port networks.
· Leadership & People Management
o Experience leading multi-national teams and developing procurement professionals.
o Strong stakeholder management with operations, finance, legal, and executive leadership.
o Ability to build a high-performance, collaborative culture.
· Strategic Thinking & Execution
o Capability to design procurement strategies aligned with business goals (cost efficiency, service reliability, sustainability).
o Long-term supplier relationship management and risk mitigation.
o Data-driven decision making, leveraging analytics, KPIs, and performance dashboards.
· Negotiation & Influence
o Skilled at navigating complex negotiations with global port authorities and terminal operators.
o Ability to influence senior stakeholders internally and externally.
o Conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving.
Key Capabilities:
· Global Procurement Leadership: Proven track record in managing multimillion-dollar spend portfolios.
· Change Management: Driving process improvements, digital procurement tools, and supplier innovations.
· Risk & Compliance Management: Ensuring adherence to anti-bribery, sanctions, and trade compliance regulations.
· Sustainability Focus: Familiarity with green port initiatives, ESG reporting, and sustainable sourcing strategies.
· Cross-Cultural Competence: Comfortable working across regions with diverse regulatory environments.
Qualifications:
· Education:
o Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, Maritime Studies, or Engineering.
o Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) strongly preferred.
· Professional Certifications (preferred, not mandatory):
o CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)
o CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
o APICS / CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
o FIATA or similar logistics/transport certifications.
· Experience:
o 10–15+ years in procurement, with at least 5+ years in senior management.
o Direct experience in port, terminal, or maritime-related procurement.
o Proven record of managing global supplier portfolios and leading large teams.
· Languages:
o Fluent in English.
· Travel:
o Travel across Africa, Indian subcontinent and Arabian Gulf is a significant component of this role.
In short: The ideal candidate is a seasoned procurement leader with deep port & terminal knowledge, strong commercial/negotiation skills, and a proven ability to lead teams and manage global supplier networks — all while aligning procurement strategies with corporate financial and operational goals.
*** Disclaimer - Recruitment Fraud Alert 2025
Caring for People
We have recently become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities in which individuals or entities misrepresent themselves as Hapag-Lloyd Middle East Shipping LLC or UASC Limited. They offer fake job opportunities and demand payments for handling recruitment fees, certifications, travel expenses, or visa applications. Please note that Hapag-Lloyd Middle East Shipping LLC or UASC Limited does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all communications regarding job offers will come from official company channels. Do not respond to such fraudulent solicitations. You will only be contacted by Hapag-Lloyd HR if you have applied for an open position on our website.
