This is a full-time, on-site position. The role is based in Kansas City, MO, however, we are also accepting applications from candidates who reside near any of our branch locations: Kent, WA; Long Beach, CA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY; and Chelsea, MA.
Company:
Laufer Group International is a Freight Forwarder and Brokerage. Headquartered in New York with another 7 offices in the United States and dedicated partners strategically located throughout the world, Laufer Group International has the expertise, resources, and market knowledge to provide customers with true global logistics solutions. Laufer has an established logistics and service solution that provides customers with improved shipping flexibility, enhanced operational control, and exceptional customer service. Each customer has access to a customized logistics platform providing air freight and ocean services, logistics, customs brokerage, and purchase order and export management.
Laufer is a different type of logistics company. We strive to make our industry more progressive. We challenge conventional ways of doing business by developing innovative and customized supply chain solutions. We help our customers break away from yesterday's business model to succeed in today's world.
Position Summary
The Ocean Export Procurement Analyst plays a critical role in supporting the company’s forwarding operations by sourcing competitive ocean freight pricing, securing space commitments, and enhancing carrier partnerships. This position enables our sales and operations teams to win and execute profitable ocean export business while maintaining service excellence across global trade lanes.
Key Responsibilities
Carrier & Vendor Procurement (FCL Focus with Some LCL Support)
Solicit, negotiate, and secure contractual and spot pricing with steamship lines and co-loaders (FCL & LCL as applicable).
Negotiate FCL rate levels, validity dates, surcharges, and origin/destination add-ons; ensure pricing reflects market trends and internal customer feedback.
Develop strategic sourcing initiatives to improve cost competitiveness, increase volume lift, and expand carrier options (with management approval when required).
Maintain a working understanding of each carrier’s service strengths (transit time, reliability, hazmat, reefer, overweight, OOG, etc.).
Build and maintain strong relationships with carrier representatives through regular business reviews focusing on pricing, service performance, volume commitments, and dispute resolution.
Space, Equipment & Allocation Management
Request, secure, and manage space allocations across key high-volume trade lanes.
Monitor space utilization to maintain allocation privileges and support forecasted business.
Coordinate equipment availability (20/40/HC/Reefer/Open Top/Flat Rack) by monitoring carrier stock levels and communicating equipment forecasts to carrier sales teams.
Track carrier schedule changes, blank sailings, and disruptions; proactively communicate alternatives to pricing and operations teams.
Commercial & Sales Support
Provide accurate and timely quotations, spot rates, and rate guidance to the pricing and sales teams.
Gather carrier spot pricing when needed and file rates for secured business.
Support competitive pricing strategies that maximize margin while remaining market aligned.
Participate in RFQs/RFPs by collecting carrier bids, validating service reliability, and recommending optimal carrier options for long-term and key-account business.
Communicate new rates, surcharges, free time changes, and service updates to internal teams.
Operational Collaboration & Issue Resolution
Partner closely with operations teams to ensure that routing choices meet customer KPIs for cost, transit time, and service reliability.
Assist in resolving carrier disputes including incorrect surcharges, missed free time, rolled bookings, and other service failures.
Escalate recurring issues with carriers and support internal teams in preventing cost erosion.
Market Intelligence & Data Management
Monitor and publish key market updates including GRIs, PSS, blank sailings, port congestion, labor disruptions, and new/removed services.
Maintain FCL internal rate sheets, CargoSphere database entries, tariff updates, and rate validity dates in line with market changes.
Participate in annual carrier bidding cycles and support continuous improvement of procurement processes.
Provide market feedback to help forecast capacity, equipment shortages, and pricing shifts.
Compliance & Financial Responsibilities
Ensure all carrier contracts, pricing activities, and filings comply with FMC regulations and company policies.
Support internal audits, rate filing, and contract accuracy checks.
Identify margin risks and recommend cost-saving routing or carrier alternatives.
Support invoice validation by confirming vendor charges align with contracted or agreed rates (in coordination with Pricing).
Internal Communication Responsibilities
Provide timely updates on rate changes, surcharges, free time adjustments, schedule disruptions, and equipment shortages.
- Deliver clear guidance on preferred carriers by trade lane based on performance, pricing, and allocation stability.
- Ensure pricing, sales, and operations teams have up-to-date and accurate procurement information.
Core Competencies
Carrier Relationship Building
Negotiation & Margin Management
Attention to Detail
Collaboration & Customer Focus
Market Awareness & Agility
Qualifications & Skills
2–5+ years of procurement, pricing, or ocean export experience within a freight forwarder or NVOCC.
Demonstrated knowledge of ocean freight pricing structures, accessorials, and Incoterms.
Established relationships with steamship lines and co-load partners a strong plus.
Intermediate to advanced Excel skills; experience in TMS/rate platforms required.
- Strong negotiation skills with financial and analytical acumen.
- Effective communication and ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment.
Salary range: $55,000 - $70,000, depending on experience.
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