Ocean Export Procurement Analyst in Kansas City, Missouri at Laufer Group International

About the Opportunity:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and commercially driven Ocean Export Procurement Analyst to support our global freight forwarding operations by sourcing competitive ocean freight rates, securing vessel space commitments, and strengthening carrier partnerships. This role is essential to driving profitable growth across ocean export shipments, improving service reliability, and enabling our sales and operations teams to win and retain business across key international trade lanes.

The ideal candidate brings experience in ocean freight procurement, export pricing, carrier negotiations, and logistics analytics within a freight forwarder, NVOCC, or global supply chain environment.

Why Laufer Group International:

• Competitive compensation package aligned with ocean export procurement roles
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Opportunity to help shape ocean export operations within a privately held, US-based, service-focused freight forwarder
• High impact role in a lean, agile team environment with global reach
• Opportunity to grow your career in a rapidly evolving industry and company

What You’ll Do:

• Source, negotiate, and manage competitive FCL/LCL ocean freight rates, contracts, surcharges, and carrier agreements.
• Secure vessel space allocations and coordinate container equipment availability across key export trade lanes.
• Provide timely quotes, spot rates, and pricing guidance to sales and internal stakeholders.
• Support RFQs/RFPs by collecting carrier bids and recommending cost-effective, service-driven solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with steamship lines, NVOCCs, and co-load partners.
• Monitor market trends including GRIs, PSS, blank sailings, congestion, and capacity changes, communicating impacts internally.
• Partner with operations teams to ensure routing meets customer expectations for cost, transit time, and reliability.
• Resolve carrier issues such as rolled bookings, billing discrepancies, free time disputes, and service failures.
• Maintain internal rate sheets, tariffs, and pricing systems to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Identify margin improvement opportunities, cost-saving alternatives, and procurement process enhancements.

What We Are Looking For:

• 2–5+ years of experience in ocean freight procurement, ocean export pricing, carrier management, or freight forwarding operations.
• Experience working for a freight forwarder, NVOCC, shipping line, or logistics provider.
• Strong knowledge of ocean freight rate structures, surcharges, accessorials, and Incoterms.
• Existing relationships with ocean carriers or co-load partners highly preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with TMS, freight rate management systems, or logistics platforms.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven logistics environment.

Salary Range: $55,000-$70,000

Where You’ll Be: 11500 N Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153

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