Landside Procurement Manager

The Procurement team in Maersk (IBS) is looking for a Landside Procurement Manager to drive our Rail Sourcing and supporting Product team in new growth initiatives. The person would be responsible for managing the existing set of business operated by PSU's, PRO's, Leased rakes and contracting of Rail connected facilities / ICDs in India.

The cargo rail and containerized rail market in India is poised for strong growth in the next 2-4 years. Driven by significant government investments in dedicated freight corridors, multimodal logistics parks, and digital tracking infrastructure, the sector is witnessing a rapid transformation. The Indian government's push to increase the modal share of rail from 27% to 40% by 2030 is encouraging private investments and creating new opportunities for logistics providers.

Containerized cargo movement by rail is expected to grow, particularly in key sectors such as automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, steel, cement, and chemicals. Improved reliability, reduced transit times, and cost benefits compared to road transport are major factors driving this shift. With sustainability and decarbonization becoming central to supply chain strategies, rail transport is set to play an increasingly pivotal role in India's logistics ecosystem.

Maersk is looking for an exceptional talent to join our Logistics & Services Procurement team.  This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a significant strategic transformation, and growth push in one of the world's leading transportation and logistics companies. The role will involve developing and implementing Sourcing Strategies for procurement of various services from both Public Sector Unit (PSU) operators and Private Rail Operators. This position is responsible for negotiating the best rates, ensuring service level commitments, bundling trucking and value-added services, managing documentation, and securing discounts. The role will also actively contribute to growth initiatives, including expanding rail-connected sites, optimizing costs, and supporting innovative logistics solutions. All sourcing plans needs to have Strategic alignment with the Area Business Plans. The role will be positioned in Mumbai / Gurgaon (India) and reporting to the Area Procurement head (L&S) for IBS area.

This role will require you to be a business partner to product heads and commercial teams in delivering optimized costs and services through cost effective, compliant, and quality procurement solutions. This role will be a key player in supporting the IBS Area growth for Rail Services procurement and will play a significant role in the wider cost optimization agenda of the IBS region.

What this position involves

• Demonstrating remarkable collaboration with internal & external stakeholders
• Working as the Procurement business partner to Product teams in business and product development
• Overall responsible for optimizing the procurement spend across the Rail category
• Develop category strategy in alignment with area business plans
• Managing complex procurement projects (OPEX and CAPEX) for development of Third party or Self-managed sites in future
• Bundle Rail Connected such as trucking, warehousing, and value-added offerings to maximize efficiency
• Drive optimization to reduce container imbalance, repositioning costs, and cross-border inefficiencies
• Plan and oversee procurement for domestic rail services and automobile rail logistics
• Lead initiatives to increase modal shift from road to rail, aligning with sustainability and cost-saving goals
• Monitor market trends, competitor offerings, and emerging technologies to maintain competitive advantage
• Developing a game plan and managing saving targets
• Integrating Contract Management frameworks to help ensure cost leadership, compliance and best in class supplier performance
• Driving Supplier Relationship Management including performance management on tactical level
• Developing and implementing digital solutions to optimise the procurement process
• Considerable travel within the country and some travel within the IBS region is to be expected.

What is in it for you?

Working with the Liner Operations organisation being a part of the global Maersk Procurement Operations team, and the wider Maersk Procurement community. New and exciting possibilities for personal and professional development.  You can be assured of a positive and diverse work environment where new ideas are always welcome Furthermore, there is a great opportunity for a continued career path within the wider Procurement community in Maersk.

Within our own and the larger team, you will enjoy support from colleagues and management who possess extensive experience in sourcing, cost management and liner business. In terms of personal development, this position polishes your ability to deliver results through internal and external stakeholders, which in this case are several and complex.  Networking and interaction with head office as well as local/regional/global vendors.

So, is this what you might be looking for?

Ensure that every Rupee spent is spent professionally. This is achieved by reducing operating expenses and driving savings and value creation-based mindset by applying procurement capabilities and tools. The function aims to attain a competitive asset base for the future that is fully operational, at an optimal cost, and on time. The scene comes with significant pressure to cut costs and increase the returned value from our suppliers. How we overcome this challenge and catapult above our competitors is the ultimate question within the area and region. This is your opportunity to join and make a difference to Maersk's growth

Who are we looking for?

Required:

• Bachelor of engineering (any stream) / MBA from any reputed institute in related field of supply chain.
• At least 10+ years of experience in Supply chain management with at least 7–10 years focused on large-scale transportation or rail services procurement.
• Proven track record of managing high-value contracts and vendor negotiations with PSU and private operators in India and/or international markets.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage multimillion-dollar budgets, cost optimization projects, and complex pricing models.
• Expertise in multimodal transport solutions (rail-road integration, cross-border logistics, and containerized cargo).
• Comprehensive understanding of Indian rail freight ecosystem, government policies, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence at the senior leadership level.
• Strong industry network and sound market and product understanding. A commercial mindset with fair understanding of handling P&L
• Experience in green field project procurement and services would be an added advantage.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills
• Composure when confronted with sudden setbacks
• A knack for negotiation
• Willingness to operate in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to make quick decisions with 80% information
• Thirst for knowledge and the ability to learn quickly
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills
• Composure when confronted with sudden setbacks
• A knack for negotiation
• Ability to make quick decisions with 80% information
• Thirst for knowledge and the ability to learn quickly
• Strong negotiation, analytical and critical thinking skills. High learning agility
• Willingness to work in a fast paced and often ambiguous environment.
• Languages: English is mandatory, Hindi and additional language would be an added advantage

The perfect candidate is a solution-oriented person as well as resilient team player who is goal-orientated and demonstrates a high level of commitment with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

A long-term successful career can be achieved when what you're passionate about, what you're good at and what's needed by our business all come together. Be part of an exciting team. It's time to leave your mark on our world.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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