The Vice President of Procurement and Business Development will play a crucial role in driving strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and market expansion efforts. This position requires a seasoned professional with a strong background in procurement and business development, capable of leading initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and foster growth.

Why work for us?

• FREE online medical and mental healthcare for you and your immediate family
• 6 paid Holidays + 3 Floating Holidays
• Quarterly Profit Share Incentive Program
• Medical coverage through the LARGEST nationwide network
• HSA with a generous company match
• 401k contributions upon hire with immediate company match
• Generous Paid Time Off accrual

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement:

• Lead supplier evaluation and selection processes, ensuring optimal pricing and quality.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for the supply chain.
• Identify and execute cost reduction strategies without compromising quality.
• Promote sustainable procurement practices and develop related policies.
• Integrate procurement technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Recruit, develop, and maintain business relationships with new and existing vendor partners and shipping client/partners.

Business Development:

• Conduct market analysis and develop growth strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Identify and establish strategic partnerships and alliances.
• Support sales and marketing teams in acquiring new clients and markets.
• Drive initiatives that lead to increased revenue and market share.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures for the effective delivery of services to our customers.
• Work with the sales team in developing strategies for capturing business at acceptable margin levels.
• Assist in the development of pricing for potential new customer accounts based on services needed, existing market prices, volume levels, location, credit rating, etc.
• Coordinate problem resolution relating to customer accounts with office personnel, including a review of customer needs and requirements.
• Advise leadership on the need for personnel, price increases, accessorial charges, contracts, etc.
• Serve as a resource to other managers and employees in need of assistance for projects and key accounts.
• Meet weekly with the sales group to communicate important information and trends.
• Attend quarterly budget meetings.
• Respond promptly to questions from internal and external customers.
• Support company-sponsored continuous improvement processes and foster commitment to company quality, ethics, and excellence.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and commission regulations as a qualifying individual/ocean transportation intermediaries (OTI) for the Federal Maritime Commission.
• Assist in the development of sales strategies and marketing initiatives.
• Support accounts receivable collection efforts.
• Provide a weekly activity recap including international market conditions, mergers and acquisitions, status of GRI’s, or other conditions impacting rates, capacity, and/or service.
• Coordinate major projects and RFP’s with other managers and directors.
• Monitor gross margins of accounts or business segments and maintain gross operating margins for their respective area.
• Ensure effective delivery of timely services to clients, including project accounts that need to be maintained on a continuing basis.

Knowledge and Skills to be successful:

• 5 years’ experience in transportation
• 2 years supervisory experience
• Must possess, or ability to gain, OTI for Federal Maritime Commission
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Knowledge of procurement technologies and sustainable sourcing practices.

Koch Maritime is a third-party logistics (3PL) company that provides smarter supply chain solutions for shipping, management, retail partnerships, and distribution. Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, Koch Logistics is a division of Minneapolis-based Stan Koch & Sons Trucking, Inc.