Join Maersk as an Area Head of Logistics & Services Procurement (SAI)

Would you like to be part of a value-driven, commercially oriented international environment where we enable global trade every day? The Regional India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) Logistics and Services (L&S) Procurement team is seeking a dynamic Procurement Leader for its Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands (SAI) Area. This pivotal role is crucial for the delivery and execution of the Area Business plan towards integrating our customers’ supply chains.

If you thrive on witnessing customer business priorities taking shape and are eager to play a key role in this by ensuring the best solutions and products for our customers, then this role is for you. As the incumbent, you will manage the Area Procurement team, leading the development and execution of the area procurement strategy in alignment with the Area Leadership Team and Regional and Global Procurement Teams.

Why Join Maersk?

When you become part of Maersk, you'll find the world is your workplace. You'll join a culturally diverse and stimulating environment, surrounded by fresh ideas and innovative approaches. We believe in individual performance within highly professional teams guided by our core values.

At Maersk, teamwork encompasses acceptance, respect, dedication, and the belief that we achieve more when we work together. Upholding our values involves ethical competition in the marketplace, making our name synonymous with being a credible and valuable business partner. Through Constant Care and Humbleness, we prepare for the future while remembering that our customers and competitors are key to our improvement.

Uprightness and our employees' dedication mean transparency and accountability in everything we do, creating an inspiring and challenging workplace. We take pride in hiring the best person for the job—regardless of gender, age, nationality, or religious belief. Additionally, a great opportunity exists for continued career growth within the broader Maersk Procurement community, supported by colleagues and management with extensive experience in sourcing, cost management, and business optimization.

Your Key Responsibilities

As a Procurement Leader, you will be responsible for managing and optimizing procurement spend across Logistics, Supply Chain, and third-party services, with a strong focus on Landside Transportation and Contract Logistics:

• Manage the Area Procurement team, with most members based in Cape Town and others in various locations.
• Develop category strategies for key categories, with a primary focus on the transport category strategy.
• Continuously improve supplier market analytics, organize market intelligence, and create competitive edges for Maersk's business through effective supply chains.
• Ensure sourcing meets the Maersk procurement process expectations, adhering to the "Six Sourcing Steps".
• Enable sustainable and profitable growth through best-in-class sourcing, optimized operational behaviors, and supplier innovation.
• Develop and oversee procurement strategies for existing, new, OPEX, and CAPEX spend.
• Manage vendor relationships at a strategic level, including performance management and establishing the appropriate SLAs between Maersk and suppliers.
• Lead negotiations, maintain senior relationships, and facilitate the development of the Area Procurement team.
• Champion the One Maersk mindset and act as a point of escalation for disputes and issues.
• Collaborate closely within a Matrix organization, harmonizing Area Procurement efforts with Regional and Centre Procurement teams.
• Partner with Area Product, Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Finance teams on long-term game plans, ensuring alignment between costs, commercial needs, and customer experience.
• Drive a strong digital agenda within supplier engagements and Area business plans.
• Travel to strategic vendor sites, owned sites, and other relevant areas in Southern Africa as required.

Who We Are Looking For

To excel in this role, you should have:

• At least 10 years of experience managing Logistics and Supply Chain products and/or Procurement.
• Strong knowledge and experience in logistics, especially transport and contract logistics.
• Experience and knowledge of the South African logistics industry (advantageous).
• Proven track record in leading teams and managing stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Awareness of cost drivers (highly valued).
• Solid negotiation skills with experience in various environments and multiple geographies.