At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate competitive freight rates while collaborating with various teams.
- Company: Join a dynamic logistics company focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make an impact in global logistics and enhance your negotiation skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in logistics pricing or procurement with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Role Purpose
The Pricing Specialist – Procurement is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and maintaining competitive freight rates and logistics service costs across global carrier and supplier networks.
The role supports commercial growth by delivering accurate, timely, and competitive pricing solutions for customer quotations, tenders, and strategic business opportunities.
Working closely with Sales, Operations, Product, and Carrier Management teams, the Pricing Specialist ensures that pricing proposals maximize profitability while meeting customer requirements and maintaining service quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Supplier Management
- Source and procure competitive rates from ocean carriers, airlines, haulage providers, warehouses, customs brokers, and other logistics service providers.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with carriers, vendors, and strategic partners.
- Negotiate freight rates, surcharges, service agreements, and contract terms.
- Monitor supplier performance and recommend improvements or alternative sourcing options.
- Support annual carrier and supplier procurement exercises.
- Pricing & Quotations
- Prepare accurate and competitive customer quotations for import, export, and cross-trade shipments.
- Calculate complete transportation costs, including freight, local charges, customs fees, warehousing, and value-added services.
- Ensure margin targets are achieved and pricing complies with company profitability requirements.
- Respond to quotation requests within agreed service-level timelines.
- Maintain pricing databases and tariff management systems.
- Tender Management
- Support local, regional, and global RFQs, RFPs, and tender submissions.
- Collect and analyse supplier rate information to develop competitive bid responses.
- Coordinate with commercial and operational teams to ensure pricing solutions are commercially viable and operationally executable.
- Prepare pricing models, cost analyses, and tender documentation.
- Market Intelligence & Analysis
- Monitor market trends affecting freight rates, carrier capacity, fuel surcharges, and trade lane developments.
- Analyse rate fluctuations and identify opportunities for cost optimisation.
- Provide market insights and pricing guidance to sales and management teams.
- Track competitor pricing trends and industry developments.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Partner with Sales teams to support customer acquisition and retention activities.
- Work closely with Operations to understand service capabilities and operational costs.
- Collaborate with Finance on profitability analysis and margin management.
- Support regional and global procurement initiatives.
- Reporting & Compliance
- Maintain accurate records of supplier rates, contracts, and pricing agreements.
- Produce regular pricing and procurement performance reports.
- Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and commercial governance standards.
- Support audits and internal controls related to procurement and pricing activities.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Quote turnaround time.
- Procurement savings achieved.
- Supplier performance and compliance.
- Accuracy of pricing and cost calculations.
- Rate database maintenance and integrity.
Skills & Competencies
Essential
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Excellent numerical and analytical abilities.
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
Desirable
- Experience with freight forwarding operating systems and pricing platforms.
- Knowledge of ocean freight, air freight, road freight, short sea, intermodal and customs processes.
- Familiarity with procurement methodologies and contract management.
- Experience supporting global tenders and strategic bids.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 3 years' experience in freight forwarding, logistics pricing, procurement, or commercial analysis.
- Proven experience obtaining and negotiating logistics supplier rates.
- Strong understanding of international transportation and supply chain operations.
Desirable
- Professional qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business.
- CIPS qualification or equivalent.
- Experience within a multinational freight forwarding environment.
- Key Attributes
The successful candidate will be commercially focused, highly analytical, and capable of building strong relationships both internally and externally.
They will thrive in a fast-paced freight forwarding environment and demonstrate a proactive approach to securing competitive procurement solutions that drive customer satisfaction and business profitability.
Pricing Specialist – Procurement in Grays employer: DHL
DHL is an excellent employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture in Welham Green. With benefits such as free parking, an on-site canteen, and access to GP consultations and retail discounts, employees enjoy a balanced work-life experience while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pricing Specialist – Procurement in Grays
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like DHL and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at DHL!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like DHL keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Pricing Specialist – Procurement in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to DHL:This is your chance to really connect with the team at DHL. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at DHL
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with DHL.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show DHL that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at DHL. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
