Pricing Manager – Sea & Air Freight

COMPANY: Multinational Freight ForwarderDESIGNATION: Pricing Manager – Sea & Air FreightPACKAGE: Attractive & Above Market Rate LOCATION: Colombo, Sri LankaOur client is a well-established and rapidly growing international freight forwarding and logistics organization headquartered in Dubai, with an expanding presence across the Middle East and South Asia, including Sri Lanka and India. The organization is recognized for delivering integrated logistics solutions with a strong focus on customer service, operational excellence, and commercial competitiveness.As part of its strategic growth plans, the company is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Pricing Manager to lead its pricing function in Sri Lanka and play a critical role in strengthening its competitive position within the market.The OpportunityThis is not merely a pricing role—it is a strategic commercial position that directly influences business growth, profitability, and customer acquisition.The successful candidate will be responsible for developing competitive pricing strategies, negotiating carrier rates, building strong relationships with global partners, and supporting the sales team with winning commercial proposals. This individual will become one of the key decision-makers in ensuring the organization remains highly competitive across Sea Freight, Air Freight, and integrated logistics solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Pricing & Commercial ManagementDevelop and implement competitive pricing strategies across Sea Freight (FCL/LCL), Air Freight, and value-added logistics services.Ensure pricing remains competitive while protecting company margins and profitability.Monitor market trends, freight indices, carrier rate movements, and competitor pricing to identify opportunities.Build pricing models that support sustainable business growth.Review profitability of accounts and recommend pricing improvements.Carrier & Vendor ManagementNegotiate competitive freight rates with shipping lines, airlines, NVOCCs, consolidators, transport providers, and overseas agents.Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with carriers and logistics partners.Secure preferential rates and capacity during peak seasons.Manage annual, quarterly, and spot rate negotiations.RFQs, Tenders & QuotationsLead pricing for local and regional RFQs.Prepare accurate and commercially attractive quotations within agreed turnaround times.Collaborate closely with Sales, Key Account Management, and Operations during tender submissions.Support large regional and multinational customer bids.Sales SupportWork closely with the Sales team to develop winning commercial solutions.Provide pricing consultation during customer negotiations.Recommend pricing strategies for strategic and high-value accounts.Assist sales teams in securing new business opportunities.Financial PerformanceAnalyse margins, contribution, and profitability across products and customers.Ensure pricing aligns with company financial objectives.Prepare pricing reports and commercial analytics for senior management.Recommend corrective actions to improve commercial performance.Market Intelligence Continuously monitor: * Ocean freight market trends * Air freight capacity * Fuel surcharges * Currency fluctuations * Trade lane developments * Carrier announcements * Global logistics disruptions Translate market intelligence into actionable pricing strategies.Process ImprovementStandardize pricing processes and quotation formats.Improve quotation turnaround time.Enhance pricing accuracy through automation and analytical tools.Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the pricing function.Cross Functional CollaborationWork closely with:SalesCustomer ServiceOperationsFinanceOverseas OfficesRegional ManagementGlobal Network Partnersto ensure seamless commercial execution.Ideal Candidate ProfileWe are looking for an individual who combines strong commercial acumen with exceptional analytical capability and negotiation skills.The successful candidate should possess:A strategic mindset with a strong understanding of freight forwarding commercial operations.Excellent market intelligence and awareness of international freight trends.Strong negotiation and relationship management capabilities.High attention to detail with exceptional numerical and analytical skills.Ability to work under pressure while managing multiple quotations and tenders.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Strong business partnering ability with both commercial and operational teams.Experience & Qualifications10–15+ years of experience within international Freight Forwarding or Logistics.Proven experience in Pricing, Commercial, Procurement, Trade Management, or Freight Rate Management.Strong expertise in both: Sea Freight Air FreightExposure to regional and international trade lanes.Strong knowledge of Incoterms, freight costing, tariffs, surcharges, and logistics pricing structures.Experience working with multinational freight forwarding organizations is highly preferred.Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.Professional qualifications in Logistics or Supply Chain Management would be an added advantage.Technical KnowledgeThe ideal candidate should have strong exposure to:Ocean Freight (FCL/LCL)Air FreightCross Trade ShipmentsImports & ExportsFreight CostingCarrier ContractsAirline AgreementsRFQ ManagementTrade Lane AnalysisFreight Management SystemsMicrosoft Excel (Advanced)Data Analysis & Commercial ReportingKey CompetenciesCommercial NegotiationStrategic PricingMarket IntelligenceAnalytical ThinkingFinancial AcumenDecision MakingStakeholder ManagementVendor NegotiationBusiness PartneringCommercial ExcellenceProblem SolvingTime ManagementLeadership & Influencing SkillsWhy Join?This opportunity offers the chance to play a pivotal commercial role within a fast-growing international freight forwarding organization that continues to expand its regional footprint.The successful candidate will enjoy:A strategic leadership role with high visibility.Regional exposure across Sri Lanka, Dubai, and India.The opportunity to influence commercial strategy and business growth.A collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment.Significant career progression opportunities within an expanding international organization.An attractive remuneration package, negotiable based on experience and expertise.