VIE - Purchaser Port & Terminal Services Region Africa

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

In accordance with the provisions of Article L122-1 of the National Service Code, only candidates aged 18 to 28 and European nationals are eligible for this mission offered as a VIE.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Port & Terminal Procurement team, you will contribute to the sourcing, negotiation, and management of terminal and port service providers across CMA CGM’s network.

Acting as a key interface between suppliers, Regional Offices, Head Office teams, and operational stakeholders, you will support procurement activities related to terminal handling services, commercial negotiations, supplier performance monitoring, and market intelligence.

This position offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise at the crossroads of procurement, shipping operations, and strategic supplier management within a global leader in maritime transportation.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ?

You will support the Procurement team in managing supplier relationships, negotiating terminal contracts, and monitoring market developments to ensure competitive and efficient procurement solutions.

A. Supplier Relationship Management

Manage and develop relationships with a portfolio of terminal operators and port service providers
Act as a key point of contact between suppliers, terminals, Regional Offices, and Head Office stakeholders
Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers to ensure service quality and operational efficiency
Support supplier review processes and relationship management initiatives

B. Contract Negotiation & Procurement Activities

Prepare and participate in negotiations of terminal handling and port service contracts
Analyze public tariffs, contractual conditions, and cost structures
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Line Management, Legal, Cost Control, and Regional Offices
Ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with the Group's purchasing policies and objectives
Support the implementation and follow-up of contractual agreements

C. Budget & Financial Performance Management

Contribute to the preparation and monitoring of annual procurement budgets
Perform quantitative analyses to assess the financial impact of procurement decisions
Support cost optimization initiatives and identify savings opportunities
Analyze OPEX, P&L impacts, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to support strategic decision-making

D. Supplier Performance Monitoring

Monitor supplier performance against contractual commitments and service level agreements
Track key performance indicators and identify performance gaps
Participate in supplier performance reviews and corrective action plans
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers and operational stakeholders

E. Market Intelligence & Benchmarking

Conduct market studies and benchmarking analyses within the port and terminal industry
Monitor market trends, competitive developments, and supplier landscapes
Identify risks, opportunities, and potential sourcing strategies
Provide market intelligence and recommendations to support procurement strategy

F. Cross-Functional Coordination

Work closely with Head Office, Regional Offices, Operations, Finance, and Commercial teams
Ensure smooth communication and alignment across internal and external stakeholders
Support procurement projects and strategic initiatives across regions
Maintain procurement performance data and contribute to reporting activities

G. Business Travel & Operational Exposure

Travel periodically to meet terminal operators, suppliers, and key stakeholders
Participate in supplier visits, negotiations, and performance review meetings
Gain exposure to terminal operations and the broader maritime transport ecosystem

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR ?

Master’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Transportation, Logistics, Maritime Studies, Business, or a related field
Strong knowledge of the shipping industry is essential
Previous exposure to maritime transport, logistics, port operations, or terminal activities is highly appreciated
Strong interest in procurement, supplier management, and contract negotiations
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong negotiation skills and ability to influence stakeholders
Analytical mindset with strong numerical and financial capabilities
Analytical skills to analyze OPEX through a 360° vision, P&L accounts and financial impact linked to market trend and conditions
Ability to assess financial impacts and support data-driven decision-making
Good command of Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and international environment
Proactive, adaptable, and willing to take ownership of challenging topics
Fluent in English and French, both written and spoken

Come along on CMA CGM’s adventure !