Chiquita is a leading global company with 20,000 employees across 30 countries. We are passionate about our nutritious, high-quality, energy-rich and value-added bananas.

Chiquita's products are sold in nearly 70 countries around the world. Chiquita Brads International grows, procures, markets and sells bananas and other fresh fruits under the Chiquita brand and other names.

Main Goal

The Global Equipment Manager oversees a fleet of 18’200 reefers, 2’000 dry containers, 3’500 chassis and 2’300 diesel generators.
He/She leads the Equipment department at strategic and operational levels, contributes to procurement success by defining and implementing a clear strategy, realizing cost optimization potentials, managing the suppliers and contracts, and ensuring smooth operations related to the fleet renewal.

The Equipment Manager is responsible for plan-to-strategy, source-to-contract and purchase-to-payment processes within the category, performs tenders and acts in Great White Fleet’s best interests.

Key Responsibilities

Plan to Strategy

• Define and implement a clear strategy, monitor implementation: procurement of new equipment, contract extensions or terminations, resale operations
• Analyze total cost of ownership for the various products. Understand improvement opportunities
• Review contract information to take necessary actions in due course
• Forecast future demand and necessary specifications with internal customers
• Market analysis: work on supply/commercial risk identification and countermeasures

Source to Contract

• Full coordination of RFP process: create RFP documents, send to suppliers, consolidate offers received, evaluate offers (commercial/technical standpoint), submit them to Senior Management, provide recommendations on supplier selection
• Conduct negotiations. Used advanced negotiation tactics. Find creative ways to reduce TCO.
• Obtain approval and finalize commercials terms of contracts

Supplier Relationship Management & Contract Management

• Handle commercial & contractual relationships with 15+ suppliers in all regions
• Evaluate performance of existing suppliers and take necessary measures
• Manage 65+ leasing contracts, working closely with Legal Counsel. Contracts negotiation and analysis, ensuring the most beneficial agreements. Knowledge of relevant legal basis.
• Maintain database of all leases, identify expiring contracts and propose solutions on next steps
• Renegotiate existing contracts

Operations Management

• Oversee the on-hire, off-hire, resale operations: coordinate the related logistics process
• Import/export equipment, repositioning by vessel or truck, etc.
• Define the off-hire monthly plan, complying with contract terms
• Help the Equipment team to execute plan and ensure monthly goals are met

ERP system

• Ensure equipment data integrity in the IT system
• Update the system when necessary
• Support countries with errors’ resolution and system updates
• Check the Equipment inventory and location
• Generate various reports to obtain information or to support special requests

Accounting

• Prepare the annual budget and present it to Senior Management
• Monthly follow-up on actuals costs versus budget. Variance analysis
• Lease accruals and off-hire cost accruals calculation at contract level
• Update the redelivery payments file at contract level, check gap versus accruals
• Support accounting team during the audit process, provide requested information

Other

• Reporting: update monthly reports for Senior Management. KPIs on costs, operational achievements, and fleet management
• Team Management: Responsible for 3 Equipment Analysts based in Panama
• Project Management: continuous improvement of ERP system, telematics project, etc..

Purchase to Payment

• Check and approve ~100 invoices per month
• Verify the Payment File Report on a monthly basis
• Follow up on the statement of accounts with suppliers and resolve disputes, if any
• Claims management against 3rd parties or suppliers, in coordination with Legal department

• Bachelor or Master in Business Administration, Procurement or similar
• 5+ years in Strategic Procurement
• 3+ years in logistics-related procurement, especially within maritime and road transportation industry