Country Head - Ocean Freight Product

Summary:

Responsibilities

• Product Growth & P&L Ownership:

  Take full ownership of the Ocean/Sea Freight Product’s Profit & Loss, ensuring sustained growth and profitability. Develop and execute aggressive strategies to grow the ocean/sea product at least 3x times from the existing business base. Identify new market opportunities, service enhancements, and strategic partnerships to drive revenue expansion.

• Operational Excellence & Solutions Delivery:

  Oversee and ensure the smooth implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational efficiencies across all ocean freight services. Drive the development and implementation of solutions for sales and the network to ensure seamless operations and high business conversion rates. Demonstrate expertise in managing and optimizing ocean freight volumes, with a track record of handling a minimum of 6,000 - 10,000 TEUs per annum (outbound). Experience in managing and growing LCL solutions is required.

• Strategic & Commercial Leadership:

  Exhibit expertise in handling global RFQ/RFI/RFP processes for Sea/Ocean Freight Services, from strategy to execution. Cultivate and maintain direct customer relationships, leveraging insights to drive product improvements and secure new business.

• Team Leadership & Development:

  Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative working environment. Demonstrate a strong track record in handling and driving a team to achieve ambitious goals.

• Project & Innovation Management:

  Lead and successfully execute key strategic projects related to ocean freight product development, digitalization, or market expansion. While hands-on product development is desirable, the mandatory focus is on demonstrating a track record of "Growing the Product" and achieving significant revenue and volume increases. 

Experience Required:

• P&L Responsibility:

  Proven experience with full P&L accountability for a significant product line.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in the Freight Forwarding industry, with a primary focus on Ocean/Sea Freight.

• Mandatory:

  Minimum 5 years in a leadership or senior role overseeing ocean freight products/operations.
• Proven track record of managing a minimum of 6,000 - 10,000 TEUs per annum (outbound) in ocean freight OR: If experience is solely in LCL, a track record of handling 10,000 - 15,000 cubic meters per annum.
• Demonstrated experience of growing the ocean/sea product by at least 3X times from existing business volumes.

• Team Leadership:

  Proven capability to lead, motivate, and develop a team (minimum experience of handling a team is essential).  

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional Leadership:

  Strong ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams in a dynamic environment.

• Strategic Product Vision:

  Ability to define and execute a winning strategy for the Ocean/Sea Freight product, with a mandatory focus on growth.

• Operational Excellence:

  Deep understanding of Ocean/Sea freight operations, regulations, and best practices, ensuring smooth implementation of SOPs.

• Commercial Acumen:

  Strong business development skills with a proven ability to build and maintain direct customer relationships.

• RFX Management:

  Demonstrated expertise in handling and responding to global RFQ/RFI/RFP processes for sea/ocean freight services.

• Negotiation & Communication:

  Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills (written and verbal) to engage effectively with clients, carriers, and internal stakeholders.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving:

  Proficient in data analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and solve complex operational or commercial challenges.

• Collaborative Mindset:

  Demonstrated ability to work effectively across departments (Sales, Network, Operations) to drive solutions and conversions.

• Resilience & Adaptability:

  Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment