General Manager, Air Export & Skybridge

DSV; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global transport and logistics company seeks a General Manager for its UAE operations. You will oversee the Air Export and SkyBridge product, with full P&L accountability and a focus on strategic development. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in logistics and strong leadership abilities. This role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic, international environment.

Benefits

Performance-driven culture

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a similar position.
• Excellent cross-functional knowledge in freight forwarding and logistics.
• Proven leadership skills in managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UAE Air Export and SkyBridge product strategy and operations.
• Build the annual budget and monitor profitability.
• Ensure adherence to operational KPIs.

Skills

Experience in freight forwarding

Strong leadership skills

Business acumen

Strategic planning

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

Time Type:

Full Time

DSV group, headquartered in Denmark, is one of the biggest transport and logistics companies in the world, with more than 160,000 dedicated employees and presence in 90 countries.

Lead DSV UAE’s Air Export product and the SkyBridge (Sea‑Air) service end‑to‑end owning – Strategy, P&L, operations, and customer experience. The General Manager is accountable for achieving GP and EBIT targets through disciplined product development, commercial engagement, and operational excellence, while scaling our Dubai‑centric control‑tower model for Sea‑Air. In short, full P&L ownership of the department with direct people leadership for the air export and SkyBridge teams.

Reporting Line:

Reports to: Director

Role: General Manager

Direct subordinates: 5-10

Detailed Responsibilities:

Product Strategy & P&L Leadership

• Own the UAE Air Export and SkyBridge portfolio strategy, pricing architecture, and profitability.
• Build the annual budget and rolling forecast; monitor GP/EBIT, margin leakage, and lane/unit economics.
• Develop and improve existing capacity commitments (e.g., BSA/charters) and cost structures; reduction loss‑making flows and improve overall yields across the products.

Commercial Engagement & Growth

• Partner with global product management teams, commercial colleagues, vertical leads and tender management to position SkyBridge/Air Export in RFQs; drive proactive and spot pricing.
• Guide sales enablement through rate cards, service catalogues and product insights
• Own strategic lane development including routings, service levels, and sustainability narratives (if any)
• Lead key customer pursuits; negotiate senior‑level agreements with airlines, GHAs, and partners.

Operations & Control Tower execution

• Oversee export operations and SkyBridge gateway/HUB routines
• Ensure bonded movement and free‑zone procedures deliver as per needed turnaround times
• Enforce SOP adherence for Air Export (HAWB/MAWB consignment rules, pre‑alerts, milestone integrity).
• Drive exception management and root‑cause elimination; maintain stable on‑time performance and achievement of customer and internal SLAs/KPIs

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop managers and teams (operations, control tower, customer service, procurement/pricing).
• Workforce planning and succession management; align FTE productivity with volumes and automation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Financial: Gross Profit, EBIT, conversion ratio, margins (GP and EBIT), yields etc.
• Operational: Operational KPI achievements, customer SLAs, data quality accuracy, standardization of processes, structures and systems as well as automation targets etc.
• Commercial: Commercial engagements, customer meetings, win ratio improvements etc.
• QHSE and compliance: Audit score (internal and external) adheres to DSV code of conducts and other set‑out policies.

Communication:

Internal

– All internal teams (senior leadership, commercial, finance, cross‑functional operations, IT, business implementation etc.)

External

– Customers, Vendors, Suppliers

Qualifications & Characteristics:

• 5 years’ experience in a similar position
• Excellent cross functional knowledge in freight forwarding and logistics.
• Business Acumen (understands principles and language, incl. the fundamentals of finance and profitability)
• Excellent air product knowledge with tight network throughout the industry in the local geo‑market.
• Good strategic and planning skills, ability to translate strategy to operational plan and execute
• Proven track record in Leadership Skills (knowledgeable in Recruitment, Selection, Training & Development, Coaching, Conflict Management and Performance Management)
• Good communication skills (open and confidential communication style)
• Solid knowledge in change management and innovation (analytical, systematic, creative, inventive)
• Strong decision‑making capabilities and high accountability
• High result orientation and customer focus
• Ability to integrate and coordinate efforts/resources across functions and boundaries
• Management and organizational skills (prioritize, plan, assign, delegate, control)

Working Conditions:

• Working conditions, hereunder hours and requirements, may be above normal office requirements.
• Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening working hours (as needed)
• You will be working in an international environment being part of one of the world’s most profitable freight forwarding companies.
• You will at the same time get the opportunity to (and be encouraged to) set your individual footprint on UAE branches in regard to activity and development.
• You will be working in a performance driven culture, where your individual achievements will be recognized, directly affecting your personal development, career, rewards and future opportunities.

DSV – Global Transport and Logistics

Working at DSV means playing in a different league.

As a global leader in transport and logistics, we have been on an extraordinary journey of growth. Let’s grow together as we continue to innovate, digitalise and build on our achievements.

With close to 160,000 colleagues in over 90 countries, we work every day to offer solid services and meet our customers’ needs and help them achieve their goals. We know that the best way to achieve this is by bringing in new talent, fresh perspectives and ambitious individuals like you.

At DSV, performance is in our DNA. We don’t just work – we aim to shape the future of logistics. This ambition fuels a dynamic environment built on collaboration with world‑class team players, accountability and action. We value inclusivity, embrace different cultures and respect the dignity and rights of every individual. If you want to make an impact, be trusted by customers and grow your career in a forward‑thinking company – this is the place to be.

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