Global Freight Forwarding Startup Leader

edari; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

edari is seeking an Executive Director to build, launch and lead a new multimodal freight forwarding business from inception in Dubai. You will own end-to-end business design, regulatory establishment, network development and technology implementation, with full P&L accountability.

The role requires strategic leadership and hands-on execution, leading cross-functional teams, establishing international partnerships, and driving growth within the GCC region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
• Minimum 15 years' experience in freight forwarding or international logistics.
• At least 5 years at Country Manager/Regional Head/MD level with P&L ownership.
• Fluency in English; Arabic a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and launch the UAE freight business roadmap, including implementation phases and capabilities.
• Lead licensing, regulatory approvals, and compliance across UAE mainland and free zones.
• Establish physical footprint, hubs, and warehousing capabilities.
• Select and deploy core freight management tech platforms, integrating finance, operations, CRM and reporting.
• Define international network model and partnerships for optimal trade lanes.
• Lead overseas entity formation and commercial launch in priority markets.
• Develop partner ecosystem and negotiate exclusivity, terms and risk controls.
• Build governance, procurement controls and price governance to protect gross margins.
• Provide regular executive reporting on launch progress and commercial performance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L management

Business development

Regulatory compliance

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Project management

Change leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA (advantageous)

Tools

CargoWise

CRM systems

Job description

edari is seeking an Executive Director to build, launch and lead a new multimodal freight forwarding business from inception in Dubai. You will own end-to-end business design, regulatory establishment, network development and technology implementation, with full P&L accountability.

The role requires strategic leadership and hands-on execution, leading cross-functional teams, establishing international partnerships, and driving growth within the GCC region.