Senior Operational Key Account Manager

DSV Road GmbH; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

DSV Road GmbH in Abu Dhabi seeks a Senior Operational Key Account Manager to lead end-to-end logistics for strategic Defense/government clients. You will coordinate air/sea freight, customs, and warehousing while driving service excellence and strong client partnerships.

You will oversee KPIs, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement to reduce costs and enhance performance in a complex regulatory environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain, business admin or related field.
• Proven experience in air and sea freight operations and oversized projects.
• Proficiency with WMS, TMS, ERP and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end logistics for key Defense/government clients (air/sea freight, customs, warehouse coordination).
• Develop and maintain strong Defense account relationships for satisfaction and growth.
• Coordinate with operations, customer service, finance, and compliance to ensure timely delivery.
• Monitor KPIs/SLA and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain service levels.
• Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations and company policies.
• Handle escalations and act as liaison between clients and operations teams.
• Support continuous improvement to optimize processes and reduce costs.
• Prepare regular management reports on account performance and challenges.
• Oversee scheduling and allocation of resources for shipments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor to meet business needs.
• Apply defense operation process knowledge for pricing, shipments, and approvals.
• Take on additional related duties/projects as required.

Skills

Defense logistics ops

Key account management

Air/Sea freight ops

CRM/Client relations

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics / SCM / Business Admin

Tools

WMS

TMS

ERP

MS Office

Job description

If you are a current DSV employee and interested in a position in another country, please contact your Human Resource representative to discuss the process and requirements of applying.

Senior Operational Key Account Manager

The Senior Operations Key Account Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing logistics operations for strategic A&D clients in air and sea freight. This role ensures smooth coordination of all transportation(Air,sea ,Road), warehousing (3PL,4PL,Inventory management), and supply chain activities, maintaining high service levels, client satisfaction, and compliance with international shipping regulations. The position serves as the primary point of contact for key accounts, driving operational excellence and supporting business growth.

Responsibilities:

• 1. Manage end-to-end logistics operations for key Defense/government clients, including air and sea freight forwarding, customs clearance(Export / import control), and warehouse coordination.
• 2. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key Defense accounts to ensure customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• 3. Coordinate with internal departments (operations, customer service, finance, compliance) to ensure timely and accurate delivery service.
• 4. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs/SLA), operational metrics, and service levels; implement corrective actions when needed.
• 5. Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, documentation requirements, and company policies.
• 6. Handle client escalations efficiently, providing solutions and acting as the main liaison between clients and operational teams.
• 7. Support continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance service quality.
• 8. Prepare regular reports for management on account performance, operational challenges, and client feedback.
• 9. Oversee scheduling, planning, and allocation of resources for air and sea shipments.
• 10. Any other related duties/projects assigned by the direct supervisor from time to time to meet business needs
• 11. To have knowledge of Defense operation process in terms of Pricing , shipments handling , approvals and government relationship (customs authorities like MOD ,SIRA/GHQ)
• 12. Perform any other related duties or projects assigned by management from time to time to meet business requirements.

Qualifications and requirements –

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Proven experience in air and sea freight operations and oversized projects(Charters,breakbulk)
• Proficiency in logistics software (WMS, TMS, ERP) and MS Office.

Specific Skills –

• Extensive Experience in Defense industry (military, MOD & GHQ controlled )
• Proven Expertise in handling complex tenders for large defense/government customers.
• Experience in sales and providing solutions based on customer needs
• Strong understanding of Defense air and sea freight operations and regulations & Export control /ITAR/MOD/DGR (Class 1 cargo) Awareness.
• Excellent Defense client relationship management and communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Leadership and team coordination skills.
• Strong negotiation and contract management capabilities.
• Commitment to operational excellence, safety, and compliance.

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 150,000 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.