Global Air Logistics Vertical Implementation Manager (m/f/d) - Aerospace/Defence

Kuehne+Nagel; Manchester; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel is hiring a Global Air Logistics Vertical Implementation Manager to lead complex, global customer implementation projects from initiation to stabilization. You will coordinate with Sales and the Air Logistics BU to develop vertical strategies and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

The role requires at least 5 years in large-scale project management, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of air logistics operations.

Qualifications

• Min. 5 years of proven experience as a Project Manager/Program Manager delivering complex global projects.
• Strong understanding of Air Logistics operation and processes.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• PM tools proficiency; PMP/PMI/Prince2 or equivalent is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead project definition, scope and objectives with stakeholders; create detailed plans with timelines and resource management.
• Guide teams to stay aligned with goals; monitor progress and address deviations.
• Allocate and secure resources; collaborate with functional managers for expertise.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships; communicate status clearly and transparently.
• Ensure deliverables meet ISO standards; evaluate and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with Sales and Air Logistics leadership to set vertical goals and best practices.
• Identify and mitigate risks; manage scope changes for successful integration.
• Mentor junior managers on vertical requirements; promote learning and best practices.

Skills

Project leadership

Project planning

Stakeholder management

Communication

Risk management

Mentoring

Cross-functional leadership

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Project Management or related

Tools

PM tools & software

Job description

It's more than a job

As a member of the Freight Forwarding team Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in transporting goods, optimising processes, and fulfilling our customers' promises. And by transporting medicines, toys and important machine parts, you are not only delivering goods, you are making small and big moments possible for people all around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine.

As a Global Air Logistics Vertical Implementation Manager (m/f/d), you will play a crucial role in driving project success and contributing to the growth and efficiency of our organization. Your ability to lead, collaborate, and deliver results will be essential in achieving our strategic objectives and exceeding client expectations. The position can be filled on any Kuehne+Nagel location in the EMEA region.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Global Air Logistics Vertical Implementation Manager (m/f/d) to lead and oversee complex global customer implementation projects and programs from initiation to successful stabilization within a defined business vertical. As part of the vertical PMO, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects on time, within scope, and within budget. You will collaborate with the related vertical leadership teams on the Sales side and the Business Unit Air Logistics side to develop vertical related strategic goals and best practice to continuously meet the market requirements and conditions of our customers. This role requires at least 5 years of experience in leading/driving large, complex projects and/or programs through complete project Life-cycle, preferably on an international basis and a solid operational background in Air Logistics.

How you create impact

• Project Planning and Initiation: Lead project definition, scope, and objectives by collaborating with stakeholders. Create detailed plans, including timelines, resource and risk management
• Project Execution and Control: Guide teams, ensuring alignment with goals. Monitor progress, address deviations, and maintain proactive issue resolution
• Resource Management: Allocate and secure resources, collaborating with functional managers for expertise and success
• Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships, communicate status, be transparent and highlight opportunities effectively
• Quality Assurance: Ensure deliverables meet Kuehne+Nagel and ISO 21205 standards, conduct evaluations, and suggest and implement improvements
• Competence & Strategy: Collaborate closely with the stakeholders of the assigned PMO vertical within the Sales and Business Unit Air Logistics organization to develop and lead strategic internal projects to further grow the success of vertical specific implementation management
• Risk & Change Management: Identify and mitigate risks, manage scope changes professionally for successful integration
• Mentoring/Supervision: Serve as a patient mentor, coaching, sharing best practices, fostering learning, and guiding junior managers on the assigned vertical requirements

What we would like you to bring

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration or a related field
• Min. 5 years of proven experience as a Project Manager and/or Program Manager, with a track record of successfully delivering complex global projects in the assigned business vertical
• Strong understanding of Air Logistics operation and processes
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in project management tools and software
• Project Management Professional (PMP, PMI, Prince2) or equivalent certification is a plus

What's in it for you

At Kuehne+Nagel, you get to grow your expertise, shape processes and deliver innovative solutions. We are continuously building our local and global network and our product portfolio, creating career opportunities in different fields of work worldwide. As a leader in the logistics industry, we provide a collaborative and IT-driven environment where you will work with motivated and customer-centric colleagues across the world. We look forward to receiving your comprehensive online application.

Who we are

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life‑saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.