National Key Account Manager Freight Forwarding

Kuehne Nagel; Schiphol-Rijk; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

iPhone

Laptop

Flexible working (home/office/on the‑/

Pension scheme

One-year contract with potential for a

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel is seeking a National Key Account Manager based in the Netherlands (Rotterdam/Schiphol) to drive long‑term growth across Sea, Air and Road Logistics. You will act as a strategic partner for major customers, designing solutions that strengthen their supply chains and expand Kuehne+Nagel’s footprint.

You will own accounts, develop strategies, and coordinate with global teams to ensure seamless international representation.

Qualifications

• A completed HBO/academic degree in a commercial, economic or supply‑chain field.
• At least 3 years’ experience in sales or business development within logistics or freight forwarding.
• Knowledge of Sea, Air and Road Logistics, including customs, intermodal, contract logistics and integrated logistics (3PL/4PL).

Responsibilities

• Own and develop key accounts, acting as the central link between customers and Kuehne+Nagel’s global network.
• Plan and execute account strategies, define value propositions, and shape tender approaches with business units.
• Identify and convert new opportunities, maintain a strong pipeline, and achieve high closing ratios.
• Lead structured customer reviews to align on strategy, priorities, and continuous improvement.
• Connect and coordinate global virtual account teams to ensure seamless international representation.
• Monitor monthly performance (volume, profitability, pipeline, overdues) and initiate corrective actions.
• Ensure smooth onboarding of new business and handover to operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Networking

Negotiation

Education

HBO/academic degree in commercial, economic or supply-chain

Job description

It's more than a job

With a sales career at Kuehne+Nagel, you'll drive long‑term business success by mastering sales strategies, nurturing customer relationships and identifying new opportunities. At Kuehne+Nagel, our work is about more than we imagine.

You will act as a strategic partner for major customers in different verticals, designing solutions that strengthen their supply chains and drive Kuehne+Nagel’s growth. Based in Rotterdam or Schiphol, you will shape long‑term commercial impact across Sea, Air and Road Logistics.

As National Key Account Manager with a strong business‑development focus, you identify opportunities, create smart solutions, and deliver sustainable growth for both your customers and Kuehne+Nagel. You will work in an international environment where ideas matter, relationships are built for the long term, and your commercial impact is visible every day. This full‑time role reports directly to the Managing Director of Kuehne+Nagel Netherlands.

How you create impact

You build strong, advisory‑driven relationships, understand customer needs, and proactively identify up‑and cross‑sell opportunities. You manage key accounts while driving new business, collaborating closely with colleagues in the Netherlands and abroad to stay ahead of market developments.

More concretely, you will:

• Own and develop key accounts, acting as the central link between customers and Kuehne+Nagel’s global network.
• Plan and execute account strategies, define value propositions, and shape tender approaches with business units.
• Identify and convert new opportunities, maintain a strong pipeline, and achieve high closing ratios.
• Lead structured customer reviews to align on strategy, priorities, and continuous improvement.
• Connect and coordinate global virtual account teams to ensure seamless international representation.
• Monitor monthly performance (volume, profitability, pipeline, overdues) and initiate corrective actions.
• Ensure smooth onboarding of new business and handover to operations.

What we would like you to bring

You are a confident commercial partner with strong communication, relationship‑building and networking skills. You navigate long sales cycles with persistence and credibility.

You also have:

• A completed HBO/academic degree in a commercial, economic or supply‑chain field.
• At least 3 years’ experience in sales or business development within logistics or freight forwarding. Familiar with the Dutch Market & current trends.
• Knowledge of Sea, Air and Road Logistics, including customs, intermodal, contract logistics and integrated logistics (3PL/4PL).
• A strategic mindset, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive, continuous‑improvement approach.
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to contribute to a strong global community.
• Good command of English; Dutch is an advantage.

What's in it for you

At Kuehne+Nagel, you can grow your commercial and relationship‑management skills within a dynamic, international sales team. We offer extensive training, competitive remuneration, and opportunities to collaborate across a global network. Employees value the autonomy, responsibility and international career paths we provide.

Additional benefits include:

• Market‑competitive salary with attractive bonus scheme
• Company car, iPhone and laptop
• 24 vacation days + 3.5 ATV days, with flexible extension options
• Flexible working (home, office or on the road) with full ownership of your agenda
• Strong pension scheme
• Start with one‑year contract with the intention to convert to permanent employment
• Pre‑employment screening and Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)

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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.

We kindly advise that placement agencies refrain from submitting unsolicited profiles. Any submissions of candidates without prior signed agreement will be considered our property and no fees will be paid.

Kuehne + Nagel is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. If you require an accommodation for any part of the online application process due to a disability, please contact the Employee Services HR Help Desk at 1-800-267-1326 during the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm EST; Monday through Friday or via e‑mail at: [e-mail] with the nature of your request. We will answer your inquiry within 24 hours.