Operational Key Account Manager (f/m/d)

Nippon Express EMEA; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent position

Diverse international environment

Good work/life balance

Individual training budget

Attractive salary package

Job summary

A leading global logistics firm is seeking an Operational Key Account Manager to oversee freight operations and ensure commercial success for key accounts. This mid-senior level position entails managing client relationships, conducting financial negotiations, and providing tailored transport solutions. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree, at least 3 years in freight forwarding, and excellent communication skills. The role offers a competitive salary and the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in the freight forwarding industry.
• Fluent in English; other languages like Dutch or German are a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of air and ocean freight business models.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Experience delivering presentations and leading negotiations.
• Solid analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Proven leadership and team motivation ability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned key accounts.
• Provide competitive spot rate quotations across transport modes.
• Support Key Account Managers with service reviews and strategic planning.
• Manage customer data and oversee RFQ timelines.
• Coordinate and conduct regular MBRs/QBRs, monitor performance metrics, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage customer data, pricing, and sales pipelines through CRM tools and oversee RFQ timelines and documentation.
• Ensure smooth handover to operations and maintain service consistency and quality standards.
• Build long-term partnerships and align global capabilities with client needs.

Skills

Client relationship management

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Leadership qualities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

CRM system experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, or related field

Advanced degree or relevant industry certifications

Tools

Salesforce

Tableau

CRM tools

Job description

The Nippon Express Group is one of the leading global logistics service providers, with its Japanese corporation headquartered in Tokyo. We offer a wide range of services including air and ocean freight forwarding, cargo handling, removal services, and warehouse operations. With over 73,000 professionals in 50+ countries and regions, the NX Group is renowned for its global presence.

We are currently seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Operational Key Account Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the seamless execution of freight operations and the commercial success of assigned key accounts. Your tasks will include proactive spot quoting, margin optimization, client reporting, and participation in QBRs and MBRs. You will collaborate closely with the Regional or Global Key Account Managers, country sales teams, and international stakeholders to manage strategic key accounts across the assigned industry.

Key tasks

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned key accounts, ensuring operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and commercial success.
• Provide competitive spot rate quotations across air, sea, road, and multimodal transport, in close coordination with procurement and pricing teams.
• Analyze client needs and offer tailored transport solutions while identifying upselling opportunities and supporting lead conversion.
• Support Key Account Managers and sales teams with service reviews, KPI tracking, reporting, and strategic account planning.
• Coordinate and conduct regular MBRs/QBRs, monitor performance metrics, and implement corrective actions to maintain service quality.
• Manage customer data, pricing, and sales pipelines through CRM tools, and oversee RFQ timelines and documentation.
• Ensure smooth business handover to operations, collaborating with internal stakeholders to maintain service consistency and quality standards.
• Build long-term customer partnerships, fostering growth opportunities and aligning global capabilities with client needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, or a related field; an advanced degree or relevant industry certifications are advantageous.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the freight forwarding industry, ideally within a vertical division.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); additional language skills (e.g., Dutch, French, German, or Japanese) are a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of air and ocean freight business models, with a solid understanding of key account management and sales processes.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver presentations, conduct commercial negotiations, and build lasting client relationships.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proven leadership qualities, including sound decision making and team motivation capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and PowerPoint), experience with CRM systems and tools such as Salesforce, Tableau, and spot platforms is essential.

Benefits

• A permanent position within a leading logistics company
• Stimulating tasks within a diverse and international environment with world-known customers
• Great team members who will help you get onboarded quickly
• Good work/life balance, possibility to work from home (hybrid or remote model)
• Individual training and development budget
• Attractive salary package

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Business Development

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting