Country Manager - Freight Forwarding

LOGISTICS EXECUTIVE GROUP; Dammam; On-site; SAR 374,000 - 563,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is seeking a Country Manager in Dammam to oversee their Freight Forwarding division's market entry into Saudi Arabia and establish operations in China. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in freight forwarding, proven leadership skills, and a strong commercial acumen. Responsibilities include building operational frameworks, driving revenue growth, and managing strategic relationships. Fluency in Arabic and English is required.

Qualifications

• 12-18 years of freight forwarding and logistics experience.
• Proven success in establishing and scaling operations.
• Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Establish the legal and regulatory framework for operations in KSA.
• Drive revenue growth through customer acquisition.
• Recruit and lead high-performing teams in KSA and China.

Skills

Freight forwarding experience

Commercial expertise

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship management

Education

Bachelors degree in Business, Logistics, or Supply Chain

MBA preferred

Job description

About the job Country Manager - Freight Forwarding

Our client is a leading tier 1 vmultinational logistics conglomerate, expanding its Freight Forwarding division. They seek an accomplished Country Manager to lead their market entry in Saudi Arabia & to establish a representative sales office in China. This role is central to building the operational model, securing strategic partnerships, & positioning the company as a trusted provider across ChinaKSA, EUKSA, & GCC trade lanes.

Key Responsibilities

Market Entry & Company Setup

• Establish the legal, regulatory, and operational framework for FFW operations in KSA
• Oversee the launch and alignment of a representative sales office in China
• Define business plans, budgets, and entry strategies in line with Vision 2030
• Secure offices, systems, and required operating licenses

Business Development & Commercial Growth

• Drive revenue growth through customer acquisition across oil & gas, retail, pharma, and e-commerce
• Develop competitive pricing models and tailored value propositions for major trade lanes
• Build and manage relationships with carriers, agents, shipping lines, airlines, and key clients
• Expand cross-border opportunities through group synergies and partner networks

Operations & Service Delivery

• Design and implement processes covering air, sea, and land freight, including customs clearance
• Manage partnerships with carriers, warehouses, and agents to ensure reliable service delivery
• Ensure compliance with Saudi regulations (Wasl, SFDA, GAC) and international freight standards
• Introduce digital solutions for customer visibility, booking, and performance reporting

Leadership & Organisational Development

• Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing teams in KSA and China
• Establish performance management systems and employee development frameworks
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence
• Act as the bridge between KSA and China operations for seamless coordination

Strategic Growth & Group Integration

• Position the business with giga-projects (NEOM, Red Sea, ROSHN, Qiddiya) and major MNCs
• Develop sector-specific verticals such as cold chain, pharma, heavy lift, and e-commerce
• Support integration for wider logistics and 4PL capabilities
• Provide market insights, risk analysis, and growth recommendations to senior leadership

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Business, Logistics, or Supply Chain (MBA preferred)
• 1218 years of freight forwarding and logistics experience, including senior leadership in the GCC
• Proven success in establishing and scaling freight forwarding operations
• Strong commercial expertise with P&L responsibility and contract negotiation skills
• In-depth knowledge of global trade lanes, particularly ChinaMiddle East flows
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on approach suited to a start-up environment
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong relationship management with regulators, customers, and partners
• Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken)