Freight Key Account Manager

People Freight | Freight Forwarding & Logistics Recruitment Specialists; Itasca (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunity

Hybrid work environment

Manage high-value accounts

Career progression

Collaborative environment

Job summary

People Freight | Freight Forwarding & Logistics Recruitment Specialists in Itasca, IL seeks a Senior Account Manager to manage a portfolio of international freight customers including air and ocean shipments. You will serve as the main contact, resolve issues, and drive growth by expanding services and revenue across strategic accounts.

Your role requires 5+ years in international freight, strong relationship skills, and a knack for negotiating with carriers and customers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing international freight accounts.
• Experience with international air and ocean freight operations.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop relationships with a portfolio of key international freight customers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned strategic accounts.
• Oversee international air and ocean freight activity, ensuring shipments are handled efficiently and professionally.
• Work closely with operations, sales, carriers, overseas offices, and customers to resolve issues and maintain service levels.
• Monitor account performance, shipment activity, service levels, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, expand services, and strengthen existing customer relationships.
• Prepare and present account reviews, performance updates, and business development opportunities.
• Assist with pricing, quotations, contract negotiations, and service proposals where required.
• Proactively address customer concerns and implement solutions to prevent recurring issues.
• Develop a strong understanding of each customer's supply chain and international logistics requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure customer expectations and KPIs are consistently met.
• Maintain accurate account records and provide regular reporting to management.

Skills

Account management

Key account management

Relationship building

Negotiation

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Revenue growth

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

This is a highly visible role responsible for maintaining strong customer relationships, coordinating with internal operations teams, identifying opportunities for account growth, and ensuring customers receive a consistently high level of service across their international freight requirements.

What’s Offered

• Bonus opportunity
• Hybrid working environment
• Opportunity to manage high-value international freight accounts
• Career progression with an established international freight forwarder
• Collaborative and professional working environment

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop relationships with a portfolio of key international freight customers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned strategic accounts.
• Oversee international air and ocean freight activity, ensuring shipments are handled efficiently and professionally.
• Work closely with operations, sales, carriers, overseas offices, and customers to resolve issues and maintain service levels.
• Monitor account performance, shipment activity, service levels, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, expand services, and strengthen existing customer relationships.
• Prepare and present account reviews, performance updates, and business development opportunities.
• Assist with pricing, quotations, contract negotiations, and service proposals where required.
• Proactively address customer concerns and implement solutions to prevent recurring issues.
• Develop a strong understanding of each customer's supply chain and international logistics requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure customer expectations and KPIs are consistently met.
• Maintain accurate account records and provide regular reporting to management.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience within international freight forwarding/logistics.
• Proven experience managing key accounts or major customer relationships.
• Strong knowledge of international air and ocean freight operations.
• Experience working with customers, carriers, overseas agents, and internal operations teams.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify account growth opportunities.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple customer accounts and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with a TMS or freight forwarding software such as CargoWise is preferred.