Managing Director - Freight Forwarding

Freight Appointments; Germany (OH); Hybrid; USD 140,318 - 233,864; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle provided

Performance-based bonus structure

Significant autonomy

Job summary

A European freight forwarder is seeking a Managing Director to lead German operations, drive revenue growth, and build a strong team. This pivotal role offers significant P&L responsibility and entrepreneurial freedom within a well-established infrastructure. Ideal candidates should possess extensive freight forwarding expertise and have a proven track record in business development. The position allows for flexible location within Germany and the potential to establish new branches.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of driving revenue growth and building profitable businesses.
• Strong industry network with potential to bring existing business relationships.
• Stable career progression with evidence of long-term commitment.

Responsibilities

• Complete P&L ownership and strategic leadership of German operations.
• Drive business development initiatives with minimum 50% time in sales.
• Build and optimize team structure across locations.

Skills

Freight forwarding expertise

Business development

Entrepreneurial mindset

Industry networking

Job description

Overview

Our client, a well-established European freight forwarder, is seeking a Managing Director to lead their German operations and drive significant growth. The company operates in multiple countries across several continents, with branches in Germany covering Airfreight and Seafreight.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal role reporting directly to the executive board, with full P&L responsibility. You will have the flexibility to drive the business forward with your own strategy, with the goal of doubling the current revenues of €5-10m within three years.

• Base salary from €120k, potentially up to €200k for exceptional candidates with proven business portfolio
• Company vehicle provided
• Performance-based bonus structure (percentage of base salary or profit share arrangement can be discussed)
• Significant autonomy and entrepreneurial freedom within group framework
• Opportunity to establish new branch locations for the right candidate

Key Responsibilities

• Complete P&L ownership and strategic leadership of German operations
• Drive business development initiatives (minimum 50% time allocation to sales activities)
• Build and optimize team structure across both locations
• Develop import business in Germany further
• Freedom to focus on any trade lanes including Asia, LATAM, Middle East markets
• Manage 50/50 air/ocean freight portfolio with opportunities for vertical specialization

The Business

• Two established offices with the support to open a new branch based on commercial drivers
• You will initially be responsible for a workforce with an FTE of less than 30 employees, with 4 direct reports
• Strong presence in general cargo with specialized capabilities across several niches including project cargo
• Established relationships with premium brands and diverse industry verticals

What We're Lookin g For

• Proven 360-degree freight forwarding expertise across product, operations, and commercial functions
• Demonstrated track record of driving revenue growth and building profitable businesses
• Strong industry network with potential to bring existing business relationships
• Stable career progression with evidence of long-term commitment to previous employers
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to operate independently while maintaining group standards
• Experience in air and ocean freight across import/export operations

Flexibility

The company is open to candidates based anywhere in Germany, particularly those who can bring teams or significant business relationships.

There is potential to establish new branch operations for candidates with substantial market presence.

This role offers the perfect blend of established infrastructure and growth opportunity, ideal for a commercially-minded leader ready to make their mark on a well-established international business

This role could suit someone who has already been a General Manager or Country Manager, or even looking for a step-up from a Branch Manager or Head of Sales position.

If this sounds of interest please apply to set up a confidential discussion.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a CV at this stage, just reach out and we will explore if it is a potential fit. All qualified applicants will receive a response within 2 business days

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Freight Appointments by 2x

Get notified about new Managing Director jobs in Germany.