Route Development Manager – Ocean Freight

DHL Global Forwarding; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 93,142 - 124,190; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based incentives

401(k) Match

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding is seeking a Route Development Manager – Ocean Freight in Atlanta. You will lead growth initiatives for ocean routes, collaborate with sales, product and operations, and develop trade-lane strategies using market intelligence and pricing insight.

The role requires deep US ocean freight knowledge, excellent communication, and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams across regions. East coast proximity is preferred for market access and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a business discipline; 4+ years of related experience
• Strong ocean freight product and pricing knowledge
• Understanding of business development strategy and the sales process
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including conflict management and negotiation
• Cross-cultural competence and cultural sensitivity
• Self-starter with planning and organizing skills
• Fluency in English; other languages a plus

Responsibilities

• Be Ocean Freight product champion for assigned trade lanes and liaison between product, marketing/sales, customers and station operations
• Drive growth across all ocean products with local OFR management and sales alignment
• Engage with US and overseas pricing teams to review and finalize rates
• Develop priorities/targets and the business plan for routes
• Conduct market profiling and competitor analysis to identify opportunities
• Engage with carriers and procure per Trade Management guidance
• Organize annual program of activities to support growth and RFQs

Skills

Ocean freight knowledge

Pricing knowledge

Business development strategy

Sales process

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Cross-cultural competence

Planning and organizing

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Title: Route Development Manager – Ocean Freight

Job Location: Atlanta, Georgia

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is the world leader in air freight services and one of the leading providers of ocean freight services. Around 30,000 employees work to ensure we transport our customers of shipments by air or sea. DGF's logistics solutions span the entire supply chain, from the factory to the shop floor. This also includes special transport-related services. Visit our career site on the web at https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html

As the Ocean Route Development Manager your responsibilities will be to: (1) to grow business from new and existing customers; (2) sponsor accounts at national level to facilitate commercial escalations, pricing decisions that foster growth and improve overall customer satisfaction; (3) to develop product-related services which would act as a catalyst for growth; (4) work with trade analytics and relevant market intelligence material to provide and maintain regular monthly trade lane intel report, develop comprehensive trade lane strategy and build compelling presentations and materials to support our sales organization (5) Organize bi-lateral trade summits with targeted overseas countries and support in country sales visit planning and execution.

The position requires a person who possesses deep knowledge of the US Ocean Freight market and assigned trade lane markets, and who is committed to growth targets. The Route Development Manager also needs to play a role as "bridge" to connect commercial and/or customers with Ocean freight product and station operations for business opportunities or problems solving. This role can be based near any airport on the east coast region.

Key Responsibilities

• Ocean Freight product champion and subject matter expert for assigned trade lanes and liaison between product, marketing/sales, key customers and station operations.


• Drives growth across all ocean products within the appointed trade(s), and together with local OFR management drives Field Sales to focus on those trade(s) as per country growth plan


• Engage with US and overseas Ocean Freight pricing teams (OCCs) to review and finalize OFR rates for opportunities.


• Develop Ocean Freight product priorities/targets (volume/price/campaigns) and the business plan for assigned routes.


• Conduct market profiling, competitor research and analysis to understand and identify market opportunities and challenges; provides feedback on competitiveness of Ocean Freight solutions based on hit ratios and stakeholder input


• Engages locally with carriers and procures as per Trade Management guidance


• Builds and executes an annual program of activities to support the growth required, e.g. sales campaigns (in alignment with Sales), must win RFQs, suggested investments required, etc.

Skills / Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a business discipline and 4+ years of related experience


• Strong ocean freight product and pricing knowledge


• Thorough understanding of business development strategy and the sales process


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Well-developed interpersonal skills including conflict management and negotiation


• Cross-cultural competence and cultural sensitivity


• Self-starter with excellent planning and organizing skills who is willing to share knowledge and expertise


• Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies


• Knowledge of Word, Excel, and Power Point


• Fluent in English; knowledge of other languages is a plus

Pay Range: $93,142.50 - $124,190.00+ (Based on Experience)

Benefits (All Non-Union Employees)

• Compensation: Competitive base salary plus role dependent performance-based incentives.


• 401(k) Match: $1-for-$1 match up to 4% quarterly + 2% annual base contribution.


• Stock Purchase Plan: Ability to purchase Deutsche Post AG shares at a discounted rate.


• Medical: Comprehensive plans covering preventive care, inpatient/outpatient services, and prescriptions.


• Vision: Optional coverage for exams, frames, and contacts.


• Dental: Optional coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.


• Paid Time Off: 7 major holidays, 8 floating holidays, and accrued vacation/sick days.

Why Join DHL Global Forwarding?

At DHL Global Forwarding, we invest in our employees’ growth, providing training, guidance, and career advancement opportunities. We believe in building careers, not just jobs, and empowering our team to develop skills and achieve long-term success.

Be part of DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics provider, operating in 220+ countries. DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is a global leader in air and ocean freight, with 30,000+ employees ensuring seamless transport and supply chain solutions. Explore careers with us: DHL Careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DHL Global Forwarding is committed to equal employment opportunities, evaluating all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.