Managing Director - Benelux - Freight Forwarding

About the Company

Our client is a globally recognised leader in freight forwarding, specialising in air and ocean freight, with a developing footprint in contract logistics. With a strong commitment to operational excellence and customer-centric innovation, the company is poised for strategic growth across the Benelux region.

Role Overview

As Managing Director for the Benelux region, you will be responsible for leading and expanding the company's operations across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a strong background in freight forwarding operations, commercial acumen, and the ability to drive sustainable growth. You will hold full Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for the region, ensuring financial performance aligns with strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
  Develop and execute the regional strategy aligned with global objectives, ensuring profitable growth and operational excellence.
• Operational Excellence:
  Oversee all air and ocean freight operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and service quality. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
• Commercial Development:
  Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities. Strengthen customer relationships and lead commercial negotiations to expand market share.
• P&L Ownership:
  Full accountability for the region's financial performance. Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost controls to ensure profitability and sustainable growth.
• Team Leadership:
  Inspire, develop, and manage a high-performing leadership team across the region. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Represent the company with key clients, partners, and industry bodies. Collaborate closely with global and regional leadership teams.

Candidate Profile

• Experience:
• 10+ years in freight forwarding or logistics, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in managing air and ocean freight operations.
• Experience with contract logistics is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated experience in managing P&L responsibilities.
• Skills:
• Strong operational and process management capabilities.
• Commercially savvy with a strategic mindset.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Fluent in English; Dutch or French is a plus.
• Location Flexibility:
• Can be based in the Netherlands, Belgium, or Luxembourg.
• Willingness to travel across the region as needed.

Why Join?

• Be part of a top-tier global logistics brand.
• Lead a dynamic and strategically important region.
• Drive innovation and transformation in a fast-evolving industry.
• Competitive compensation and executive benefits package.