Freight Forwarding Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Freight Forwarding Sales Manager to lead and expand our freight forwarding operations. The role will be responsible for managing international air, ocean, and multimodal freight services, developing key carrier partnerships, optimizing supply chain solutions, and driving revenue growth across Indian and international markets.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in freight forwarding, strong carrier and agent relationships, excellent commercial acumen, and a proven track record of managing large freight volumes while delivering exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement freight forwarding strategies to support business growth.
• Lead and manage Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Customs Clearance, and Logistics operations.
• Build profitable relationships with airlines, shipping lines, consolidators, and overseas agents.
• Identify new business opportunities and market segments.

Commercial Management

• Negotiate freight contracts with airlines, shipping lines, transport companies, and logistics partners.
• Drive revenue growth and profitability across all freight products.
• Monitor market trends, freight rates, capacity constraints, and competitor activities.
• Prepare annual budgets and revenue forecasts.

Operational Management

• Ensure smooth execution of import and export shipments.
• Oversee customs compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Implement operational KPIs and service standards.
• Manage escalation issues and support major clients.

Customer & Business Development

• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate customers.
• Support sales teams with pricing and logistics solutions.
• Conduct regular business reviews with key customers.
• Improve customer retention and service quality.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor freight operations, procurement, and customer service teams.
• Recruit, train, and develop high-performing logistics professionals.
• Establish performance metrics and conduct regular appraisals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Commerce, Business Management, or related field.
• Professional certifications in Freight Forwarding, Supply Chain, or Logistics preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of freight forwarding experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Air Freight Operations
• Ocean Freight Operations
• Customs Clearance
• Import & Export Regulations
• International Trade Documentation
• Freight Procurement
• Warehousing & Distribution

Essential Skills

• Exceptional negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• Leadership and people management capability.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using freight management systems and ERP platforms.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage P&L responsibility.

Preferred Experience

• Experience of working with or for major freight forwarders such as DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne+Nagel, DSV, DB Schenker, Expeditors, Agility, Hellmann, FedEx Logistics, CEVA, or similar organizations.
• Existing relationships with airlines, shipping lines, consolidators, and international agents.
• Experience handling freight turnover exceeding INR 10 Crore annually.

What We Offer

• Leadership role within a rapidly growing logistics business.
• Opportunity to develop international partnerships.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package.