Senior Director, Air Freight - Americas

We are the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain & logistics, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. Our comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain – from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks as well as technology-driven customer solutions.


The Senior Director, Air Freight - Americas is responsible for developing and managing an Air freight capability/organization, which at its end-state offers clients the network and the customer experience expected of a leading global logistics company in the sector. 

This includes putting our branch office/agency operations model in place and leading the standardization and optimization of processes across the organization to ensure efficiency, scalability and quality. 

This role oversees and drives the company's Air freight business's strategic direction, operations, and growth. This position requires a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the logistics and Air industry, who can lead teams, develop business strategies, and achieve ambitious goals.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• A senior professional - Minimum 15 years senior management experience within Freight Forwarding and Logistics who has covered all facets of Air freight in a previous career
• Proven track record in general management, preferably in a multinational environment. He or she will have significant experience in managing cross-functional team and will have demonstrated success and accountability for results. 
• Successful management of all key stakeholder relationships including shareholders and external government agencies.
• Advanced knowledge of logistics processes, security procedures and protocols pertaining to freight forwarding.  Focus is on Air freight but a sound understanding of the entire logistics industry will be a benefit. 
• Aware of new developments in the industry including index-based pricing, client carrier contracts around AFFA, marketplaces/platforms, new risk management tools and a clear understanding of digital transformation 
• Ability to benchmark with industry to evaluate and assess/manage business operations and opportunities. 
• Strong negotiator and a self-starter who can adapt to stressful environments by using a sociable but firm approach and engendering trust and integrity.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate, develop and encourage others to positively contribute to business goals and objectives.
• High level analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commitment to client service excellence with the ability to build solid relationships.
• Experience in navigating structures, bureaucracies, and decision-making systems of large multinational corporations.

 

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• Develop and execute the Air freight division's strategic vision and long-term goals.
• Identify market trends, opportunities, and threats to inform business strategies.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and efficiency.
• Lead the development and creation of the Airfreight network and the corresponding branch offices.
• Work with agency teams to create pricing and profit share models for the various modes of transportation.
• Work with regional logistics VPs, and operations for the implementation of the solutions.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Airfreight division, ensuring adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards.
• Optimize processes to improve cargo handling, routing, and delivery times.
• Manage budgets, cost control, and resource allocation effectively.
• Obtain all licenses and certifications to ensure compliant with rules and regulations (e.g. dangerous good, hazardous materials)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Identify and pursue growth opportunities within the Airfreight industry.
• Expand the customer base and strengthen client relationships to drive revenue growth.
• Participate in customer meetings when specific technical capabilities are required.
• Build and manage strong collaborative relationships with all stakeholders connecting our business units with Air capability know-how and alignment of trade-lane strategy.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with Airlines, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with tender and solution teams to offer competitive offerings to actual/potential customers.
• Maintain a customer-centric approach, striving for exceptional service and satisfaction.
• Address customer inquiries, concerns, and feedback promptly and effectively.

REGIONAL PROC