Seafreight Reefer Manager
Sea Freight Manager (Reefer & Dry Cargo) | Netherlands
Lead, Transform & Grow a National Sea Freight Operation
We're currently partnering with a leading international logistics provider seeking an experienced Sea Freight Manager to take ownership of its sea freight operations across the Netherlands.
This is a highly visible leadership position, offering the opportunity to act as the right-hand person to senior management while shaping the future direction of a well-established sea freight business. The role combines operational leadership, commercial responsibility, team development, and strategic execution, with a particular emphasis on reefer logistics alongside dry cargo activities.
If you're a hands-on leader who enjoys improving processes, developing people, and driving commercial success, this could be an exciting next step.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the national Sea Freight division
- Oversee both reefer and dry cargo operations
- Manage operational performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability
- Partner closely with senior leadership on business strategy and execution
- Coach, mentor, and develop sea freight teams
- Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives
- Strengthen relationships with customers, carriers, and suppliers
- Support business development and commercial growth activities
- Identify opportunities to increase efficiency, service levels, and profitability
- Lead teams through change and transformation initiatives
- Play a key role in future systems and process improvement projects
- Ensure strong alignment between commercial objectives and operational delivery
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience within international sea freight forwarding
- Strong leadership background managing freight forwarding teams
- Experience covering both operational and commercial responsibilities
- Knowledge of reefer logistics and temperature-controlled supply chains
- Strong understanding of dry cargo forwarding operations
- Track record of driving operational improvements and change management
- Commercial mindset with strong customer and carrier management skills
- Confident communicator with excellent stakeholder management abilities
- Entrepreneurial approach and ability to challenge existing ways of working
- Hands-on leadership style with a focus on team development
FAQs
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