Managing Director - France - Freight Forwarding
The Managing Director for France will be responsible for leading and driving the strategic direction of the company's operations within the French market. This role requires a highly experienced leader with a proven track record of managing profit & loss (P&L) responsibility and a deep understanding of the freight forwarding and logistics industry. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on leadership experience in air freight, sea freight, and LTL/FTL solutions, along with a dynamic approach to driving growth, optimising operations, and enhancing customer satisfaction in line with the company's global objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
* Leadership & Strategy:
o Lead, manage, and motivate the French operations team, fostering a high-performance culture and driving operational excellence.
o Develop and implement business strategies to grow the company's market share in France, aligned with global objectives.
o Ensure the profitability of the French branches, taking full responsibility for the P&L.
o Utilise market analysis, industry trends, and competitive intelligence to inform strategic decisions, ensuring the company maintains a competitive edge in the French freight forwarding market.
o Drive continuous improvement and innovation in service offerings to meet customer needs in air freight, sea freight, and LTL/FTL solutions.
* Business Development:
o Identify and capitalise on growth opportunities in the French logistics and freight forwarding market.
o Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders to support business development and sales efforts.
o Collaborate with global and regional teams to enhance local operations, ensuring France contributes effectively to the global network.
* Operational Management:
o Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
o Optimise internal processes, enhance supply chain solutions, and ensure compliance with local and international regulations.
o Ensure the highest standards of customer service and operational excellence are maintained at all times.
* Financial Management:
o Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance, ensuring the French branches meets or exceeds financial targets.
o Monitor key financial metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary to maintain profitability and business growth.
Qualifications & Requirements:
* Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in the logistics or freight forwarding industry, preferably with a 3PL company.
* Proven track record of managing P&L, with strong financial acumen.
* Extensive experience in air freight, sea freight, and LTL/FTL solutions.
* Strong understanding of the French logistics market, with the ability to develop strategies tailored to local dynamics.
* Dynamic leadership style, with hands-on involvement in both strategic decision-making and day-to-day operations.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
* Fluent in French and English.
Personal Attributes:
* Hands-on, action-oriented leader with a passion for driving results.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to execute operational initiatives.
* Collaborative and inclusive management style, capable of leading diverse teams.
* Entrepreneurial mindset, focused on growth and innovation.
Benefits:
* Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
* Opportunity to lead the French operations of a globally recognised company.
* Dynamic and challenging work environment with significant growth potential.
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