Airfreight Manager EMEA
About the Role
We are looking for an Airfreight Manager to set and lead the air freight growth strategy across EMEA. This is a strategic, high-level role. You will own the regional air product vision, shape the commercial direction, and work with country leadership, procurement, and sales teams to grow volumes, margin, and market share.
You will be the regional voice for air freight. That means defining where we compete, how we win, and which carrier and gateway partnerships will drive growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Growth
- Define and deliver the EMEA air freight strategy in line with global ambitions, including growth targets, priority trade lanes, and key verticals.
- Find new market opportunities, such as underserved lanes, industry verticals (e.g. pharma, high-tech, e-commerce, perishables) and value-added products.
- Build the regional air freight business plan, budget, and multi-year roadmap.
- Monitor market trends, capacity developments, and competitor activity, and turn them into commercial actions.
Commercial Leadership
- Work with sales and key account teams to win and grow strategic customers and tenders.
- Lead the development of competitive air products, such as consolidation programmes, charter solutions, sea-air, and time-definite services.
- Drive margin improvement through pricing strategy, buying power, and product mix.
Carrier & Partner Management
- Lead the regional carrier strategy, including block space agreements, capacity commitments, and strategic partnerships with key airlines and GSAs.
- Negotiate high-level agreements that secure capacity and cost advantages for the network.
Network & Stakeholder Alignment
- Align country organisations across EMEA behind a common air freight approach, standards, and KPIs.
- Work with global product, operations, and procurement teams to optimise gateways and network setup.
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership on air freight performance and investment decisions.
Performance Management
- Set and track regional KPIs, including volume (tonnage), GP, yield, market share, and customer retention.
- Report on performance to senior leadership and adjust strategy where needed.
Profile
- 8-10+ years of experience in air freight within freight forwarding or logistics, ideally at a regional or multi-country level.
- Proven track record of building and executing air freight growth strategies, with clear results in volume and margin.
- Strong network across airlines, GSAs, and industry stakeholders in EMEA.
- Commercially sharp, with experience in pricing, procurement, tenders, and P&L ownership.
- Able to influence senior stakeholders and lead through a matrix organisation.
- Strategic thinker who can also turn vision into practical plans.
- Fluent in English; additional European languages are a plus.
- Willing to travel across the region.
FAQs
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