Trade Manager, Asia/ISC – Mediterranean (Seafreight)

Job Summary

The Trade Manager, Asia/ISC – Mediterranean is responsible for driving commercial growth, procurement strategy, carrier management, and product development across the trade lane. This role leads a professional team and collaborates closely with regional and country stakeholders to deliver profitable growth, enhance customer experience, optimize carrier partnerships, and support Kuehne+Nagel's Roadmap 2026 objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing professional team through coaching, training, talent development, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Ensure team alignment with Kuehne+Nagel's Roadmap 2026 strategy, customer excellence principles, and business objectives.

Commercial Growth & Market Development

• Drive trade volume growth (TEU) and profitability (P/NP2 per TEU) across the Asia/ISC – Mediterranean trade lane.
• Increase profitable market share across countries within the trade scope in line with Roadmap 2026 targets.
• Support regions and countries in the execution of go-to-market strategies through direct market engagement and field support.
• Conduct regular reviews of market conditions, customer requirements, competitor activities, and industry trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers through direct client engagement.

Procurement & Carrier Management

• Lead central procurement activities and coordinate subcontracted carrier services across the trade lane.
• Negotiate sea freight rates and commercial agreements with carriers, focusing on total cost ownership and long-term value creation.
• Manage carrier allocations and capacity planning in collaboration with carriers and the Kuehne+Nagel operational network.
• Ensure carrier service quality and proactively address operational and service-related challenges.
• Implement and maintain Kuehne+Nagel's carrier management and procurement policies in alignment with corporate strategy.

Product Management & Trade Development

• Develop and maintain a competitive, market-leading service portfolio tailored to local customer and market requirements.
• Optimize carrier selection, allocation strategies, and pricing structures to maximize competitiveness and profitability.
• Analyze supply and demand dynamics to identify opportunities and risks within the trade lane.
• Develop innovative procurement methodologies leveraging market intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital capabilities.

Strategic Stakeholder Management

• Act as the central point of contact for all Kuehne+Nagel Seafreight stations in Europe relating to the trade lane.
• Collaborate closely with Regional Seafreight Managers, National Seafreight Managers, Zone Managers, and local country organizations.
• Partner with Sales, Key Account Management (KAM), and country leadership teams to drive business growth and enhance customer experience.
• Lead and support strategic initiatives, including key Roadmap 2026 projects and targeted market development programs such as the Japan/Korea initiative.

Digital Transformation & Process Excellence

• Champion digital ecosystem initiatives to improve process efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage.
• Support the implementation of current and future digital go-to-market strategies in alignment with Roadmap 2026.
• Drive continuous improvement through technology adoption, data analytics, and process optimization.

Tender & Key Account Management

• Lead and manage Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes, ensuring competitive and profitable outcomes.
• Jointly own and develop selected strategic target accounts in partnership with Sales, Regional Management, and Country Management.
• Support customer retention and acquisition efforts through effective trade management and customer-centric solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in international sea freight, trade management, carrier procurement, or liner shipping.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to develop and inspire high-performing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing, procurement, contract negotiation, and market development.
• Deep understanding of container shipping markets, carrier management, and trade lane dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across regional and global stakeholder groups.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in digital transformation initiatives and process optimization is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.