Semicon & DCL Sector Product Head, Airfreight Europe Regional

Semicon & DCL Sector Product Head, Airfreight Europe – Regional

This role drives the development and effective implementation of a competitive and sustainable European Airfreight sector product for DGF AFR Europe. The position collaborates closely with the Global Sector Product Head, the Regional Airfreight Head Europe, and Country Product Heads to ensure alignment of the sector product strategy across all European countries. The role holder owns sector-specific market knowledge for Europe and leads the regional sub-function for the sector product. They contribute to the overall functional strategy and drive the development of European segment strategies and business plans. A key responsibility is ensuring operational excellence in the European airfreight network by guiding country and station teams and ensuring alignment with industry needs, market dynamics, divisional strategy, and DHL Group policies.

Typical Business Titles

• Regional AFR Sector Product Head Europe
• European Product Manager
• Sector Product Head Europe

Differentiator

• Proven experience collaborating with global, regional, and country organizations across Europe.
• Strong track record of sector growth in revenue and gross profit.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex, multinational matrix organization.
• Deep knowledge of the European airfreight market, regulatory landscape, and infrastructure.
• Minimum of 8 years in forwarding or in sector-related industries.
• Expertise in the designated sector and its dynamics within the European market.
• Strong customer-facing sales capabilities and sector-specific commercial understanding.
• Excellent project management skills for multi-country initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of European markets, customs, and aviation regulations.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are an advantage.
• Ability to lead and influence teams across multiple countries and cultures.
• Strong commercial and operational problem-solving mindset.
• Willingness to travel within Europe.

Key Tasks

Sector Product Strategy

• Define and execute the European product strategy in line with global product objectives and policies.
• Develop operational plans, measures, and budgets for the European region.
• Implement the European sector roadmap and ensure alignment across all countries.
• Develop and coach European win plans for opportunities and key customers.

Product Development

• Identify European market trends and collaborate with stakeholders to develop competitive, innovative solutions.
• Establish sector-specific operational infrastructure with country and regional teams.
• Define commercial and operational guidelines tailored to the European market.
• Monitor competitors and develop European segment strategies and business plans.
• Provide strategic guidance to regional and global counterparts.
• Ensure compliance with European aviation and sector-specific regulations.

Sector Business Development

• Serve as the senior point of contact for European sector customers and initiatives.
• Lead strategic business initiatives and support major European product opportunities.
• Support business development, account management, and sales activities for the sector.
• Participate in QBRs, RFQs, and strategic customer engagements.
• Guide development of European marketing plans, research priorities, and sales channels.

Operational Excellence

• Identify areas of improvement and enhance operational effectiveness across Europe.
• Promote continuous improvement and best-practice sharing within the sector community.
• Implement KPIs and performance metrics for European operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize processes and resource allocation.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring compliance with European regulations.

Product Quality & Compliance

• Develop and implement quality controls and compliance measures to ensure adherence to sector-specific regulations, standards, and guidelines.
• Establish and monitor processes and procedures to ensure product quality and consistency across the sector.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify areas of non-compliance and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure that sector operations meet all applicable compliance requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to the sector in maintaining a high level of quality and compliance in all operations.

Stakeholders

• DGF AFR Europe
• Country Product Teams
• Sales
• SBR
• Global Sector Teams
• DGF IT
• Customers
• Airlines
• Suppliers
• Regulatory Bodies (EU & national)

Management Responsibility

• Coordinate cross-country project teams and communicate resource needs to the Global Sector Product Head and Regional Airfreight Head Europe.
• Develop EBIT growth plans and financial projections for the European sector product.
• Provide indirect leadership and coaching to cross-country project teams and specialists.

Skills

• Technical: Deep understanding of European airfreight market dynamics, infrastructure, and regulations.
• Communication: Strong English skills; additional European languages advantageous.
• Analytical: Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Teamwork: Effective collaborator and mediator across national boundaries.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a matrix structure.
• Time Management: Able to prioritize effectively in a regional, multi-country context.
• Leadership: Able to influence, guide, and motivate cross-border teams.

Qualifications & Key Requirements

Education Level

Master's degree or equivalent work experience

Experience Level

More than 8 years