Director, Air Freight - U.S.

Director, Air Freight – U.S.

We are the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain & logistics, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. Our comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain – from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks as well as technology-driven customer solutions.

The Director, Air Freight – U.S. is responsible for developing and managing an Air freight capability/organization, which at its end-state offers clients the network and the customer experience expected of a leading global logistics company in the sector. This includes putting our branch office/agency operations model in place and leading the standardization and optimization of processes across the organization to ensure efficiency, scalability and quality. This role will also establish and build Air Gateways across the network in the USA This role oversees and drives the company's Air freight business's strategic direction, operations, and growth. This position requires a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the logistics and Air industry, who can lead teams, develop business strategies, and achieve ambitious goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Air freight division's strategic vision and long-term goals
• Identify market trends, opportunities, and threats to inform business strategies
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and efficiency
• Lead the development and creation of the Airfreight network and the corresponding branch offices
• Work with agency teams to create pricing and profit share models for the various modes of transportation
• Work with regional logistics VPs, and operations for the implementation of the solutions

Operational Excellence

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Airfreight division, ensuring adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards
• Optimize processes to improve cargo handling, routing, and delivery times
• Manage budgets, cost control, and resource allocation effectively
• Obtain all licenses and certifications to ensure compliant with rules and regulations (e.g. dangerous good, hazardous materials)

Business Development

• Identify and pursue growth opportunities within the Airfreight industry
• Expand the customer base and strengthen client relationships to drive revenue growth
• Participate in customer meetings when specific technical capabilities are required
• Build and manage strong collaborative relationships with all stakeholders connecting our business units with Air capability know-how and alignment of trade-lane strategy
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with Airlines, suppliers, and key stakeholders
• Collaborate with tender and solution teams to offer competitive offerings to actual/potential customers
• Maintain a customer-centric approach, striving for exceptional service and satisfaction
• Address customer inquiries, concerns, and feedback promptly and effectively

Regional Procurement Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global procurement strategy for air freight services in the region in alignment with global procurement strategy
• Identify and establish relationships with strategic suppliers and negotiate favorable terms and agreements on regional level
• Monitor market trends and fluctuations in pricing to make informed procurement decisions

Pricing Strategy

• Analyze market conditions, competition, and cost structures to develop effective internal pricing strategies
• Collaborate with sales and operations teams to ensure pricing aligns with customer needs and company objectives
• Optimize pricing models to maximize revenue and profitability

Contract Management

• Oversee the negotiation, creation, and management of contracts with carriers and suppliers on regional level in alignment with corporate
• Ensure contractual terms and conditions compliance, including service level agreements and pricing structures
• Review and amend contracts as necessary to adapt to changing business needs

Team Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing team of managers and professionals
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to regions and team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture
• Ensure the development and training of staff to meet business objectives

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the division's budget, revenue targets, and financial performance
• Monitor financial KPIs, analyze financial reports, and make data-driven decisions to achieve profitability
• Ownership of the Intercompany Billing processes

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant aviation and logistics regulations, including safety, security, and customs requirements
• Implement best practices to mitigate risks and ensure legal compliance

Sustainability

• Promote environmentally responsible practices within the Airfreight division.
• Explore eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to reduce the division's carbon footprint
• Support M&A in the field of Airfreight forwarding to accelerate growth plans.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline required or a combination of advanced experience and education, demonstrating equivalent expertise
• Minimum of 15 years senior management experience within Freight Forwarding and Logistics who has covered all facets of Air freight in a previous career
• Proven track record in general management, preferably in a multinational environment; He or she will have significant experience in managing cross-functional team and will have demonstrated success and accountability for results
• Successful management of all key stakeholder relationships including shareholders and external government agencies
• Advanced knowledge of logistics processes, security procedures and protocols pertaining to freight forwarding; Focus is on Air freight but a sound understanding of the entire logistics industry will be a benefit
• Aware of new developments in the industry including index-based pricing, client carrier contracts around AFFA, marketplaces/platforms, new risk management tools and a clear understanding of digital transformation
• Ability to benchmark with industry to evaluate and assess/manage business operations and opportunities
• Strong negotiator and a self-starter who can adapt to stressful environments by using a sociable but firm approach and engendering trust and integrity
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate, develop and encourage others to positively contribute to business goals and objectives
• High level analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills
• Strong commitment to client service excellence with the ability to build solid relationships
• Experience in navigating structures, bureaucracies, and decision-making systems of large multinational corporations

Salary Range: $165,000 - $190,000

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

As part of our comprehensive benefits package, DP World offers a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle and other benefits and perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. This position may be eligible for either short-term incentives or sales compensation. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have as you move through the selection process.

Please note : This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in The United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world's trade flow better, changing what's possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 115,000 employees from 160 nationalities, spanning 78 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that's fit for the future.

We're rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses -- Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades. What's more, we're reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we