Head of Shipping & Logistics

We are looking for an experienced and entrepreneurial Head of Shipping & Logistics to establish, build and lead a new business vertical. The individual will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, acquiring clients, building strategic partnerships, setting up operational processes and driving the overall growth and profitability of the vertical.

This role requires a senior professional with strong industry knowledge, an established network and the ability to take complete ownership of the business, from strategy and business development to operational execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Development: Identify new business opportunities, develop growth strategies and build a strong pipeline of clients across the shipping and logistics sector.
• Vertical Setup: Establish the new vertical from the ground up, including defining service offerings, business models, operational processes and growth plans.
• Client Acquisition: Build and maintain relationships with shipping companies, freight forwarders, logistics providers, importers, exporters and corporate clients.
• Strategic Partnerships: Develop partnerships with industry stakeholders, vendors, service providers and other relevant organisations to expand business opportunities.
• Operations Management: Set up and oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient service delivery, cost control and customer satisfaction.
• Revenue & Profitability: Drive revenue growth, manage budgets and costs, and ensure the vertical achieves its business and profitability targets.
• Team Building & Leadership: Recruit, lead and develop teams across business development and operations, establishing clear responsibilities and performance goals.
• Strategy & Planning: Develop business plans, identify new markets and service opportunities, and create a roadmap for sustainable growth.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to applicable shipping, logistics, customs and trade regulations, along with relevant contractual and operational requirements.
• Performance Monitoring: Track key business metrics, review operational performance and report progress, challenges and growth opportunities to senior management.

Candidate Requirements:

• 20+ years of experience in the shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain or related industry.
• Strong track record in business development, client acquisition and revenue generation.
• Experience in setting up, scaling or leading a business vertical, division or logistics operation.
• Established relationships with shipping companies, freight forwarders, exporters, importers and other industry stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of shipping and logistics operations, commercial models, pricing and customer requirements.
• Experience managing teams, budgets, operational performance and business profitability.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently and take end-to-end ownership of the business.

Key Success Measures:

• Successful establishment and launch of the Shipping & Logistics vertical.
• Acquisition of new clients and development of strategic partnerships.
• Achievement of revenue, profitability and business growth targets.
• Creation of efficient operational processes and a strong team.
• Consistent service quality, customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate should be able to build a business from the ground up, generate new revenue streams, establish operational excellence and take complete ownership of the vertical's growth and profitability.