Job Description

Our client, an international Shipping company is looking to hire a competent and proactive Regional Trade Operation Head to help with their day to day operations.

Role Profile

The successful candidate, will work closely with the Sales Director to initiate, develop and define the African growth strategy /ambition for the company closely with senior management. And also deliver on key utilization and market growth as agreed with MD/TM/region.

He/she will assist the Sales Director to build and monitor a high performing team to reach the sales goals set by the company.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Initiate, develop and define the African Growth strategy/ambition for the company closely with senior management.
• Deliver on Key utilization and market Growth as agreed with MD/TM/Region
• Invest in developing sound knowledge of the specifics of the African Market
• Build and Monitor a High Performing Team to reach the sales goals set by the company.
• Help the company gain ownership of 90% of West African ship utilization
• In charge of mapping complete FOB segment by Country for all key African countries by commodity verticals, in close cooperation with origin Areas and S.D.
• Responsible for liaising with GAM, KAM and Regional Sales departments to build strong support network in Regional offices worldwide for Africa promotion for outbound and inbound cargo.
• POE on all West African FOB topics for MR areas globally (Central, Germany, Belgium, France, Singapore, Dubai, China, etc.) as well as local agents.
• Responsible for improving cargo mix for inbound cargo by country, in close cooperation with TM, Area S.D and Sales Steering, aimed at bringing in best possible cargo mix.
• Responsible for maintenance, preparation and execution of African FOB tender list, aimed at maximum participation in all FOB tenders of significance for Africa.
• Responsible for FOB target list maintenance and consolidation for all FOB accounts in cooperation with TM & Regional Sales.
• Embrace hybrid role of Sales execution, Coordination and BD.
• Willingness and flexibility to work after hours and short notice business trips.

Required Skills or Experience

Education/ Experience:

• Degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing or equivalent
• Minimum 7 years plus experience in a similar role.

Key skills and Technical Requirements:

• Comprehensive experience in liner shipping and/or logistics and trade management.
• Good knowledge of the workflow and processes in the shipping /transportation industry.
• Knowledge of African Market. Having lived in Africa, or same environment would definitely be an added advantage.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Ability to speak and write in French will be an advantage. Ability to have a fluency in a 3rd language being Portuguese will be a definite added advantage.
• Comprehensive knowledge of user applications systems (FIS, CRM, Web Focus/Hyperion, MS Office) will also be an added advantage else candidate will need to show keenness in learning fast
• Analytical with ability to identify market opportunities, good problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Customer-oriented with positive attitude.
• Can demonstrate leadership skills to lead and motivate a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet targets.
• Commitment to Task; willing to work very hard to achieve results and targets.
• Maintains a high level of commitment and work ethic while carrying out duties/responsibility

Core Competencies:

Personality:

• Results-oriented, goal-driven
• Assertive negotiator
• Team player with a proactive attitude
• Result driven and persuasiveness
• Ability to communicate and collaborate
• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexible

Conceptional and entrepreneurial thinking and action:

• Acknowledge Signals
• Multi-dimensional thinking
• Courage to make decisions and accepting responsibility
• Lateral thinker
• Multi-skilling and quick decision maker

Positive image to customers and colleagues:

• Capacity to support and inspire
• Open and honest attitude
• Hard working
• Lead by example