Head of Ocean Freight at DHL

• Own the full profit and loss (PnL) of Ocean Freight in the country. Drive business growth in the local ocean freight market in alignment with global trade initiatives. Enhance customer satisfaction and retention through proactive engagement and relationship building. Ensure operational excellence and compliance with industry regulations. Lead and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Manage supplier relationships to optimize service delivery and profitability. DHLGlobal Forwarding has an opening  Head of Ocean Freight in Johannesburg, South Africa. Join us in connecting people and improving lives!

In this Head of Ocean Freight Position

• Lead the sub-function on a country level
• Establish and implement strategies that have short to long-term (1-5 years) impact on business results in alignment with global and functional objectives
• Develop and execute plans to drive business growth in the country's ocean freight market in line with the direction of the global trade strategies and focus tradelanes and in active collaboration with oversees tradelane partners
• Drive the controlled SME growth in the country in close collaboration with field sales, levering the Route Development Managers
• Meet regularly with current and prospect customers, building relationships with key stakeholders to expand market share and increase GP. 
• Engage proactively in globally led RFQs which impact the country (new and retention)
• Drive customer satisfaction and retention and GP improvement by ensuring day to day ensure customers’ needs and concerns are addressed and driving upselling and cross selling 
• Oversee implementation of new businesses to ensure smooth customer onboarding
• Drive operational excellence and exceptional customer service – oversee the country's ocean freight service delivery teams, manage performance, drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and applicable laws and adherence to global standards and processes
• Own the full PnL for OFR in the country (FCL, LCL, Bulk, Reefer, OMS, Rail) – including budgeting, monitoring of volume, costs, and profitability, implementing cost-saving initiatives, pricing strategies, and financial controls to achieve financial targets and maximize profitability. Billing on time and in full to avoid revenue leakage
• Strong team leadership in line with the DHL leadership attributes - coach and support the team, conduct performance reviews, foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, and ensure individual and team success. Drive talent mng, recruitment and team development in close collaboration with HR.
• Manage relationships with carriers, truckers, depots, and other service providers. This includes negotiating contracts, rates, and service level agreements, monitoring supplier performance, resolving issues, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Focus on optimizing local charges and credit terms.

Stakeholders:

• Extensive contact and negotiating with other departments and 3rd parties with conflicting objectives
• Influence and challenge key stakeholders effectively
• Develop strong, trusting cross-functional relationships with senior DHL business leaders
• Influence others across DHL and externally as an internally and externally recognized thought leader representing the Group
• Champion cooperation and partnership to provide integrated solutions to problems

Management Responsibility:

• Lead multiple teams of lower level executives, directors/senior managers, and managers
• Develop short to long-term (1-5 years) plans for optimizing the organization, function, or job-family and the talent required to execute strategies.

Now, here is what we need from you!

• Education: Master's degree or equivalent experience/qualification
• Experience: 8 -10 years in logistics or freight forwarding industry