Branch Manager - NL

An international logistics organisation is seeking a Branch Manager to lead and develop one of its key operational locations. This opportunity is suited to an experienced logistics professional with a strong background in freight forwarding and a proven track record of managing branch operations, commercial performance, and customer relationships.

The Branch Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the branch, ensuring operational excellence across air, ocean, and road freight activities while maintaining the highest standards of service for temperature-sensitive and time-critical shipments. The role requires a hands-on leader capable of driving profitability, developing teams, and delivering strategic growth within a competitive freight forwarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall performance and strategic direction of the branch.
• Drive revenue growth and profitability through business development initiatives and key account management.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, partners, carriers, and suppliers.
• Monitor branch financial performance, including budgets, P&L responsibility, cost control, and margin improvement.
• Establish and implement operational KPIs to drive service excellence and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with regional and senior leadership teams on business strategy and growth initiatives.
• Oversee customer service standards and support the resolution of complex operational issues.
• Prepare and present regular operational and financial reports to senior management.

Profile

• Proven experience within the freight forwarding industry.
• Previous experience managing a freight forwarding branch, station, or business unit.
• Strong understanding of air freight, ocean freight, road freight, and customs operations.
• Experience with temperature-controlled logistics or cold chain transportation.
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, performance management, and employee development.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and profit & loss responsibility.
• Excellent knowledge of freight forwarding market dynamics and customer requirements.
• Exposure to international logistics networks and global forwarding operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Commercially driven with a customer-focused mindset.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Strong financial and analytical abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Results-oriented with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.