General Manager_freight forwarding

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } General Manager, Freight Forwarding (0-1 Team Build-up) Location: China (Flexible) Reporting To: Managing Director / Regional CEO Function: Freight Forwarding & Logistics Team Size: Build and lead team from 0-1, with future expansion to 20-50+ employees Position Summary We are seeking an entrepreneurial and commercially driven General Manager, Freight Forwarding to establish and scale our freight forwarding business in China. This role will take full ownership of business development, branch setup, operational excellence, talent acquisition, P&L management, and organizational growth. The ideal candidate has a strong network across the freight forwarding and logistics industry, proven experience managing multimodal transportation (Ocean, Air, Rail, and Contract Logistics), and a successful track record in building teams and businesses from the ground up. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic vision and operational execution. Key Responsibilities Business Development & Commercial Leadership Develop and execute the China growth strategy for freight forwarding operations. Build and maintain relationships with key customers, MNCs, local exporters/importers, and strategic partners. Identify new business opportunities across: Ocean Freight (FCL/LCL) Air Freight Cross-border Transportation Project Logistics Contract Logistics and Warehousing Drive revenue growth and market share expansion. Lead contract negotiations and strategic customer engagements. Develop annual sales plans, budgets, and growth targets. Branch & Organization Setup (0-1 Build) Lead the establishment of the China freight forwarding organization from scratch. Design organizational structure, operating model, and governance processes. Recruit and build core leadership teams across: Sales Operations Customer Service Pricing Procurement Finance & Administration Establish performance management systems and talent development programs. Create a high-performance and customer-centric culture. Operations Management Ensure efficient and compliant freight forwarding operations. Build strategic carrier relationships with major shipping lines and airlines. Oversee: Ocean Freight Operations Air Freight Operations Customs Brokerage Transportation Management Warehousing & Distribution Implement SOPs, KPIs, and operational excellence initiatives. Ensure service quality, OTIF performance, and customer satisfaction. Financial & P&L Management Full P&L ownership of the China business. Manage budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and profitability. Monitor margins, productivity, and cost optimization initiatives. Deliver sustainable business growth while maintaining healthy EBITDA performance. Strategic Partnerships & Procurement Develop relationships with: Shipping Lines Airlines Trucking Providers Customs Brokers Warehousing Partners Negotiate competitive rates and capacity allocations. Establish vendor management and procurement frameworks. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with local regulations and international transportation requirements. Manage operational, commercial, and legal risks. Maintain adherence to trade compliance, customs, and industry standards. Qualifications Education Bachelor's Degree or above in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, International Trade, or related disciplines. MBA preferred. Professional Experience 12+ years of freight forwarding or logistics industry experience. Minimum 5+ years in General Manager, Branch Manager, Country Manager, commercial director or equivalent leadership roles. Proven experience building and scaling logistics organizations from 0-1 or leading significant business expansion. Strong knowledge of: Ocean Freight Air Freight LCL/FCL Operations Customs Brokerage Warehousing & Distribution International Trade