Freight Forwarding And Commercial Manager
Job description / Role
Employment: Full Time
You’ll lead and elevate end-to-end freight forwarding operations in Dubai, focusing on commercial growth in air, sea, and land logistics. This role demands a seasoned professional with startup experience, strong sales capabilities, and proven success building and retaining client portfolios in large-scale and oil & gas projects.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership- Develop and execute strategic commercial plans to drive revenue growth across freight forwarding services, with special focus on project-based and oil & gas sectors
- Identify, engage, and close key accounts—bringing in new clients and securing high-volume contracts
- Prepare and negotiate tenders, quotes, and long-term contracts—ensuring profitability and favorable terms
- Maintain and grow a rich client portfolio; proactively manage account retention, upselling, and relationships
- Apply hands-on experience from previous startup freight forwarding operations to build scalable processes and agile teams
- Lead and mentor junior staff, establishing standard operating procedures and ensuring operational accuracy—from booking to delivery, customs, and documentation
- Collaborate cross-functionally (operations, finance, sales, IT) to improve workflows, implement logistics technology (ERP, CargoWise, CRM) and ensure seamless delivery
- Develop and manage freight forwarding budgets, including rate negotiations, cost optimization, and monitoring commercial performance (P&L)
- Track key performance indicators like revenue growth, gross profit, client retention, and share of wallet expansion
- Leverage deep knowledge of UAE freight, customs processes, and GCC regulations to ensure compliance and efficient cross-border logistics
- Bring forward existing relationships with oil & gas EPC clients or other large-project stakeholders
- French-speaking preferred, English mandatory; Arabic a plus
Requirements:
- 7+ years in international freight forwarding with at least 3 years in a startup or entrepreneurial environment
- 5+ years in commercial leadership: winning large accounts, meeting or exceeding revenue targets
- Demonstrated experience in developing client portfolios, especially in oil & gas and project logistics
- Excellent negotiation and sales skills, with CRM proficiency
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field
- Fluent in English; French highly desired
- Professional certification such as FIATA, IATA, FCCA, or equivalent
- Background in tier?1 freight forwarding, project logistics, or EPC services
Salary: AED 20,000 per month inclusive of fixed allowances.
About the Company
HLOG is a logistics solutions provider with locations in France and Cameroon, Africa. We are a team of individuals ready to assist you with commercial logistics, business transport, and individual moving and relocation assistance. Since 1972, we’ve provided logistics services to customers in various sectors.
Our company dedicates itself to upholding international and local standards to serve our customers better. We have an extensive team consisting of administrative experts, drivers and packers, and operations management.
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