Head of Ocean Freight

Head of Ocean Freight

Would you like to be part of the most international company in the world? A company operating in more than 220 countries worldwide and has been pioneering cross-border express shipping since 1969. Would you like to be part of a business that connects people across the globe and want to make a difference? Then waste no time and join our amazing team at Deutsche Post DHL (DPDHL). DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is the Group's air, ocean, and road freight specialist. We offer standardized transport as well as highly specialized end-to-end solutions to customers in a wide range of industries globally.

DHL Global Forwarding Madagascar has an opening for a Head of Ocean Freight where you will 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. Join us now in connecting people and improving lives.

In this Head of Ocean Freight position

• You will develop and execute plans to drive business growth in the country's Ocean Freight market, aligned with global trade strategies, focus trade lanes, and in active collaboration with overseas trade lane partners.
• You will drive controlled SME growth within the country in close collaboration with Field Sales, leveraging the expertise of Route Development Managers.
• You will meet regularly with existing and prospective customers, build relationships with key stakeholders, expand market share, and increase gross profit (GP).
• You will proactively engage in globally led RFQs that impact the country, including both new business opportunities and customer retention initiatives.
• You will drive customer satisfaction, retention, and GP improvement by ensuring customers' needs and concerns are addressed promptly while promoting upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
• You will oversee the implementation of new business wins to ensure a seamless customer onboarding experience.
• You will drive operational excellence and exceptional customer service by overseeing the country's Ocean Freight service delivery teams, managing performance, and leading continuous improvements in quality and efficiency.
• You will ensure compliance with industry regulations, applicable laws, and adherence to global standards, policies, and operational processes.
• You will own the full Ocean Freight (OFR) Profit & Loss (P&L) for the country across FCL, LCL, Bulk, Reefer, OMS, and Rail products, including budgeting, monitoring volumes, costs, and profitability, implementing cost-saving initiatives, pricing strategies, and financial controls to achieve financial targets and maximize profitability. You will also ensure timely and accurate billing to prevent revenue leakage.
• You will provide strong team leadership in line with DHL Leadership Attributes by coaching and supporting team members, conducting performance reviews, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, and ensuring both individual and team success. You will also drive talent management, recruitment, and team development in close partnership with HR.
• You will manage relationships with carriers, truckers, depots, and other service providers, including negotiating contracts, rates, and service level agreements (SLAs), monitoring supplier performance, resolving operational issues, and identifying opportunities for improvement. You will focus on optimizing local charges and credit terms.

Now, here’s what we need from you

• Education: Master's Degree or equivalent qualification and experience.
• Experience: Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience.

We offer:

• Opportunities in a global company where you can contribute your ideas and skills to move towards our shared goals.
• Possible further career development
• Competitive salary

Why join DHL Global Forwarding?

We are part of Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s leading logistics provider with operations in over 220 countries. Visit our career site on the web at

Our TOP EMPLOYER prestigious certification attests to our best-in-class efforts to attract and retain talent by fostering a positive work environment and encouraging personal and professional development among employees. The development of talented women in our organization will be a focus for us and an important part of our DGF Strategy 2026.

We aspire to become the undisputed leader in our industry, when people think of forwarding; we want them to think DGF because we have:

• The largest global network with more than ~30,000 passionate employees
• The most efficient processes and fastest response times
• The best solutions and best customer service

Our Vision: The Logistics Company for the World.

Our Mission: Excellence. Simply Delivered.
Our Purpose: Connecting People, improving lives.
Our Values: Respect & Results
Our Goals: Employer, Provider, and Investment of Choice, Living Responsibility

DHL Global Forwarding is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Work Authorization

DHL Global Forwarding will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in Madagascar. This is not a position for which visa sponsorship will be provided. Individuals who need sponsorship for work

authorization, now or in the future, are not eligible for hire for this role.

#LI-MEA