Executive Director - Freight Management

About the role

We are seeking an Executive Director to build, launch and lead a new freight forwarding business from the ground up. The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on execution, overseeing commercial strategy, regulatory compliance, network development and full P&L responsibility.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a phased roadmap to translate the approved Target Operating Model into a fully operational multimodal freight forwarding operation.
• Lead all UAE licensing, customs brokerage approvals, IATA cargo accreditation, FIATA membership and related regulatory requirements.
• Establish the physical footprint, including gateway locations, CFS, bonded warehouses, transport resources and regional hubs.
• Select and deploy the core freight management technology platform (e.g., CargoWise), integrating finance, operations, CRM and shipment visibility.
• Design the international network model, balancing owned locations with agency partnerships across target trade lanes.
• Set up overseas entities, recruit leadership teams and launch commercial activities in priority markets.

Required profile

• Minimum 15 years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics or related multimodal transport sectors.
• Proven track record of building and scaling new logistics businesses, including P&L ownership.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory environment, customs brokerage and international freight standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams, negotiate with carriers and manage complex stakeholder relationships.

Required skills

• Hands‑on experience with CargoWise or equivalent freight management platforms.
• Expertise in trade‑lane development and multimodal transport operations.