Trade Manager (f/m/d)

What You Will Do

Trade Strategy & Market Development

• Define and execute the commercial strategy for designated trade lanes with full P&L awareness.
• Monitor market dynamics, competitor moves, and rate environments to inform strategy.
• Identify and develop new trade corridors and volume opportunities in close collaboration with Sales.
• Contribute to annual budget planning, volume forecasting, and capacity commitments for the trade.
• Drive the digital evolution of our sea freight product together with various stakeholders.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships with key shippers and carrier partners.
• Lead commercial negotiations on contracts, agreements, and service commitments.

Pricing & Revenue Management

• Set and manage freight rate levels, surcharges, and contract structures in alignment with the pricing function.
• Analyse contribution margins across customer segments and drive yield improvement initiatives.
• Engage in tender processes for major accounts.

Capacity & Space Management

• Manage and grow our trade volume for your trades.
• Manage vessel space allocation across designated trade lanes, balancing utilisation targets with revenue yield objectives.
• Work with network and operations teams to input into capacity deployment decisions.

Cross‑functional Collaboration

• Liaise with operations, network planning, finance, legal, and product teams to ensure service reliability and contract compliance.

Required Skills And Experience

• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in container shipping or freight forwarding, with substantial exposure to trade management, commercial strategy, or pricing functions.
• Proven track record across key global trade lanes, including Asia–Europe, Intra‑Asia, Middle East, and the Indian Subcontinent.
• Demonstrated ownership of trade P&L, with hands‑on experience in pricing strategy, yield optimisation, and high‑value contract negotiations at a senior level.
• Strong, well‑established network of carrier relationships, with the ability to influence and secure competitive commercial outcomes.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep, nuanced understanding of container shipping market dynamics, including rate indices, capacity management, carrier alliances, and macro demand drivers.
• Advanced analytical capability, with a data‑driven approach to freight rate analysis, margin optimisation, and market benchmarking.
• Exceptional commercial acumen and negotiation skills, with a consistent ability to structure and close complex, high‑value deals.
• Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in a global business environment.

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial and results‑oriented mindset, with the ability to operate autonomously in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Highly resilient and adaptable, thriving in fast‑paced, dynamic environments and comfortable with frequent international travel.
• Strong leadership presence, maintaining composure under pressure and effectively guiding teams through challenges.
• Collaborative and culturally aware team player, able to build trust and influence stakeholders across functions and geographies.