Head of Cargo - #2638082

Our client, an international aviation services group, providing end‑to‑end charter and logistics solutions with continuous global operational coverage and a strong focus on service excellence, and are looking for an experienced, commercially minded Head of Cargo to lead their Cologne, Germany-based cargo division.

On Offer:

• Starting salary of €81,373 plus commissions
• Genuine career development opportunities within a globally operating organization

Purpose of the Head of Cargo

Responsible for managing and further developing the cargo business unit in Cologne. This is a senior position with full responsibility for operational performance, team management, and the profit and loss (P&L) account.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in freight forwarding, ideally with proven expertise in time-critical logistics.

The focus of this position is on expanding the time-critical service portfolio, including OBC (On Board Courier), NFO (Next Flight Out), direct drives, and charter solutions. You will play a key role in growing the customer base in line with the company’s strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities of the Head of Cargo

• Lead, develop, and manage a team of cargo specialists while fostering a performance-driven company culture
• Full responsibility for the P&L of the cargo business unit with a focus on revenue and profit targets
• Develop and implement sales strategies to expand the time-critical portfolio (OBC, NFO, Direct Drive, Charter)
• Build a sustainable sales pipeline through active acquisition and market analysis in relevant industries
• Proactively acquire new customers and position the company as the preferred partner for time-critical logistics solutions
• Expand and maintain existing customer relationships while identifying cross-selling and growth opportunities
• Develop tailored time-critical solutions for new and existing customers while ensuring high service levels and rapid response times
• Collaborate with internal teams on ad-hoc projects and strategic initiatives
• Manage day-to-day operations across air, road, and multimodal transport solutions
• Ensure compliance with all legal, safety-related, and operational standards
• Provide visible leadership to the 24/7 time-critical team and represent the business within and outside Group (e.g., with key customers, in industry analyses, and in collaboration with product development, sales, technology, and marketing)
• Attend events and deliver presentations to key stakeholders to generate new business opportunities and strengthen the company’s presence

Sales & Commercial Expectations

• Active and continuous new customer acquisition
• Use strong procurement expertise to ensure competitive logistics solutions
• Creative and customer-focused presentation of proposals and solutions
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Structured and diligent management of the sales pipeline and processes

To be Considered for the Head of Cargo

• At least 10 years of experience in freight forwarding, with a significant portion in a leadership role
• Experience in time-critical logistics is an advantage
• Proven experience in P&L responsibility and revenue growth
• Experience in leading and developing teams
• Deep understanding of cargo operations, particularly air freight and urgent logistics solutions
• Strong commercial mindset and customer orientation
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Fluent in German and English; additional languages are an advantage

For more details, contact Willis Global - a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Aviation & Aerospace industry