Head of Trade Development – APAC to North America/Europe

About the role

The Head of Trade Development will lead commercial growth and profitability of trans‑Pacific trade between APAC and North America or Europe for a global logistics firm. This senior position requires strategic planning, market analysis, and close collaboration with regional sales teams.

Key responsibilities

• Drive volume and profitability of trade flows between APAC and target regions.
• Define and execute a comprehensive Transpacific trade strategy, setting short, mid and long‑term priorities.
• Analyse trade flows, carrier networks, port dynamics, pricing trends and geopolitical factors.
• Own commercial performance metrics such as revenue, gross profit, yield and contribution margin.
• Partner with US/Europe, Asia and global sales organisations to deliver targeted growth plans.
• Identify performance gaps and implement corrective commercial actions.
• Develop senior‑level relationships with major importers, exporters, retailers, manufacturers and distributors.
• Lead negotiations, RFPs, tenders and major contract opportunities with strategic customers and ocean carriers.
• Identify opportunities to leverage broader logistics and supply‑chain capabilities.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in logistics, including commercial and operational freight/NVOCC roles.
• Proven track record in business development, product management or tender management.
• Strong knowledge of ocean and air freight products and markets.
• Fluent English with excellent analytical and negotiation abilities.

Required skills