Head of Sea Freight

Head of Sea Freight

Location: Hamburg, Germany

Package: €75,000+ base salary + performance bonus + company car

Altius Talent is supporting a growing mid-sized German freight forwarder in the search for a Head of Sea Freight to lead their Hamburg operation.

This is not a traditional corporate management role focused purely on reporting lines and KPIs.

Our client is searching for a hands-on Sea Freight professional with strong operational knowledge, leadership capability and commercial awareness, someone who understands the reality of Ocean Freight operations and is prepared to lead from the front.

The business is currently going through a strong phase of growth and transformation, including the implementation of a new TMS system, creating greater operational visibility, scalability and efficiency across the business.

The environment is fast-paced, entrepreneurial and internationally focused, with exposure across traditional Sea Freight, Government & Defence logistics, project cargo and complex international supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Sea Freight department within the Hamburg office
• Support day-to-day Ocean Freight operations, particularly Sea Freight Imports
• Oversee and support a team of 5 FTE's
• Continue developing operational structures, processes and efficiencies
• Work closely with senior management on departmental growth strategy
• Identify commercial opportunities, develop trade lanes and support business growth
• Ensure operational stability within a dynamic international logistics environment
• Mentor and develop the operational team

Requirements

• Strong operational Sea Freight background within freight forwarding
• Hands-on Ocean Import experience is essential
• Customs clearance knowledge required
• Previous leadership or team management experience
• Commercial awareness and proven business development exposure
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a pragmatic approach
• Ability to work operationally while leading a team
• Experience within mid-sized forwarders or entrepreneurial environments preferred
• German language skills beneficial

Package

• Base salary starting from €75,000+
• Higher salary available depending on experience and business contribution
• Performance-based bonus structure
• Company vehicle
• Long-term growth opportunity within a developing international forwarder

If you would like to discuss the opportunity confidentially and have the relevant experience please contact Jamie Watts or apply.