Country Head / Branch Manager – Freight Forwarding

Country Head / Branch Manager – Freight Forwarding (Commercial Leadership)

Location: Houston, TX

$140,000 – $170,000 Base Bonus Full Executive Package

Company Overview:

A well-established, privately held international freight forwarder with strong European roots and expanding operations in the U.S. market. Known for customized logistics solutions across Air, Ocean, Customs, and Project Logistics. The business has an active global client base, established agency network, and a commitment to long-term U.S. growth.

Role Summary:

This position will lead and manage the U.S. entity, with direct responsibility for the Houston branch. The focus is on driving commercial growth, expanding the client base, and ensuring operational excellence across all product verticals. The successful candidate will serve as the senior-most authority in the U.S. and will have full P&L responsibility, strategic autonomy, and the mandate to grow the national footprint.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead commercial strategy across Air, Ocean, and Project Logistics products
• Full P&L ownership of the U.S. operation with a focus on profitable growth
• Direct and manage all branch functions, including sales, operations, and compliance
• Build and develop a high-performing commercial and operational team
• Identify market opportunities and execute strategies to capture key accounts
• Represent the company to clients, vendors, and global stakeholders at senior level
• Collaborate with European HQ on cross-border strategy, trade lane development, and global account management
• Ensure compliance with U.S. customs, trade, and security regulations

Candidate Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in international freight forwarding
• Proven track record in branch or country-level leadership with commercial oversight
• Strong understanding of U.S. import/export regulations, customs, and global logistics
• Demonstrated ability to scale a freight business and manage P&L accountability
• Deep network within the Texas freight and logistics market, especially in Oil & Gas, Projects, or Industrial verticals
• Strategic thinker with hands-on leadership style and a commercial mindset

Preferred Experience:

• Prior experience growing a U.S. branch for a European-based forwarder
• Knowledge of project logistics, heavy lift, or time-critical shipments
• Familiarity with systems such as CargoWise and CRM-based sales tracking

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive six-figure base salary
• Performance bonus tied to growth and profitability metrics
• Executive-level benefits package
• Full autonomy to lead, build, and scale the U.S. business
• Direct access to European senior leadership

Confidential applications encouraged – this is a key strategic hire.