Country Manager - Freight Forwarding

Our client is a leading tier 1 vmultinational logistics conglomerate, expanding its Freight Forwarding division. They seek an accomplished Country Manager to lead their market entry in Saudi Arabia & to establish a representative sales office in China. This role is central to building the operational model, securing strategic partnerships, & positioning the company as a trusted provider across ChinaKSA, EUKSA, & GCC trade lanes.

Key Responsibilities

Market Entry & Company Setup

• Establish the legal, regulatory, and operational framework for FFW operations in KSA
• Oversee the launch and alignment of a representative sales office in China
• Define business plans, budgets, and entry strategies in line with Vision 2030
• Secure offices, systems, and required operating licenses

Business Development & Commercial Growth

• Drive revenue growth through customer acquisition across oil & gas, retail, pharma, and e-commerce
• Develop competitive pricing models and tailored value propositions for major trade lanes
• Build and manage relationships with carriers, agents, shipping lines, airlines, and key clients
• Expand cross-border opportunities through group synergies and partner networks

Operations & Service Delivery

• Design and implement processes covering air, sea, and land freight, including customs clearance
• Manage partnerships with carriers, warehouses, and agents to ensure reliable service delivery
• Ensure compliance with Saudi regulations (Wasl, SFDA, GAC) and international freight standards
• Introduce digital solutions for customer visibility, booking, and performance reporting

Leadership & Organisational Development

• Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing teams in KSA and China
• Establish performance management systems and employee development frameworks
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence
• Act as the bridge between KSA and China operations for seamless coordination

Strategic Growth & Group Integration

• Position the business with giga-projects (NEOM, Red Sea, ROSHN, Qiddiya) and major MNCs
• Develop sector-specific verticals such as cold chain, pharma, heavy lift, and e-commerce
• Support integration for wider logistics and 4PL capabilities
• Provide market insights, risk analysis, and growth recommendations to senior leadership

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Business, Logistics, or Supply Chain (MBA preferred)
• 1218 years of freight forwarding and logistics experience, including senior leadership in the GCC
• Proven success in establishing and scaling freight forwarding operations
• Strong commercial expertise with P&L responsibility and contract negotiation skills
• In-depth knowledge of global trade lanes, particularly ChinaMiddle East flows
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on approach suited to a start-up environment
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong relationship management with regulators, customers, and partners
• Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken)