Country Head / Branch Manager – Freight Forwarding (Commercial Leadership)
Location: Houston, TX
Compensation: $140,000 – $170,000 Base + Performance Bonus + Full Executive Package
Company Overview
Privately held international freight forwarder with strong European roots and growing U.S. operations. The business delivers tailored logistics solutions across Air, Ocean, Customs, and Project Cargo. Backed by a robust global agency network and loyal multinational client base, the company is investing heavily in its U.S. expansion with Houston positioned as a strategic growth hub.
The Opportunity
This is the top seat in the U.S. - full P&L control, strategic freedom, and a mandate to scale. You will lead the Houston branch while driving national growth across key trade lanes and verticals. The role blends commercial leadership with operational oversight, targeting aggressive expansion of market share, client base, and bottom-line performance.
Core Responsibilities
- Own and execute the U.S. growth strategy across Air, Ocean, and Project Logistics
- Drive full P&L management and ensure consistent margin and revenue performance
- Build, lead, and mentor high-performing sales and operations teams
- Expand the national client portfolio with a focus on key accounts and high-value verticals
- Act as the senior U.S. representative, liaising with clients, partners, and executive stakeholders
- Align with European HQ on cross-border strategy, global accounts, and trade lane development
- Maintain strict compliance with U.S. customs, trade regulations, and operational SOPs
Candidate Profile
- 10+ years in international freight forwarding with commercial and leadership experience
- Demonstrated success in scaling a branch or regional operation within the U.S.
- Strong P&L ownership background with a track record of revenue growth and team development
- Expertise across Air and Ocean freight, with exposure to Projects and time-critical logistics
- Deep market knowledge and relationships across Texas, particularly within Energy, Industrial, or O&G
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on, performance-driven leadership style
Preferred Background
- Prior success launching or scaling a U.S. office for a European-based forwarder
- Knowledge of project logistics, breakbulk, or heavy lift operations
- Experience with CargoWise, CRM sales tools, and modern freight tech stacks
What’s on Offer
- Competitive six-figure base salary
- Bonus tied to revenue, margin, and growth performance
- Full executive benefits package
- Autonomy to lead, build, and scale the U.S. business
- Direct access to European executive leadership
Confidential inquiries welcome
This is a high-impact, strategic hire. Only commercially driven leaders with a clear track record of delivering results will be considered.