District Manager – Air & Ocean

Rhenus Logistics•Cranford, NJ

15h

About The Position

The District Manager – Air & Ocean is accountable for district financial performance, commercial growth, operational excellence, compliance, and people leadership across branch operations. The role manages district P&L results, including revenue, profitability, expenses, budgets, forecasts, credit management, receivables, and financial risk, while identifying opportunities to improve pricing, cost efficiency, and margins. The District Manager prepares financial and performance analyses and strategic recommendations for regional leadership. The position drives revenue growth through business development, key account management, customer retention, market expansion, and coordination with Sales and Product leadership. It oversees branch operations and service quality, monitors operational KPIs and customer satisfaction, supports standard operating procedures and process improvements with the Operational Excellence Team, and ensures applicable regulatory, financial, and corporate compliance. The District Manager leads and develops branch management teams; oversees workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and employee development with Human Resources; and promotes accountability, collaboration, engagement, and continuous improvement. The role works across Operations, Sales, Product, Finance, HR, and other regional stakeholders, undertakes strategic initiatives assigned by regional leadership, and travels regularly between district branches and other locations as business needs require.

Requirements

Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in international freight forwarding, including significant leadership responsibility in branch, district, or multi-site operations.
Demonstrated experience managing P&L performance, budgets, financial forecasts, cost controls, and profitability improvement initiatives.
Strong operational and commercial knowledge of air and ocean freight forwarding, including import/export processes, pricing, carrier relationships, and international logistics solutions.
Proven track record driving revenue growth through business development, strategic account management, customer retention, and cross-selling.
Experience leading branch operations or multiple locations, with demonstrated success improving service quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
Strong people leadership capabilities, including team management and development, coaching managers, performance management, and succession planning.
Sound understanding of freight forwarding regulations, compliance requirements, operational procedures, and industry best practices.
Ability to collaborate effectively with Product, Sales, Finance, HR, and Operational Excellence teams in a matrix organization.
Strong analytical and financial acumen, including experience using operational KPIs, financial reporting, and performance metrics to guide business decisions.
Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and customer relationship skills, including the ability to engage with senior leadership and key accounts.
Ability to manage competing priorities, lead organizational change, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
Proficiency with freight forwarding systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly between district branches and other locations as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent relevant industry experience will be considered.
Experience with CargoWise or comparable transportation management systems is an asset.
Additional languages are an asset.

Responsibilities

Maintain accountability for district P&L performance, including revenue, profitability, operating expenses, budgets, forecasts, and financial targets.
Monitor branch and district financial performance and implement corrective measures to achieve profitability and growth objectives.
Oversee credit management, accounts receivable, financial controls, and financial risk exposure.
Analyze pricing, costs, operational efficiency, and profit margins to improve performance and competitiveness.
Prepare and present district performance reports, financial analyses, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to regional leadership.
Drive district revenue growth through business development, key account management, customer retention, and market expansion.
Partner with Sales and Product leadership to identify opportunities, strengthen customer relationships, and expand air and ocean freight volumes.
Support competitive freight forwarding solutions through pricing strategies, service offerings, and cross-selling opportunities.
Maintain strategic customer relationships, resolve escalations, and support customer satisfaction and account profitability.
Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and customer requirements to inform commercial strategies.
Lead and oversee district branch operations, service quality, productivity, regulatory compliance, and consistent execution of operating standards.
Collaborate with the Operational Excellence Team to implement standardized procedures, process improvements, and regional best practices.
Monitor operational KPIs, service performance, and customer satisfaction, and implement improvement initiatives as needed.
Coordinate with Air and Ocean Product teams to align operational capabilities, service delivery, and commercial commitments.
Identify opportunities to improve workflows, resource utilization, cost efficiency, and branch performance.
Ensure compliance with transportation regulations, internal policies, financial controls, and corporate governance requirements.
Lead, coach, and develop branch management teams and foster accountability, collaboration, and a high-performance culture.
Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and employee development with Human Resources.
Set clear performance expectations and measurable objectives for branch leaders, holding them accountable for financial, operational, and commercial results.
Promote cross-functional collaboration among Operations, Sales, Product, Finance, HR, and regional stakeholders.
Drive organizational change, employee engagement, and continuous improvement in alignment with Rhenus leadership principles and corporate values.
Perform additional responsibilities and strategic initiatives assigned by regional leadership.
Travel regularly between district branches and other locations as business needs require.