District Manager – Air & Ocean

Rhenus Logistics•Cranford, IL

About The Position

The District Manager – Air & Ocean leads district-wide financial performance, commercial growth, operational execution, and people development across air and ocean freight forwarding operations. The role is accountable for district P&L performance, including revenue, profitability, expenses, budgets, forecasts, credit management, and financial risk, working in alignment with the Heads of Air and Ocean Product. The District Manager drives revenue growth through business development, strategic account management, customer retention, market expansion, pricing strategies, and cross-selling. The role oversees branch operations and service quality, supports consistent operating standards and regulatory compliance, monitors operational and financial performance, and identifies improvements in workflows, resource use, costs, and customer satisfaction. The position leads and develops branch management teams and partners with Human Resources on workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and employee development. It works closely with Sales, Product, Operations, Finance, HR, Operational Excellence, and regional leadership, and may take on additional responsibilities and strategic initiatives as assigned. Regular travel between district branches and other locations is required as business needs dictate.

Requirements

Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in international freight forwarding, including significant leadership responsibility within 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 of driving revenue growth through business development, strategic account management, customer retention, and cross-selling.
Experience leading branch operations or multiple locations and improving service quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
Strong people leadership capabilities, including managing and developing teams, 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 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.
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.
Proficiency with freight forwarding systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
Experience with CargoWise or comparable transportation management systems is an asset.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; 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, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective measures to achieve profitability and growth objectives.
Oversee credit management, accounts receivable, and financial risk exposure while maintaining effective controls and supporting commercial growth.
Analyze pricing, costs, operational efficiency, and profit margins to improve financial 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 business opportunities, strengthen customer relationships, and expand air and ocean freight volumes.
Support competitive freight forwarding solutions, pricing strategies, service offerings, and cross-selling opportunities.
Maintain strategic customer relationships, resolve escalations, and support long-term satisfaction and account profitability.
Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and customer requirements to inform district commercial strategies.
Lead and oversee district branch operations to ensure service quality, productivity, regulatory compliance, and consistent operational standards.
Collaborate with the Operational Excellence Team to implement and maintain standardized procedures, process improvements, and regional best practices.
Monitor operational KPIs, service performance, and customer satisfaction, and implement improvements as needed.
Work with Air and Ocean Product teams to align operational capabilities, service delivery, and commercial commitments.
Identify opportunities to optimize 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, fostering accountability, collaboration, and a high-performance culture.
Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and employee development in partnership with Human Resources.
Set clear performance expectations and measurable objectives and hold branch leaders accountable for financial, operational, and commercial results.
Promote cross-functional collaboration across 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 as assigned by regional leadership.
Travel regularly between district branches and other locations as business needs require.