General Manager- Freight Forwarding & Logistics

Client of PH Hospitality

Position Summary:

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall performance, growth, and operational efficiency. This role involves strategic planning, business expansion, client relationship management, and ensuring seamless coordination between freight forwarding, customs clearance, shipping, and project logistics operations. The GM will act as a key leader driving profitability, service excellence, and team productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Growth:

• Develop and execute strategic business plans aligned with company goals.
• Own full Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for the organization
• Monitor financial performance, budgets, costs, and margins
• Identify new business opportunities in freight forwarding, NVOCC, and project cargo

trade lanes, and service expansion.

• Drive expansion into regional and international markets through partnerships and

alliances.

• Implement sustainable growth strategies aligned with industry trends and trade

regulations.

Operations Management:

• Oversee end-to-end logistics operations import/export freight forwarding, customs

clearance, warehousing, and project cargo handling.

• Ensure timely coordination with shipping lines, transporters, and clients for smooth cargo

flow.

• Ensure smooth coordination between operations, sales, and customer service teams
• Monitor and improve service quality, turnaround time, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, trade laws, and company policies
• Establish and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all operational

departments.

Financial & Administrative Control:

• Manage annual budgets, forecasts, and profit/loss statements.
• Monitor operational costs, billing, and receivables to maintain profitability.
• Negotiate vendor contracts and ensure cost-effective procurement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and statutory regulations.

Client & Partner Relations:

• Build, hire, and lead a high-performing sales team
• Drive new client acquisition and key account growth
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, agents, shipping lines, and

customs authorities.

• Oversee customer service excellence and ensure high satisfaction levels.
• Lead business development initiatives presentations, tenders, trade fairs, and

networking events.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead, mentor, and supervise departmental heads (operations, documentation, sales, and

finance).

• Set performance goals, KPIs, and conduct regular reviews
• Recruit, train, and retain high-quality talent
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Build a strong, accountable, and customer-focused company culture

Leadership & Strategy

• Oversee training programs to enhance staff performance and knowledge of global

logistics trends.

• Act as the key decision-maker for day-to-day business operations.
• Report business performance and strategic updates to senior leadership
• Represent the company with customers, vendors, and industry stakeholders
• Drive digitalization, process improvements, and scalability initiatives
  

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure full compliance with international trade laws, customs regulations, and

environmental standards.

• Assess and mitigate operational risks related to cargo handling, documentation, or client

contracts.

• Maintain ISO, FIATA, or related quality management standards if applicable.
• Reporting
• Submit monthly performance reports, market analysis, and strategic updates to the Managing Director.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) including volume growth, profit margins, and client retention.
  

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Business Development
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Financial Planning and Cost Control
• Leadership and Team Motivation
• Client and Vendor Relationship Management
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
• Compliance and Risk Management.
  

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• 8 15+ years of experience in the freight forwarding / logistics industry
• Prior experience in a General Manager / Branch Manager / Country Manager / Operations Head role
• Strong understanding of air freight, ocean freight, customs clearance, and logistics operations
• Proven experience managing P&L, budgets, and revenue targets
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead sales and operations teams
• Strong client management and negotiation skills