National Air Logistics Gateway & Procurement Manager

Job Description & Requirements

The position of National Air Logistics Gateway & Procurement and Carrier Manager is responsible to develop the carrier portfolio, establish regular carrier business reviews and drive procurement programs designed to enhance Kuehne + Nagel's competitiveness and profitability. In Addition, he/she will be responsible to manage the current gateway (s) within the respective national and/or identify new gateway set ups if deemed beneficial for KN.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the National Gateway and Procurement team and in accordance with the Global Gateway framework by GA-X team. Ensure operational excellence and development focus through-out the involved teams.
• Establish and monitor KPI´s for the Gateway (s) in accordance with the corporate framework provided by GA-X team.
• Manage and own the Gateway P/L and implement necessary measures to control costs and meet overall targets.
• Evaluate, propose, and implement strategy for possible new Import and Export Gateways including “virtual” solutions without KN staff physically on-site.
• Review the current Gateway network and operations and make recommendations that would enhance/streamline our operations in line with the Global Gateway standard.
• Assess line haul programs feeding/de-feeding the Gateways to look for areas of alignment and leverage that will drive for faster transit times and cost benefits.
• Develop effective means to support business growth, through involvement in RFQs, frequent exchange with the D and Sales community, participation in customer meetings as required to support discussion about capacity management, routings, etc.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with our airline partners and with the GSA community and scout and develop new ones.
• Negotiate with and select carriers based on demand, rate, capacity, and service quality.
• Conduct business review meeting with selected carrier and review performance and development.
• Procuring charter and part charter capacity for KN internal customer based on their charter requirements and in close alignment with the charter organization.
• Support and collaborate with gateway, pricing, and development teams.
• Definition of sourcing and procurement strategies for the export gateway.
• Source and procure airfreight capacity with commercial carriers, charter carriers and GSAs that are cost-effective and in line with Global PCP strategy.
• Continuously review existing contracts and allotments with airlines to ensure on-going feasibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in air freight, logistics, freight forwarding, or supply chain, with relevant management experience.
• Strong knowledge of air logistics gateway operations, airline coordination, and freight forwarding processes.
• Experience in procurement, supplier management, tendering, and contract negotiation.
• Strong commercial and cost-management skills with a track record in cost optimisation.
• Good understanding of air freight regulations, customs, security, and compliance.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to drive operational excellence, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Proficient in English, with strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in a global logistics / 3PL environment would be an advantage.