Air Logistics Perishables Operations Head

It's more than a job

As a member of the Freight Forwarding team Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in transporting goods, optimising processes, and fulfilling our customers' promises. And by transporting medicines, toys and important machine parts, you are not only delivering goods, you are making small and big moments possible for people all around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine.

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Are you ready to lead a business where operational excellence and strategic thinking go hand in hand? As Air Logistics Perishables Operations Head , you will take full ownership of our perishables operation, combining hands-on operational leadership with financial management, people development, and business strategy. You will drive performance through KPI monitoring, resource planning, supplier management, and continuous improvement, while strengthening customer relationships and identifying opportunities to grow our business in the floriculture and perishables industry.

## How you create impact

- Maintain a hands-on presence in the perishables operation, coordinating with warehouse supervisors through regular updates on operational performance, warehouse conditions, resource needs, and ongoing activities.
- Define, monitor, and analyze operational KPIs to measure productivity, service quality, and efficiency. Review warehouse financial performance, including P&L, and translate insights into actionable improvements.
- Anticipate peak seasons, organize operational plans, and coordinate resource requests to ensure the warehouse has the people and resources needed to meet business demands.
- Lead, coach, and develop employees while building close working relationships with the team, suppliers, customers, and industry stakeholders. Establish effective strategies to manage suppliers and support high-performing teams.
- Identify opportunities to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen operational performance. Stay informed about market developments and industry trends to support decision-making and business growth.

## What we would like you to bring

- A degree in Logistics, Business Administration, International Business, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in the perishables business, ideally including negotiations and business development within the floriculture sector, with knowledge of key industry players and market dynamics.
- Experience managing operational performance through KPIs, resource planning, process improvement, and financial indicators, including P&L.
- At least 3 years of experience leading teams, developing employees, managing supplier relationships, and working closely with operational supervisors and customers.
- Strong negotiation, communication, organization, and planning skills; proficiency in office applications; and advanced English proficiency.

Additional requirements: Willingness to travel and respond to customer needs outside regular working hours when required by time zone differences. An established customer portfolio is desirable.

## What's in it for you

- Take an active leadership role in a business where your decisions directly influence daily operations and overall performance.
- Use KPIs, P&L insights, and market knowledge to drive efficiency and support business decisions.
- Develop employees, strengthen team capabilities, and build a high-performance culture.
- Identify and implement initiatives that improve processes, productivity, and service quality.
- Build strong relationships across the perishables and floriculture industry while contributing to the continued development of the business.

Who we are

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.

We kindly advise that placement agencies refrain from submitting unsolicited profiles. Any submissions of candidates without prior signed agreement will be considered our property and no fees will be paid.