Requirements: English
Company: Freight Appointments
Region: Antwerp Metropolitan Area , Flanders
Head of Chemicals Benelux (Freight Forwarding)
Location: Flexible within the Benelux region
Industry: Freight Forwarding | Chemicals Logistics | Business Development
Are you a self-driven leader ready to build a market-leading Chemicals vertical within an ambitious freight forwarding company?
We are seeking a highly entrepreneurial Head of Chemicals to develop, grow, and lead the Chemicals division across the Benelux region for our client. This is a ground-floor opportunity to take full ownership: launching the vertical commercially and evolving it into a fully integrated business unit.
Focused on the transportation and logistics of chemical cargo, you will manage the division as if it were your own business building client relationships, driving growth, and creating long-term strategic value.
Key Responsibilities:
- Commercial Development: Establish and drive commercial activities focused on freight forwarding solutions for the chemicals sector securing new business, developing partnerships, and building a strong client base.
- Vertical Strategy: Develop and execute a long-term strategic growth plan for the Chemicals vertical, expanding service offerings, building operational capabilities, and enhancing market presence.
- Division Leadership: Take full ownership of the Chemicals vertical overseeing commercial performance, client management, operations setup, and team development over time.
- Market Intelligence: Conduct detailed market analysis to identify key opportunities, customer needs, and competitive advantages within chemical logistics.
- Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with chemical industry clients, providing customized, compliant freight solutions.
- Financial Responsibility: Manage P&L for the vertical, ensuring profitable and sustainable growth in line with overall business objectives.
- Reporting: Provide clear, regular reporting on commercial progress, operational milestones, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.
Qualifications:
- Strong background in freight forwarding or logistics, ideally with experience managing chemical cargo (hazardous goods, compliance, industry-specific requirements).
- Proven track record in business development and commercial leadership.
- Entrepreneurial mindset: highly self-managed, proactive, and motivated to build a business from scratch.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to adapt to dynamic market conditions.
- Fluent in English; additional languages relevant to the Benelux region are a plus.