Head of Airfreight
Location: The Woodlands (Houston), USA
deugro was founded in Frankfurt am Main and is the first company of the deugro group, where is has its focus on global project freight forwarding. Every day the industry and deugro face the challenges of the logistics industry and our employees use their expertise to ensure large cargo is transported safely, effectively, and efficiently, through innovative and creative logistical solutions.
Become a part of our talented deugro team, as we look for a Head of Airfreight in The Woodlands (Houston), USA.Key responsibilities:
- Strategic management and further development of the air freight business in the country/region, with a particular focus on complex airfreight solutions
- Overall responsible for the airfreight department operationally and financially
- Further development of cross-border operations and cooperation with agents, partners and customers in the country
- Management and line management of the air freight department
- Responsibility for the planning, coordination and implementation of complex air freight projects including out-of-gauge shipments, special loads and charter flights
- Management of budget planning and profitability, including process and quality optimization
- Establishing and maintaining strong customer relationships and expanding partnerships with airlines and specialist service providers
- Monitoring relevant market trends and developing innovative logistics concepts for sensitive or oversized goods
- Actively developing the product in line with global and national strategies
- Collaboration with internal departments such as Sales/GKAM, Project Logistics and operational units included pipeline support and growth plans
- Control and monitoring of financial results in air freight
- Actively drive development and new business development initiatives within air freight
- Customer support in both office and field roles (export and import)
- Business correspondence in English with deugro offices, agents and customers
- Development, specification and monitoring of operational processes
- Preparation and drafting of quotations included RFQ’s.
- Reporting departmental results to branch/country managers or similar
Skills, knowledge and expertise:
- Completed degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a comparable field
- Extensive professional experience in international air freight, including leadership roles and exposure to complex, high-value or project cargo operations
- Proven track record in strategic management and business development, with the ability to drive growth, profitability, and market expansion in a competitive environment
- Deep expertise in end-to-end air freight operations, including project shipments, out-of-gauge cargo, charters, and regulatory compliance (e.g., IATA, customs frameworks)
- Strong commercial acumen, including budget planning, P&L responsibility, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations at a senior level
- Demonstrated ability to develop and optimize operational processes, ensuring high efficiency, quality standards, and compliance across the organization
- Extensive experience in stakeholder and relationship management, including key customers, airlines, partners, and internal senior stakeholders
- Strong leadership capabilities, including building, managing, and developing high-performing teams, fostering collaboration and accountability
- Ability to analyze market trends and translate them into innovative logistics solutions and business opportunities
- Advanced analytical and financial skills, with the ability to monitor KPIs, interpret business performance, and steer strategic decision-making
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with experience representing the organization in senior-level discussions and complex negotiations
- High level of adaptability and strategic thinking, with the ability to operate effectively in complex, dynamic, and international environments
- Proficient in CargoWise (CW1) / NEO or similar systems, with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and operational transparency
- Business fluent in English (written and spoken)
What makes us the ideal choice?
A family-owned company established in 1924, has evolved into a leading global specialist in project freight forwarding. Our expertise spans various cargo types including break bulk, out of gauge, dangerous goods, and oversized shipments. Complementing our core services are affiliated entities specializing in transport engineering solutions, global ocean transportation, and specialized transportation assets.
We take pride in our commitment to employees, offering opportunities for long-term career growth, hybrid work arrangements, and flexible scheduling options.
We eagerly seek candidates who possess enthusiasm, passion, and innovative thinking, valuing their ability to translate ideas into action through dedication rather than solely relying on their resume or career history.
We value diversity and welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age and sexual orientation.
deugro (USA), Inc.
William Barrett
480 Wildwood Forest Drive, Suite 350, The Woodlands, TX 77380 USA
www.deugro.com
