Sea Logistcs Tradelane Manager

About the position

About Our Client Japanese / English Bilingual Language Ability Required Our client is a global leader in logistics and supply chain management, providing comprehensive solutions across sea freight, air freight, road logistics, and contract logistics. With operations in over 100 countries and a history spanning more than 130 years, the company is known for its innovative technologies, customer-centric approach, and commitment to operational excellence. The organization is well established in Japan, employing approximately 1,000 staff nationwide, and offers a stable yet dynamic environment for ambitious logistics professionals. Position Overview Sea Logistics Tradelane Manager We are seeking an experienced Sea Logistics Tradelane Manager with a strong sea freight forwarding background to lead and grow the tradelane business in Japan. This role requires a native-level Japanese speaker with prior experience managing a small team (2–3 people) and a proven ability to balance hands-on sales leadership with customer excellence and sustainable growth. You will be responsible for leading, directing, and continuously optimizing your field sales team, while also remaining personally involved in closing profitable customer deals, particularly within the SME segment. Key Responsibilities Sales Leadership & Growth Own, monitor, and drive all sales activities across the field and inside sales organization within your scope of responsibility Lead, coach, and develop a small sales team to consistently deliver high performance and customer excellence Actively participate in customer-facing activities, including the generation of sustainable new business opportunities, with a strong focus on SMEs Personally close and support profitable customer deals, ensuring commercial discipline and long-term value Customer & Stakeholder Alignment Align sales activities closely with Customer Care Managers (CCL), pricing, and business development teams, including collaboration on pricing decisions Work closely with CCL colleagues during new customer onboarding to ensure a smooth handover and service continuity Regularly review customer portfolios together with CCL managers and teams to identify growth, retention, and reactivation opportunities Market Intelligence & Service Quality Monitor competitor activity by gathering and communicating up-to-date market intelligence on pricing, products, and service offerings Ensure customer complaints are promptly reported to the CCL team and support resolution as required Maintain and update accurate and relevant customer information in internal systems Drive high levels of customer engagement, satisfaction, retention, and reactivation through close collaboration with CCL teams and a strong focus on service quality What Were Looking For Solid background in sea freight forwarding (NVOCC / forwarder environment essential) Native Japanese language capability; business-level English preferred Previous experience managing a small team (2–3 people) Strong understanding of tradelane management, SME customers, and local market dynamics in Japan Proven ability to combine hands-on sales execution with team leadership Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to work cross-functionally Excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills Whats in It for You A leadership role with real ownership and influence over your tradelane and customer portfolio The opportunity to shape growth by combining strategy, people leadership, and direct customer impact Recognition for your operational knowledge, commercial mindset, and leadership capability A role where your focus on customers, relationships, and execution will directly define your success

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