ESL Group is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to join our team as Trade Manager. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the overall strategy and P&L performance of a defined market portfolio. You will play a key part in driving profitable growth by developing and executing trade strategies that strengthen ESL's market position and long-term success.

Job Responsibilities

• Trade Strategy: Develop a robust trade strategy by analysing macroeconomic trends, geopolitical changes, economic policy and overall fit to ESL's ambition to be a relevant regional player.
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to identify market trends, competitive landscape, and business opportunities. Basically have "Fingerspitzengefühl " - know your markets at your fingertips
• Revenue Management: Manage pricing and revenue optimization strategies to maximize profitability and market competitiveness.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to service operations, including market volatility, regulatory changes, and geopolitical events.
• Cost management - work with the operations teams to ensure the right cost structure and competitiveness for the trade.
• Trade leadership: Lead the teams across HQ and agencies, network team to deliver the best results for the trade ensuring clarity and effectiveness in our efforts.
• Customer Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with key customers and partners to together with the commercial teams including tender negotiations.
• Be a data evangelist - use it consistently and drive insights that support decision-making.
• Drive the culture in the team - make it collaborative and fun!

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Maritime, Business, Logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in shipping, freight forwarding, or logistics industry.
• A deep understanding of international shipping regulations, market trends and competitors.
• Strong commercial insight, including analytical skills, anticipating future trends and developments in the market.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with internal and external stakeholders, and leadership skills to lead and motivate the wider team.
• Enjoys problem solving and the unpredictable challenges in shipping - ranging from COVID related disruptions or Red Sea crises.
• Data savvy - loves to work with numbers and can use them to tell a story; experience with databases, data visualisation tools, programming or similar are a plus!
• The salary offer package will be adjusted based on the candidate's relevant work experience and their current compensation.
• Less experienced candidates may be considered for an Assistant Manager position.