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.