Benelux Operations & Network Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Operations Coordinators + Specialists responsible for end-to-end shipment execution across ocean and rail freight
• Monitor and manage team performance against KPIs, ensuring operational excellence, client satisfaction, and compliance with company standards.
• Drive a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and coaching sessions to support employee development and career growth.
• Analyse team performance metrics and identify areas for improvement in service delivery, operational efficiency, and data accuracy.
• Ensure the team maintains up-to-date and accurate shipment data on the digital platform to enable clear and timely client communication.
• Foster strong collaboration within the team and across departments, including customer service, sales, and finance, to deliver seamless client experiences.
• Act as a point of escalation for complex issues, working with clients, carriers, and partners to find solutions while supporting the team.
• Develop and implement processes to optimise team productivity and align with broader organisational goals.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory updates, and technological advancements to ensure the team remains competitive and compliant.
• Manage resource allocation, workflow prioritisation, and staffing needs to meet operational demands.
• Promote a positive work environment by addressing challenges proactively, facilitating conflict resolution, and celebrating team achievements.
  
  

Network & Commercial Responsibilities

• Strategic Relationship Management: Own and develop commercial relationships with key local suppliers across the Benelux region, including barge operators, trucking companies, rail providers, and local ocean carrier offices.
• Procurement & Negotiation: Lead local procurement initiatives to secure competitive buy rates, advantageous payment terms, and capacity guarantees, ensuring maximum margin and operational resilience.
• Supplier Performance Monitoring: Establish and monitor supplier KPIs (on-time performance, communication quality, billing accuracy) and conduct regular Business Reviews (QBRs) to drive continuous improvement.
• Capacity Planning: Proactively manage space allocations and equipment availability with local providers, particularly during peak seasons, to ensure uninterrupted service for Zencargo customers.
• Network Expansion: Identify gaps in the current network and source/onboard new vendors to diversify the supplier base, reducing risk and increasing service options (e.g., sustainable transport modes).
• Escalation Management: Act as the senior point of contact for critical supplier disputes or service failures, negotiating resolutions that protect client relationships and company interests.
• Global Alignment: Collaborate with Zencargo’s Global Procurement and Network teams to ensure local Benelux agreements align with and support broader global carrier strategies.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Leadership: Demonstrates the ability to inspire, guide, and support team members to achieve collective goals.
• Effective communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, clients, and stakeholders.
• People development: Passionate about nurturing talent, providing constructive feedback, and creating opportunities for growth.
• Problem-solving: Proactively identifies challenges, analyses potential solutions, and drives resolution at both operational and strategic levels.
• Decision-making: Balances data-driven analysis with practical judgment to make informed decisions.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic environment, managing change and ambiguity with confidence.
• Organisation: Demonstrates excellent time management, prioritisation, and attention to detail.
• Conflict resolution: Mediates disputes constructively and fosters a collaborative team environment.
  
  

• Performance management expertise: Ability to set, monitor, and manage KPIs, team objectives, and individual performance goals.
• Operational oversight: Strong understanding of international transportation processes across air, sea, road, and rail modes.
• Data analysis proficiency: Skilled at interpreting operational data and using insights to drive improvements.
• Digital platform knowledge: Familiarity with logistics management platforms and ensuring effective use by the team.
• Regulatory awareness: Knowledge of international trade regulations, customs compliance, and documentation requirements (e.g., AWBs, CMRs, Bills of Lading, etc.).
• Process optimisation: Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency.
• Client relationship management: Ensures that the team consistently delivers a high level of service to maintain and strengthen client trust.
• Resource planning: Proficient in managing staffing, workload distribution, and operational capacity to meet client demands.