Operations Manager Roadfreight - NL/BE

The Operations Manager Road Freight is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all road transport operations to ensure efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction. This role involves managing daily activities, supervising staff, coordinating with carriers, and implementing strategies to improve service quality and operational performance.

Along with:

• Formulating strategy, improving performance, procuring material and resources and securing compliance for the Road product within the region.
• Mentoring team members, improve quality of customer service and implement best practices across all levels.

Operational Management:

• Ensure all operations are carried out in an appropriate, cost-effective way.
• Improve operational management systems, processes, and best practices.
• Purchase materials, plan inventory, and oversee warehouse efficiency.
• Formulate strategic and operational objectives.
• Coordinate the day to day import and/or export of products, including reviewing orders and documentation.
• Track and communicate all delays, damages, problems and work to resolve customer issues.
• Coordinate recovery/delivery schedules with various cartage agents and international partners.
• Partner with local sales teams to communicate problems to customers, international partners and other stations, as needed.
• Monitor fleet utilization and optimize routing for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Team Leadership:

• Recruit, train, and manage staff in collaboration with the team supervisors and managers.
• Lead and develop the road operations teams, ensuring high performance and engagement.
• Provide training and guidance on operational procedures and compliance standards.

Customer Service & Communication:

• Find ways to increase quality of customer service.
• Work with customers to qualify their shipping requirements and obtain all details (regulations, certificates, documentation necessary for shipment quotation and operating in order to ensure the customer’s requests are satisfied.
• Ensure operational issues are resolved promptly and strong customer relationships are maintained.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and company standards for road transport (processes).

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

• Examine financial data and use them to improve profitability.
• Manage budgets and forecasts.
• Perform quality controls and monitor KPIs.
• Ensure all customers’ SOP instructions are adhered to and AIT KPIs and guidelines are followed and met.
• Ensure all shipments are properly billed within company guidelines and timelines.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management and recommend improvements.

Vendor & Carrier Management:

• Oversee the preparation of accurate and profitable quotations.
• Support in negotiation and management of contracts with vendors and subcontractors.

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in road freight operations management.
• Proven work experience as Operations Manager or in a similar role
• Knowledge of organizational effectiveness and operations management
• Experience budgeting and forecasting
• Familiarity with business and financial principles
• Strong PC skills (Windows, Microsoft Office applications) preferred
• CW1 skills (minimum Cargowise Certified Operator)
• Fluent oral and written in English is a must, Dutch is beneficial, and additional European languages would be an asset.
• Excellent communication skills and leadership abilities.
• Flair for strategic topics in an international context
• Good organizational and analytical skills
• Accurate, efficient, and independent way of working
• Ability to motivate and encourage employees
• Quick perception
• Willingness to change and ability to implement change
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure
• High level of resilience and enthusiasm
• Assertiveness and decisiveness

What AIT can offer you - In addition to a competitive salary and benefits, we offer great programs for our employees, for example, 5 volunteer hours a year to give back to the community in a charitable event.

About AIT Worldwide Logistics:

AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps its customers grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure raw materials, components, and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the America’s-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, food, government, healthcare, high-tech, industrial and life sciences. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground, and rail—on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 100 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe, India, and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.  Learn more about AIT Worldwide Logistics, our culture and core values in action here.