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General Manager, Ocean Freight

Bangkok Permanent THB2,700,000 - THB3,300,000 per year View Job Description
The incumbent will lead and oversee the Ocean Freight business in Thailand, driving commercial growth, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and profitability. This executive leadership position will be responsible for developing and executing the country's ocean freight strategy while ensuring alignment with regional and global objectives.
  • Opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping business strategy,
  • Join a globally recognized logistics leader.

About Our Client

Our client is a leading global logistics and freight forwarding organisation, providing integrated air freight, ocean freight, contract logistics, customs brokerage, supply chain management, and transportation solutions to multinational and local customers across diverse industries.

Job Description

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute the Thailand Ocean Freight business strategy in line with regional and global objectives.
  • Drive sustainable revenue growth, market share expansion, and profitability across all ocean freight products.
  • Identify emerging market trends, customer requirements, and competitive opportunities to strengthen market positioning.
  • Lead business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management activities.
  • Collaborate closely with regional and global stakeholders to align strategic initiatives and commercial priorities.
  • Drive digital transformation and process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and customer experience.



Commercial Leadership

  • Own the ocean freight P&L and deliver agreed financial targets, including revenue, gross profit, EBIT, and productivity metrics.
  • Lead business development efforts and establish growth strategies across key verticals, including Automotive, Industrial, Electronics, FMCG, Retail, Healthcare, and Chemicals.
  • Identify and develop strategic customer relationships while expanding wallet share within existing accounts.
  • Support major RFQs, contract negotiations, and strategic account management initiatives.
  • Strengthen collaboration between sales, operations, and customer service teams to improve win rates and customer retention.
  • Monitor pricing strategies, trade lane development, and market competitiveness.



Operations & Service Excellence

  • Ensure operational excellence across all ocean freight activities, including FCL, LCL, multi-modal transportation, NVOCC activities, and customs-related services.
  • Drive service quality, shipment visibility, KPI achievement, and customer satisfaction.
  • Implement best practices to improve productivity, operational consistency, and process standardisation.
  • Develop risk mitigation strategies to address capacity constraints, supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and market volatility.
  • Oversee carrier allocation management, procurement strategies, and space commitments.
  • Ensure compliance with local regulations, global standards, and company policies.



Carrier & Vendor Management

  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with ocean carriers, feeder operators, trucking providers, and logistics partners.
  • Negotiate competitive rates, service agreements, and strategic allocations.
  • Optimise carrier portfolio and procurement strategies to enhance service reliability and profitability.
  • Collaborate with regional procurement teams on global and regional carrier agreements.



Financial Management

  • Manage full P&L responsibility for the Ocean Freight business.
  • Deliver budgeted revenue, gross profit, operating profit, and productivity objectives.
  • Monitor costs, margins, pricing performance, and resource allocation.
  • Drive profitability improvements through operational efficiency and commercial discipline.
  • Implement robust reporting structures and performance dashboards.



People Leadership

  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team across sales, operations, customer service, and support functions.
  • Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
  • Coach and mentor managers and future leaders within the organisation.
  • Foster employee engagement, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
  • Drive organisational capability building to support future growth.

The Successful Applicant

  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or a related field.
  • MBA or advanced business qualification preferred.
  • Minimum 12-15 years of progressive experience within freight forwarding, logistics, shipping, or supply chain management.
  • Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience managing Ocean Freight operations and commercial teams.
  • Strong understanding of international ocean freight markets, carrier management, trade lanes, and global logistics networks.
  • Proven experience managing significant P&L responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated success driving commercial growth and operational excellence.
  • Fluency in English and Thai is mandatory. Knowledge of another Asian language (e.g. Mandarin, Japanese) would be a significant advantage.

What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future growth, strategy, and transformation of the business.
  • Competitive compensation package, performance incentives, and long-term career progression opportunities.
  • Chance to join a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.
Contact
Sonia Fernandez
Quote job ref
JN-082026-7089756
Phone number
+66 2 012 5017

Job summary

Sector
Procurement & Supply Chain
Specialisation
Logistics - 3pl - Commercial Management
What is your area of specialisation?
Transport & Distribution
Location
Bangkok
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Sonia Fernandez
Consultant phone
+66 2 012 5017
Job Reference
JN-082026-7089756

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.