Head of Road Freight – Kenya

Role overview

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight is looking for a senior leader to oversee road freight operations in Kenya from Mombasa. This position sits within the Industrial Projects business and is responsible for shaping and executing the road freight strategy in line with group priorities, the regional market context, and the wider Industrial Projects agenda.

The purpose of the role is to grow market share, deliver business targets, make better use of assets and people, and maximize profitability while staying aligned with global and regional product direction.

Key focus areas

• Build and sustain strong customer relationships, especially with key accounts and Industrial Projects clients.
• Handle customer questions, concerns, and complaints in a timely and effective way.
• Lead strategic customer discussions and support business development efforts.
• Set pricing approaches that support profitable growth.
• Work across departments to ensure service quality for Industrial Projects customers.
• Drive customer target achievement, sales motivation, and cost improvement actions.
• Maintain and use customer databases for segmentation and prospect targeting.
• Support relationships with trade bodies, government agencies, and authorities.
• Coordinate carrier engagement, negotiation, and performance management in line with corporate and local requirements.
• Oversee the transport portal and related commercial coordination with country teams.
• Define and enforce service standards, quality standards, and operational targets.
• Improve production efficiency, cost management, and local purchasing processes.
• Guide IT needs, preferred carrier compliance, ISO implementation, and operational KPIs.
• Lead team structure, performance management, coaching, and capability development.
• Manage Industrial Projects teams, P&L ownership, customer loyalty, and innovation for the country.
• Represent Industrial Projects in business development, solution design, market analysis, and new product launches.

Requirements

• A degree in Business Management or a closely related discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in the logistics sector.
• At least 5 years of background in product management or value-added services.
• Prior experience in a management position.
• Strong knowledge of logistics, especially road freight and forwarding operations.
• Proven track record in senior leadership, including selling to major global customers.
• Ability to design customer-focused cross-product solutions and introduce practical new ideas.
• Strategic and commercially minded with strong business judgment.
• Good understanding of country and regional geography for cross-border routing.
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, training, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management, people management, and leadership capability.
• Confident customer-facing communication skills, both spoken and written.
• Systematic approach to problem-solving.

What the employer offers

• The chance to contribute ideas in a global business working toward shared goals.
• Potential for further career growth.
• A competitive salary.

Additional information

DHL Global Forwarding is part of DHL Group, which operates in more than 220 countries. The organization describes itself as the world’s leading logistics provider and highlights its large global network, efficient processes, fast response times, and customer service focus.

The company says it is a Top Employer and promotes a positive workplace, employee development, and the advancement of women in the organization. It also states its vision, mission, purpose, values, and goals: being the Logistics Company for the World; Excellence. Simply Delivered.; Connecting People, improving lives.; Respect & Results; and Employer, Provider, and Investment of Choice, Living Responsibility.

DHL Global Forwarding is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected status.

Company context

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight is the air, ocean, and road freight specialist within DHL Group, offering standardized transport and specialized end-to-end solutions for customers across many industries worldwide.