Regional Head of Intermodal (f/m/d)

Strategy & Network Development

• Develop and execute the regional intermodal strategy aligned with the company’s ocean freight growth objectives.
• Design efficient inland transportation networks connecting seaports, rail terminals, inland depots, and customer facilities.
• Expand rail and multimodal product offerings across key trade corridors.
• Identify opportunities to shift cargo from road to rail or barge to improve cost efficiency and sustainability.

Carrier & Vendor Management

• Negotiate and manage contracts with:
• Rail operators
• Trucking providers
• Barge operators
• Inland terminal operators
• Equipment providers
• Establish strategic partnerships to secure capacity and competitive rates.
• Monitor carrier performance, service reliability, and compliance with SLAs.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily intermodal operations including container drayage, rail bookings, and inland transportation planning.
• Ensure seamless integration between port operations, ocean carriers, and inland transport providers.
• Implement operational KPIs for service performance, cost control, and transit time reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency and service quality.

Commercial Support

• Support the sales organization with intermodal product development and pricing strategies.
• Provide inland rate structures and solutions for RFQs, tenders, and key account contracts.
• Collaborate with key accounts to design customized multimodal logistics solutions.

Cost & Performance Management

• Manage intermodal cost structures, budgets, and profitability.
• Monitor market trends, capacity constraints, and pricing fluctuations in inland transportation.
• Implement cost optimization initiatives across the intermodal network.

Technology & Digitalization

• Lead the implementation of digital tools for:
• Intermodal planning
• Carrier connectivity
• Visibility and tracking
• Data analytics
• Improve integration between TMS, ocean freight systems, and inland transport platforms.

Sustainability & Compliance

• Support the company’s sustainability initiatives by increasing rail and low-emission transport usage.
• Ensure compliance with transport regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements.
• Monitor emissions reporting and sustainability metrics for intermodal operations.

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide leadership to operations, procurement, and planning functions.
• Foster collaboration with regional ocean freight teams and cross-functional departments.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an Intermodal procurement role in a freight forwarding company or ocean carrier.
• Service-minded, customer-focused and with a high degree of ownership.
• Proactive and capable of handling responsibility without needing to be micromanaged.
• Strong operational understanding and capability to manage changes and unexpected events.
• Outgoing personality; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate procurement initiatives throughout the region and lead the procurement community on operational, tactical, and strategic level.
• Ability to communicate well in German and English, both spoken and in writing.
• Effective change agent with the ability to adjust change approach based on circumstances.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills with a hands-on attitude.
• Ability to multitask in a deadline-driven work environment, without losing attention to the details. Manage multiple priorities in an intense, fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Be results-driven and persistent in meeting day-to-day challenges/goals. Passionate about identifying continuous improvement potential.
• Demonstrate confidence as a performer and lead by example.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in people management and leadership, including recruitment, training & development, coaching, conflict and performance management.
• Willingness to travel.