As a Senior Key Account Manager (Rotterdam based), reporting the Deputy General Manager (Shanghai based), you will lead a small key account management team based in Shanghai remotely to deliver exceptional client partnership for strategic accounts. Responsible for both individual key accounts and team leadership, you will drive customer-centric strategies while mentoring your team to achieve collective and individual targets. Your role combines hands-on account ownership with team development – coordinating cross-functional resources, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of commercial excellence within the team.

The following tasks will be part of your job:

Team Leadership & Development

- Lead, coach and motivate a team of account managers to achieve targets;

- conduct performance reviews and identify skill gaps;

- develop and implement account management best practices.

Customer relationship

- Be fully responsible and accountable for key accounts and coordinate all activities;

- act as the main contact for strategic, commercial and operational topics;

- work with Operations to meet KPIs and safeguard customer satisfaction;

- develop long-term customer relationships over short-term gains;

- represent the customer’s interests internally;

- collaborate with internal teams to resolve issues;

- gather and share customer feedback;

- build in-depth knowledge of the customer’s business and goals.

Communication

- Build strong relationships with key decision-makers and manage client communication;

- lead commercial negotiations based on aligned strategies;

- align with internal teams to meet customer needs.

Value-based selling

- Develop tailored logistics solutions for customers;

- prepare quotations in line with rate agreements;

- anticipate future needs and identify growth opportunities.

Project Management

- Support accounts receivable processes and resolve issues if needed;

- ensure use of tools for tracking and reporting;

- maintain and implement SOPs;

- set up reporting structures for performance monitoring;

- coordinate meetings and initiatives with stakeholders.

Do you have:

- A bachelor’s degree or higher;

- excellent communication skills in German and English;

- 10+ years of experience in logistics KAM roles, including 3+ years in team management;

- strong knowledge of ocean freight, 4PL, air, rail, trucking and warehousing;

- a proactive, solution-oriented and customer-focused mindset;

- strong negotiation and presentation skills;

- experience in multicultural and global teams;

- ability to work independently and manage deadlines;

- strong analytical and data-driven skills;

- strong collaboration skills with internal teams;

- proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

What do we offer:

- A competitive salary;

- annual bonus of 1 month base salary, which is variable;

- 8% holiday allowance;

- 7% pension allowance;

- 25 holidays a year;

- mentorship and the possibility to develop yourself.