Sr. Manager Sales (Commodity & X-trade)

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

This Sr. Manager Sales role at Hapag-Lloyd centers on owning cross-trade strategy across Africa to grow revenue and market share by linking X-Trade traders with African suppliers and delivering Ocean and Inland volumes. You will build strategic relationships with offshore traders and regional suppliers and work with Areas to turn exporters into promoters. Requirements include 8-12+ years in strategic key account or international business development, strong shipping or logistics background, matrix leadership, fluent English, willingness to travel, and a proven revenue growth record. How to apply: tailor your CV to highlight cross-border wins, multi-country deals, inland and container volumes, and collaboration with senior stakeholders; quantify impact and show strategic thinking.

Role Reports to: Director Sales Sub-Region Africa

Overall Job Purpose

The Crosstrades / Commodity Sales Manager will drive cross-trade strategy to grow revenue, market share, and customer satisfaction in the Africa sub-region. Acting as a link between X-Trade offices (traders) and African origins (suppliers), the role will position Hapag-Lloyd as a key player in African commodities and build a strong global Africa-focused network.Should be responsible for Ocean and Inland both volume targets keeping non-MR as priority.

Given that a large share of African export commodities is controlled by offshore traders, the role will focus on developing strategic relationships with these traders alongside regional suppliers to unlock growth opportunities.

In collaboration with Areas, the role will identify and leverage key differentiators to convert traders and exporters into Hapag-Lloyd promoters, delivering tailored solutions aligned with customer needs.

• Drive target achievement through cross-trade strategies aligned with global sales goals
• Analyze sales performance to identify trends, opportunities, and improvement areas
• Drive Non-MR business to meet volume targets and push Areas to deliver 100%
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key traders, suppliers, and global stakeholders
• Leverage market insights on African commodities to optimize strategy and revenue growth
• Maintain Commodity Tracker and Season Kick-off preparation
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the needs and preferences of traders and exporters, and work with them to develop tailored solutions that meet their requirements
• Responsible for Inland Sales and delivering Inland volumes across Africa

• University degree in Business Administration, Sales Management, Marketing or related field preferred
• > 5 years of work experience in sales management or related field, with a focus on inland sales, preferably in the shipping or logistics industry
• 8-12+ years in strategic key account development, or international business development.
• Proven experience with multinational customers, BCOs, traders, procurement organizations, or regional/global decision-makers.
• Strong background in container shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, or international trade.
• Track record of developing new business opportunities and growing revenue across multiple countries or regions.
• Experience working within complex matrix organizations and managing senior stakeholders.
• Advanced English. Other languages desirable. Industry knowledge (shipping).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Proven track record of sales excellence and team management, with a focus on driving revenue growth and improving customer satisfaction
• Familiarity with Hapag-Lloyd's systems and processes.
• Strong understanding of the African commodities market, including trends, prices, and trading patterns
• Willingness to travel when needed to meet teams and customers
•  Proven leadership experience having successfully managed teams, 
•  Exceptional ability to inspire and motivate people.
• High customer and results orientation, with a focus on driving revenue growth and improving customer satisfaction
• Experience in negotiating and delivering results, with a focus on achieving sales targets and improving sales performance
•  Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
•  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data and develop effective solutions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a focus on building strong relationships and driving business growth.

Competencies

• Influencing without authority (critical).
• Strategic business development mindset.
• Strong commercial acumen and opportunity identification.
• Ability to build and execute growth strategies.
• Executive presence and stakeholder management.
• Cross-cultural and cross-regional collaboration.