Area Head of Direct Transport Sales

About the job
We are seeking an experienced commercial leader to drive growth across our Direct Sales business. This role is responsible for leading a high-performing sales team focused on acquiring, developing and retaining customers across transportation and logistics services.

This role is focused on transactional transport and logistics sales, with a strong emphasis on new customer acquisition, pipeline generation, pricing, and commercial growth. Unlike Integrated Sales, which is typically solution-led and consultative, Direct Transport Sales requires a hands-on commercial leader with proven experience in hunting, winning, and growing transportation and logistics business. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record of leading sales teams, winning new business, expanding market share, managing large customer portfolios, and delivering sustainable commercial growth within transportation, freight forwarding, ocean logistics, shipping, or related industries.

Drive Commercial Growth & Sales Performance

Lead the Direct Transport Sales team to achieve and exceed volume, revenue, profitability and market share targets
Drive new customer acquisition and accelerate growth within existing accounts
Develop and execute sales strategies to increase market penetration across target customer segments
Lead commercial negotiations, pricing discussions, RFQs, RFPs, and tender opportunities
Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline and ensure disciplined sales execution across the team
Drive short-term utilization and maximize performance across transport and logistics offerings
Partner with Finance Business Partners to establish sales targets, incentives, and performance measures

Lead Business Development

Identify new business opportunities and emerging market segments
Develop and execute market growth plans aligned with business objectives
Build strong relationships with customers, decision-makers, and industry stakeholders
Drive customer acquisition through active market engagement and commercial leadership

Shape Market & Business Strategy

Analyze market trends, customer needs, competitor activity, and asset utilization to identify growth opportunities
Translate commercial insights into actionable business plans and sales campaigns
Collaborate with Capacity, Product, and Campaign Management teams to drive commercial initiatives and optimize business performance

Enhance Customer Experience

Champion customer-centricity while maintaining a strong focus on commercial outcomes
Drive improvements in customer satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS)
Strengthen customer retention and increase wallet share across existing accounts
Ensure customer feedback is translated into meaningful actions and business improvements

Lead Stakeholder Management

Build strong partnerships with regional and global stakeholders across Sales, Customer Service, Product, and Supply Chain functions
Act as the voice of the customer by providing market feedback and commercial insights
Support business development efforts by identifying and sharing growth opportunities across the network

Develop High-Performing Teams

Lead, coach, and develop a team of Direct Transport Sales Representatives
Foster a performance-driven culture focused on growth, accountability, and commercial excellence
Build succession pipelines and talent development plans for critical sales roles
Drive employee engagement and strengthen team capability to support future business growth

Required Experience

Proven leadership experience in Sales (Direct Sales), Business Development, Freight Forwarding, Ocean Freight, Logistics, Shipping, or Supply Chain Services
Strong track record of delivering revenue growth, profitability, and commercial targets
Demonstrated success in customer acquisition, hunting, and growing new business opportunities
Experience leading and developing high-performing sales teams
Strong understanding of transportation, freight, shipping, and logistics markets
Proven expertise in pricing, contract negotiations, RFQs, RFPs, and tender management
Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels
Excellent business development, relationship management, and commercial negotiation capabilities
Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insights into commercial actions

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.

Key Competencies

Commercial Acumen
Business Development & Customer Acquisition
Sales Leadership
Strategic Thinking
Transport & Logistics Market Expertise
Negotiation & Influencing
Customer Focus
Stakeholder Management
Team Development & Coaching
Results Orientation