Country Manager – Freight Forwarding & Logistics

About the position

A new freight-forwarding and logistics company is being established in Belgrade, Serbia, as part of

Ship S.A.’s international expansion.

We are seeking an experienced professional based in Serbia to become the company’s first local employee and assume responsibility for establishing, managing and developing its Serbian operations.

This is a hands-on leadership position combining company management, sales, business development and daily freight-forwarding operations. As the business grows, the selected candidate will also recruit and manage the local team.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the establishment and daily operation of the new Serbian company.
• Develop the company’s presence and customer portfolio in Serbia.
• Identify new business opportunities and establish long-term customer relationships.
• Manage quotations, negotiations, bookings and shipment coordination.
• Oversee air, road and sea-freight operations from booking through final delivery.
• Develop relationships with Serbian customers, carriers, airlines, handling agents, customs brokers and other local partners.
• Monitor operational quality, costs, profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with Serbian legislation and local operational requirements.
• Coordinate with the company’s external accountants and professional advisers in Serbia.
• Report to the group’s shareholders and senior management.
• Recruit and manage additional local employees as the Serbian business expands.

Required qualifications

• Proven experience in freight forwarding, logistics or cargo operations in Serbia.
• Strong knowledge of the Serbian transportation and logistics market.
• Experience in sales, business development or key-account management.
• Operational knowledge of air freight; road- and sea-freight experience would be an advantage.
• An established network of Serbian customers and logistics partners would be highly valued.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of a newly established business.
• Strong commercial, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in Serbian and English.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and freight-forwarding systems.

What we offer

• The opportunity to manage and develop a newly established company in Serbia.
• A senior position with significant responsibility and decision-making authority.
• A high degree of autonomy in developing the Serbian operation.
• Financial, operational and commercial support from an established international freight-forwarding group.
• A competitive salary and performance-related incentive package.
• Long-term professional growth, including the opportunity to build and lead a local team.
• Direct involvement in the company’s strategy and future development in Serbia.

Interested candidates are invited to apply through LinkedIn by submitting their CV and a brief introduction outlining their relevant experience.