Head of Logistics

Head of LogisticsLocation: Dubai My client is looking for a hands-on Head of Logistics to take ownership of ocean freight rate supply, pricing, booking and operational execution for an early-stage B2B SaaS platform transforming international freight forwarding through AI.The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of hands-on ocean freight experience within a freight forwarder, NVOCC or carrier, with strong existing relationships across India–UAE ocean freight. They must have personally sourced and negotiated FCL rates and understand the detail behind contract and spot pricing, carrier behaviour, surcharges, capacity and transit times.This is not a traditional corporate logistics leadership role. My client needs someone who has personally run a freight desk, branch or small operation and can independently assess whether a rate is commercially competitive, whether a surcharge is correct and whether an automated quote reflects the real market.You will own the rate supply strategy, build and manage relationships with regional carriers and NVOCCs, lead the rate and operations desk, and act as the senior escalation point for operational issues. You will also work closely with Product, Engineering and AI teams, helping translate real-world freight expertise into the platform's quoting and booking engine.The ideal candidate will bring:7+ years of hands-on ocean freight operationsProven FCL rate sourcing and negotiation experienceStrong relationships with NVOCCs and regional carriers across India–UAEExperience managing a freight desk, branch or small operationStrong understanding of ocean freight pricing, surcharges, capacity and transit timesThe commercial judgement to identify inaccurate or uncompetitive rates quicklyA highly hands-on, entrepreneurial approach suited to an MVP/start-up environmentExperience with rate management platforms such as CargoWise or Freightos is advantageousHindi or Arabic is advantageousThis opportunity would suit someone who wants to move beyond traditional freight forwarding and play a foundational role in building an AI-powered freight platform, with direct influence over the product, rate engine and commercial success of the business.*** Only successful candidates will be contacted ***