Sales Director - Chemicals

Head of Chemicals – Benelux (Freight Forwarding)

Location: Flexible within the Benelux region

Industry: Freight Forwarding | Chemicals Logistics | Business Development

Are you a self-driven leader ready to build a market-leading Chemicals vertical within an ambitious freight forwarding company?

We are seeking a highly entrepreneurial Head of Chemicals to develop, grow, and lead the Chemicals division across the Benelux region for our client. This is a ground-floor opportunity to take full ownership: launching the vertical commercially and evolving it into a fully integrated business unit.

Focused on the transportation and logistics of chemical cargo, you will manage the division as if it were your own business — building client relationships, driving growth, and creating long-term strategic value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Commercial Development: Establish and drive commercial activities focused on freight forwarding solutions for the chemicals sector — securing new business, developing partnerships, and building a strong client base.
• Vertical Strategy: Develop and execute a long-term strategic growth plan for the Chemicals vertical, expanding service offerings, building operational capabilities, and enhancing market presence.
• Division Leadership: Take full ownership of the Chemicals vertical — overseeing commercial performance, client management, operations setup, and team development over time.
• Market Intelligence: Conduct detailed market analysis to identify key opportunities, customer needs, and competitive advantages within chemical logistics.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with chemical industry clients, providing customized, compliant freight solutions.
• Financial Responsibility: Manage P&L for the vertical, ensuring profitable and sustainable growth in line with overall business objectives.
• Reporting: Provide clear, regular reporting on commercial progress, operational milestones, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.

Qualifications:

• Strong background in freight forwarding or logistics, ideally with experience managing chemical cargo (hazardous goods, compliance, industry-specific requirements).
• Proven track record in business development and commercial leadership.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: highly self-managed, proactive, and motivated to build a business from scratch.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to adapt to dynamic market conditions.
• Fluent in English; additional languages relevant to the Benelux region are a plus.