Time-Critical Air & Multimodal Logistics
Position Overview
We are seeking a pragmatic and commercially driven Operations Director to lead and scale our French operations within a global time-critical logistics network. This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for operational performance, regulatory governance, team leadership, and contribution to country-level growth.
The successful candidate will combine deep operational and customs expertise with the ability to lead teams, manage performance, and drive structured expansion. This role requires strong decision-making capability, hands-on leadership, and the ability to align operational excellence with commercial objectives.
Director-Level Scope & Responsibilities
- Provide full operational leadership for the France entity, ensuring performance, compliance, and service excellence
- Lead, structure, and develop operational and administrative teams
- Establish clear KPIs aligned with revenue growth, service performance, and regulatory compliance
- Oversee operational budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation
- Build scalable infrastructure to support long-term growth
- Report performance metrics and strategic updates to senior leadership
- Ensure strong cross-functional collaboration with commercial, finance, and global operations teams
Operational & Regulatory Responsibilities
- Build and operationalize the French entity from setup to full functionality
- Identify and secure suitable operational premises aligned with customs and security requirements
- Manage air and road freight operations in time-critical environments
- Implement structured, efficient, and compliant operational processes
- Lead full setup and ongoing governance of French customs authorizations and approvals
- Oversee the French Customs online declaration platform and customs credit accounts (duties & VAT exposure)
- Maintain AEO Full certification standards
- Act as Security Manager ensuring compliance with Regulated Agent requirements
- Maintain IATA DGR compliance and operational best practices
- Oversee CASS Associate status with IATA to enable MAWB issuance and operational autonomy
Commercial & Strategic Contribution
- Support country-level revenue growth through operational credibility and client engagement
- Participate in strategic client discussions and tender processes
- Identify expansion opportunities and local partnerships to strengthen service coverage
- Align operational cost structure with pricing strategy and margin objectives
- Contribute to long-term country growth planning and market positioning
Experience & Qualifications
- 20+ years of experience in air freight and multimodal transport
- Strong operational mastery of air and road freight
- Advanced knowledge of French and EU customs regulations
- Proven experience implementing AEO Full certification
- IATA DGR certified
- Experience leading teams within regulated and time-critical logistics environments
- Established national network within customs and aviation sectors
- Commercially aware with ability to translate operational strength into business performance
- Practical, hands-on leadership style with a strong can-do mentality
First Year Objectives
- Fully operational and scalable French entity
- Strong operational KPIs and reporting framework in place
- Stable and compliant customs and security governance structure
- Improved operational efficiency and cost discipline
- Active contribution to measurable revenue growth
This role is suited for a senior logistics leader who combines deep regulatory expertise, operational discipline, and commercial awareness, and who thrives on building structured, compliant, and performance-driven operations.