Location: Düsseldorf, Germany (Office-based initially, transitioning to ~2 days/week on the road)
Product: Digital sea-freight platform combining carrier rates, quality data, customs, ports, and inland transport into bookable end-to-end shipping solutions
Build the German post-carriage partner network from the ground up for a rapidly scaling logistics technology company. You'll become the internal expert for the German carrier ecosystem, with direct access to the founders and significant ownership over how the network is structured.
The business has scaled from approximately 12 to 44 people in 18 months and is now establishing its German operation in Düsseldorf.
Flexibility above the range for highly experienced, well-networked candidates
High-autonomy role with significant travel and partner interaction
What You'll Do
- Build and own the German post-carriage network
- Source and negotiate with trucking, barge, rail, terminal, and customs partners
- Negotiate on both pricing and service quality
- Map the existing network and identify coverage and capacity gaps
- Structure carrier rates and procurement agreements
- Build long-term relationships across the German logistics ecosystem
- Monitor carrier performance using cost, punctuality, and customer satisfaction data
- Work closely with AEs to understand market rates and customer requirements
- Spend significant time meeting partners across Germany, particularly around NRW and Duisburg
- Scale partner capacity and quality as the German business grows
The Opportunity
This is a procurement and network-building role, not a traditional sales position. You're the buyer rather than the seller, giving you a different commercial dynamic with carriers and partners.
You'll be the first person dedicated to this function in Germany and will have the opportunity to define the playbook rather than inherit one. As the market scales, the network, partner base, capacity requirements, and importance of quality control will grow with you.
- Strong freight forwarding background
- Deep understanding of container last-mile delivery in Germany
- Hands-on procurement experience across trucking, barge, and rail
- Established network within the German freight and carrier ecosystem
- Strong commercial negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Understanding of Germany's ports, terminals, and inland container network
- Willingness to travel
- Self-starting mentality and ability to build a function from the ground up
- Fluent German and business-level English
Nice to Have
- Experience within a traditional freight forwarding environment
- Strong network across NRW and the Duisburg logistics ecosystem
- Experience managing carrier performance and service quality
- Knowledge of inbound Asia-to-Europe container flows
- Account management experience within freight forwarding combined with strong carrier relationships
A rare opportunity to turn years of freight-forwarding knowledge and relationships into ownership of an entire German partner network within a fast-growing logistics technology business.
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Partnerships Manager | €70K–€80K+ Base | Logistics Tech | Düsseldorf Arbeitgeber: Bluebird
Unser Unternehmen ist ein führender Anbieter im Bereich SaaS und bietet eine dynamische Arbeitsumgebung, die von Innovation und Teamarbeit geprägt ist. Mit einem starken Fokus auf Mitarbeiterentwicklung und einer Kultur, die Kreativität und Eigenverantwortung fördert, bieten wir nicht nur wettbewerbsfähige Gehälter und Beteiligungen, sondern auch die Möglichkeit, in einem schnell wachsenden, internationalen Umfeld zu arbeiten. Die Lage im Süden Deutschlands, insbesondere in Städten wie München oder Frankfurt, ermöglicht zudem eine hervorragende Lebensqualität und ein starkes Netzwerk in der Tech-Industrie.
